Reviews

Actress Curtis and illustrator Cornell ( Earl's Too Cool for Me ) evoke a healthy child's proud sense of self in this exuberant picture book. The narrator, a girl who prefaces almost every statement with ``When I was little,'' delightedly lists all the things she can do now that she's nursery-school age. ``When I was little, I spilled a lot,'' she explains. ``Mom said I was a handful. Now I'm helpful.'' Pictures of a cheerful baby contrast with the protagonist in her maturity, and both a sunny palette of watercolors and playful lines effectively capture the narrative's buoyant spirit. Unfortunately, the book strikes one sour note: Curtis and Cornell each slip in implicit endorsements of specific cereals and junk foods (Cap'n Crunch, Chee-tos, Animal Crackers)--gratuitous inclusions that mar an otherwise winsome, upbeat work. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

"At the ripe old age of four and a half, a sophisticated little girl clad in petticoats, ribbons, and her mother's high-heeled shoes proudly boasts about her wonderful accomplishments. . . . The simple text is funny and honest, perfectly capturing the whimsical, innocent way that children view the world."School Library Journal"Her rollicking enthusiasm is infectious, especially in the joyous, chaotic, colorful watercolors." Los Angeles Times Book ReviewChildren's Choices for 1994AwardIRA/Children's Book Council