Sonia and Like Pickle Juice On a Cookie

Judith Viorst’s  classic children’s book describes a boy named Alexander who survives a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Julie Sternberg’s debut book describes a girl named Eleanor who makes it through an awful month.

Alexander’s bad day is made up of a series of small slights and insults. He gets gum in his hair, he doesn’t get a seat by the window in the car, and the cat wants to sleep by his brother, and not him. There’s even kissing on TV, and he hates that.

Eleanor’s month is ruined by one momentous event. Bibi, the babysitter she’s had since she was — well — a baby, is moving far, far away.

And that’s so bad it’s Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (Amulet, 2011).

As Eleanor’s world is turned upside down, she’s forced to cope the best she can.  And, she learns that life goes on, even when it’s not the way she always thought it would be.

Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer. Her babysitter moved to Arizona several years ago, so she could relate to the story:

Our reviewer: Sonia

Age: 9

I like: Coloring, playing on the computer, playing with my DS, reading Highlights magazine, and snuggling with my blanket and my cat, Vince. 

This book was about: A girl named Eleanor. Her babysitter, Bibi, moves to Florida to help her Dad get better. They have a good-bye party, and all of Bibi’s friends cry. Then, they all go outside to get Bibi a taxi. Now, Eleanor doesn’t like taxis because they took Bibi away. Then, Eleanor gets a new babysitter, Natalie. Eleanor doesn’t like her like she liked Bibi, but then she gets used to her.

The best part of the book was: When Eleanor writes a note to Bibi while her dad is singing with Agnes, a neighbor. Once Agnes leaves, Eleanor wants to put the letter in the mailbox. So she gives it to the mail carrier, Val. Later, Val gives Eleanor a letter from Bibi.

I was surprised when: Bibi’s letter didn’t come sooner.

I was worried when: Eleanor had a big tantrum because she wanted her old babysitter back.

Three words that describe this book are: “Bibi.” “Eleanor.” “Natalie.”

This book taught me: You will always miss your first babysitter. But, you’ll probably get a new one that you like.

Other kids should read this book because: It’s a good book. I liked all the characters. I liked the picture where Val is waving the letter from Bibi.

Sonia has never put pickle juice on a cookie. But she concedes that it probably wouldn’t taste very good. She adds that the worst month she ever had was this very month because there was one day in it where she threw up five times. But she’s feeling much better now.

Thanks, Sonia!

To learn more about author Julie Sternberg, visit her website.

To learn more about illustrator Matthew Cordell, visit his website.

And, here’s a delightful interview with both of them at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

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