Waiting for Jennifer - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 1 Nan and Thea are excited and eager when they learn that a new baby is to be born into their family. Certain that it will be a girl, they decide upon the name Jennifer because, as Nan says, ``I already know how to spell it.'' Gentle, motherly reminders that the baby just might be a brother does not dampen their enthusiasm of having a new sister. Long months of waiting come to an end with daddy's call from the hospital. The baby has arrived, but he doesn't think the girls will want to call a new brother Jenny. Their dilemma is only momentary, and Thea suggests that `` `Tom' is a nice name.'' Nan agrees:``besides, I already know how to spell it!'' Warmth, love, and family unity are outstandingly evident through the softly-hued illustrations which are coupled with a story full of all the attendant emotions of such an eventexcitement, anticipation, and even a bit of impatience and fear. Crayola-like pictures are outlined in pen and ink which produce a gentle, detailed quality of expressiveness to the cheerful, reassuring text. The surprise ending is sure to produce grins and nods of empathy from young listeners and readers. Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, Ohio
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Nan and Thea hear the newsthat Mama is going to have a babyabout six months before the due date. They christen the baby Jennifer and start waiting. But babies take forever to arrive! The girls have time to tell all their friends about it, enjoy holidays (Halloween, Christmas, even George Washington's birthday) and still, no baby. Then "Jennifer" finally does come, and Nan and Thea have to do some fast rethinking about namesit's a boy. Siblings do endure an endless wait for baby, which Galbraith's book captures aptly, and the marking of time from holiday to holiday is entirely childlike. The small, always-busy girls share happy domestic and school scenes in colored pencil and ink. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.