October 1, 2010
K-Gr 3-The redoubtable star of Grandma Drove the Garbage Truck (Down East, 2006) is back and raring to go in this rollicking holiday tale. In the winter, Grandma's garbage company turns into a snowplow service, with her sons doing the driving. But on the day of church Carol Sing, the biggest celebration in town, there's a blizzard warning, and, one by one, the young men find themselves unable to drive the snowplow. No problem. With her grandson Billy in tow, Grandma heads off to clear the roads as best they can, accidentally collecting a variety of items as they careen through the town. Of course, the path is cleared, the detritus turns out to be useful for decorating the church, Santa Claus makes an appearance, and the Carol Sing is a huge success. Huntington's cheerful watercolors reflect the action as Grandma saves the day again.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2011
A blizzard threatens to cancel the town's annual Carol Sing, "the best party of the season." It's up to Grandma, who runs a snowplow business, and grandson Billy to ensure that the show will go on. Humorous wintry illustrations match the text's (occasionally forced) down-home tone, but some scenes are difficult to interpret.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)