A Squash and a Squeeze

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

First published in 1993, this is a new edition published by Arthur A. Levine Books. The first pairing of Donaldson writing with Scheffler illustrations is simple, humorous, and instructive. An old lady feels that her house is too small so she consults a wise old man who advises her time and again to invite her animals into her home with her. With pleasing rhyme and the repetition of "my house is a squash and a squeeze" the woman feels increasing distress as her house feels more and more crowded. Finally, that wise old man advises her to take all of the animals out and my, how large the woman's house feels! Children will get the message that sometimes a situation calls for a different perspective. Not a necessary purchase like "Room on the Broom" and "Gruffalo," but a fun story to read aloud.

Overall Book Score: very good