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This story’s lack of context and the absence of any additional information for parents and caregivers results in a confusing and lackluster attempt to introduce children to homelessness. Readers would be better served by other books that address homelessness such as Michael Genhart’s I See You
It's unlikely that the book's audience will have heard of this couple, but no matter; a birthday surprise upturned and righted is always cause for delight.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal
It is Alice Babette's birthday, and her friend Gertrude is planning a surprise dinner. While disaster is being brewed (but poetry written), Alice takes herself for a day out. Adult fans of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas can nudge each other at the story's allusions; all can enjoy the airy illustrations of Paris in April and the affectionately funny portrait of a legendary friendship.
Given that its conclusion depends on everyone's favorite recipe from The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book, the audience for this elegant bonne bouche is a little hard to see, but let's just roll with it. It is Alice Babette's birthday; her friend Gertrude is planning a surprise dinner; Gertrude can't cook; et voilà. While disaster is being brewed (but poetry written) at 27 rue de Fleurus, Alice takes herself for a day out, walking through Paris, riding a carousel, and even foiling a robbery. Adult fans of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas can nudge each other at the story's allusions (the brownies; Gertrude writing a poem about a rose); child readers might...oh, who am I kidding? All, however can enjoy Qin Leng's airy ink and digital-color illustrations of April in Paris and the affectionately funny portrait of a legendary friendship. roger sutton
This appealing, if slightly sentimental, introduction to the artist and his work will be a useful resource for art teachers and the creatively inclined.