The Dancing Pancake. Eileen Spinelli. Illlustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. 2010. [May 2010] Random House. 256 pages.
I am on the front lawn
making snow angels
with Albert Poole.
Bindi's life is about to change in so many ways. Her mom and dad have decided to separate. (He lost his job and is feeling a bit moody and out of sorts.) Her mom has decided to go into the restaurant business (with Aunt Darnell). And she's decided to move them from their house to an apartment above their restaurant, The Dancing Pancake. So much change in just a few short months!
Yet, some things remain the same. Bindi has a couple of great friends. Especially her best friend, Albert, who she wishes was her brother. Yes, Bindi's family may not be the same as it was before. But she's finding there are many different kinds of family. And the new diner has a family feel of its own with its regular customers (like Grace who happens to be homeless). And since her mom has gone into business with Aunt Darnell, she is seeing so much more of her younger cousin, Jackson, who is a CHARACTER and then some! He has big dreams and a big heart. Bindi is learning some important life lessons as she adapts to her new life. Lessons about loving, forgiving, listening, and hoping.
This verse novel for children is a quick read with a lot of heart and spirit.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
4 comments:
Thanks for heads up on this title! I have been looking for more titles written in verse. Can't wait for it to come out!
This actually just sounds adorable!
Is Eileen Spinelli related to Jerry Spinelli? I really enjoy his books, particularly Maniac Magee.
Molly, I did a search online and it appears that they are husband and wife. On her website it says her husband is also a writer. So I can only imagine that it would be him :)
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