EMILY'S HOUSE Niko Scharer Illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald Toronto, Douglas & Mclntyre, 1990. 24pp, cloth, $10.95 ISBN 0-88899-111-8. (A Groundwood Book). CIP Junior Kindergarten to Grade 1 / Ages 4 to 6 Reviewed by Catherine McInemey. Volume 19 Number 1 1991 January A pleasant pattern book for the pre­print audience. In this story, young Emily acquires various animals in order to try to drown out the noise made by her creaky old house. She then discov­ers that the animals make even more noise that the house did. Emily shows great independence and initiative in the way in which she attempts to solve her problems but she is still young enough to dissolve in tears when she cannot resolve the situation. Toddlers will be able to identify with the state of not quite independence of this book's heroine. The toddlers I read this story to quickly became involved in the story and participated in the reading. However, as a reader, I found that some parts of the rhyme scheme were a bit awkward. The illustrations are wonderful. Joanne Fitzgerald, the illustrator, has previously illustrated Plain Noodles. This book has a nostalgic feel to it. The dedication page shows Emily getting up and the last page shows Emily going to sleep; this provides a visual time frame for the story. There is much attention to detail in the book's design, as well. The initial two-page spread introduces the reader to Emily's neighbourhood. Endpapers are tastefully garnished with country motifs. It is clear that much effort went into the design for this book. This book would make a good addition to any story-time shelf. Recommended. Catherine McInemey, London, Ont.