School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-On Saturdays, little Eleanor Sue likes to plays dress-up. As she puts on each new disguise, "she climbs out of her bedroom window, tiptoes over to the front door, and rings the doorbell..." Her mother answers and cheerfully plays along with her daughter's whimsy, saying "Well, hello. Can I help you?" Appearing as a new neighbor Mrs. McMuffins, a witch, a wizard, a bear, a delivery person, and a cat, Eleanor Sue's costumes culminate in dressing up as her grandma, only to find out that her mom dressed up as Grandma too! To add to the confusion, the real Grandma comes to visit, causing Eleanor Sue to finally appear as herself. Tusa's signature ink-and-watercolor (and "turnips, twigs, and raindrops" per the front matter) illustrations perfectly complement the lighthearted tone with plenty of humorous details. VERDICT A sweet, charming tale perfect for fans of dressing up, this is a strong selection for most libraries.-Yelena Voysey, formerly at Pickering Educational Library, Boston University © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Disguised in an impressive bouffant wig and a green dress, Eleanor Sue climbs out her bedroom window, knocks on her own front door, and introduces herself to her mother as Mrs. McMuffins, a new neighbor. Eleanor's mother has lots of time and a deep well of patience, and she invites her visitor in for tea. But that's just the beginning: throughout the day, Eleanor's mother opens her door to a witch, a wizard, and a bear; accepts a delivery of flowers from her own garden; greets a cat; and at last answers the door in a costume of her own. Imaginative but never too precious talk shared between mother and daughter underscores realistic character play ("I wore my shoes right through, ma'am," Eleanor-as-delivery-person says as her mother proffers a footbath), and Eleanor's hints at the personas to come reward alert listeners. Artwork by Tusa (Follow Me) in a palette of rose, sienna, and green offers instant accessibility to the characters' emotions and all the warmth of the Sunday funnies. Eleanor's mother takes obvious delight in her daughter's inventiveness in this celebration of creative play, simple pleasures, and bighearted love. Ages 4-8. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
