PreS-Gr 2—A large group of family and friends happily gathers for Sunday dinner. When they pause to say grace, Auntie Mabel begins a long, rambling blessing that annoys her guests and puts them to sleep. Poppa finally interrupts, they reheat the food, and peace is restored. The book is based on the author/illustrator's own family dinners and is told with affectionate humor, but the story line itself is thin. There is no growth or change: Auntie Mabel does not learn the value of brevity, nor does her family learn to appreciate her kind heart. They tolerate one another out of love, but their relationships do not deepen. Additionally, the rhythm is a little awkward, and the text is a bit dull, is as perhaps inevitable in a story about someone who is being boring. The weaknesses in the text are compensated for by the thoroughly engaging illustrations. An exuberant multiracial, multigenerational gathering is depicted, each unnamed individual bursting with personality. Energetic lines, a mix of full scenes and close-ups, and a hip 1960s sensibility keep the story moving despite the drag in the text. Christian educators may find the story useful as a humorous introduction to the topic of prayer, and it may tickle the funny bones of families who have an Auntie Mabel of their own.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
When a big multiracial family gathers for Sunday dinner, Auntie Mabel prays so long over the food that children fall asleep and the meal requires reheating. This is more an extended joke than a story. While none of the individual characters is particularly memorable, the lively illustrations give the large cast personality.
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