The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister
Linda Ravin Lodding
Illustrated by Suzanne Beaky

Flashlight Press
October 1, 2011 / 978-0979974694
Picture Book / Ages 5-7
Amazon

Reviewed by Jan Fields

Ernestine Buckmeister's parents believing in "making every moment count" and "living life to the fullest" so they schedule her every waking moment. But Ernestine sees her neighbor playing and wishes for less schedule and more fun. Then, when she rebels, she brings fun back for everyone! This is a "parents learn their lesson" book that I tend to look at a bit askance, since parents who are taking time to cuddle up with their child and read are probably not Buchmeisters to begin with. I often wonder if we're not preaching to the choir with "parent lesson" books, but the message is a good one. It's great to try learn new things, but everyone needs time for play -- no matter what their age. The text is filled with lively action and the illustrations are fun with a bit of whimsy. I could see it as a huge favorite in library storytime, and what child wouldn't like seeing the story child teach the parents something new?