NOISY NORA

ISBN 0803718357 - It's been a while since I've reviewed a kids' book that needed a note for certain parents with certain child-raising ideas. If you're one of them, you'll want to pass up this book - Nora's sister calls her "dumb" twice and Nora's behavior is... well, bad. If, however, you're able to overlook that, or just don't care about it, and want to get your child into books, this is one that I guarantee they'll love to have read to them.

Nora's parents are spending all of their time with Jack, the baby, and their sister Kate. Nora feels neglected and makes noise, hoping to get their attention, but all she gets is shushed. She finally does get it - by announcing that she's leaving! They worry and look for her until she reappears again, quite noisily.

Other than the "dumb" comments, some parents might find Nora's behavior bad enough to keep them from getting this book for their child. She slams the door, knocks over the lamp and flies a kite in the house. Personally, she's a mouse, I never expected my child to take his behavioral cues from rodents and he didn't; if you think yours might, then you need to find another book.

Those exceptions out of the way, I think this book is adorable. If, at first glance, you think Nora resembles Max, she should - they have the same mother. Author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, mom of Max and Ruby and Nora, seems to understand what will work for children and laughing, something Nora will make them do, is a surefire way to get them to come back again and again. The illustrations are great, Nora is just hilarious in her frustrated efforts to get attention and there's the chance for a parent to talk to their own child about the RIGHT way to get attention - once everyone's stopped laughing at Nora. Parents with a new baby in the house might find that aspect particularly appealing because a new baby's arrival is certainly a time when an older sibling might feel ignored.

- AnnaLovesBooks