Whoop! The Vanderbeekers are back in this third book in the series about their marvelous, loving family and community. It starts with the news that Mama's home-based cookie business is going to be featured in an upcoming Perch magazine. Ecstatic and celebratory, that is the name of the game for this family. They enjoy every success with great gusto.
There are a few things that need to be done before the photo shoot. All too soon, it's spring break and the date for the shoot looms. Progress must be made quickly! Plans are made and launched, including a paint job in the living room that goes awry. When a food inspector from the city appears and finds a plethora of pets in the house - and in the kitchen - Mama's license becomes a thing of contention. The children do not tell their mother about the first inspection or the follow-up. Instead, they decide that they will set things straight without Mama having to worry.
If you have read the first two books about these amazing children, you will know that their best laid plans can lead to hiccups. A bungled paint job; the arrival of a box full of kittens, two guinea pigs New Dog and a flock of chickens, all left overnight by an unknown someone; a return inspection that surprises Mama and leads to her discovery that she has been operating for a week without a licence leads to further concern. Oh, my!
The unique personalities of each of the characters, the loving nature of the relationship the family has with each other and those they love, the chaos and joys of the days spent trying always to do the right thing, and the neighborhood scenes ensure reading pleasure for all who sit down to savor their adventures, and make them hope that the next instalment is not long in coming.
What a glorious way to spend some time at Christmas: a family read!
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