Beatrice More Moves In. (Orca Echoes). Alison Hughes. Illustrated by Helen Flook. Victoria, BC: Orca, 2015. 73 pp., pbk., pdf & epub, $6.95 (pbk.). ISBN 978-1-4598-0761-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4598-0762-4 (pdf), ISBN 978-1-4598-0763-1 (epub). Grades 2-4 / Ages 7-9. Review by Robert Groberman. *** /4 Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy.

excerpt:

"What about your toys?" said Beatrice. She waved her hand at the mountain of toys around the room. Dolls and stuffed animals and blocks and puzzle pieces were all heaped in piles. "At least let me help you organize those."

"No! Don't touch 'em!" shrieked Sophie.

Beatrice More is a neat freak. She is the main character is Alison Hughes' early readers novel, Beatrice More Moves In. Eight year old Beatrice, her four year old sister Sophie and their parents have just moved into a new house, and Beatrice is focussed on unpacking everything and putting everything away. This is a job that her parents plan to accomplish over weeks. Beatrice is a girl who makes lists and follows schedules.

     After Beatrice ventures outside and makes some new friends, she invites them to come over to her new, completely organized house in two hours. Panic follows as Beatrice’s parents scramble to make their home presentable while, at the same time, teaching Beatrice that perfection isn’t possible. They also explain that pre schooler sister Sophie is to be left alone to play in her own space, explaining to Beatrice and the reader that we are all different when it comes to orderliness. Different things work for different people.

     The story ends with all the girls, Beatrice, Sophie and the two new friends, playing in Sophie's messy room. Each child relaxes and plays, including Beatrice, who realizes that sometimes being on a schedule is no fun and you don't have to be in a hurry all the time.

Recommended.

Robert Groberman is a grade one teacher at Katzie Elementary School in Surrey, BC.

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