Here Comes Hortense

K-Gr 3—The challenges of blended families, jealousy, and feeling left out are realistically depicted in this well-told story. A boy's trip to WonderWorld with his grandmother and her husband seems ruined when Bob's granddaughter Hortense joins them and hogs Nana's attention. Resolution comes, somewhat abruptly, when the kids discuss their grandparents and bond over their shared opinion of the Tunnel of Love ride ("Gross!"). The resolution, while sudden, is believable. The chalk pastel illustrations vibrate with energy; they are exaggerated but very expressive, and the messy feelings of the protagonist seem mirrored by the crazy, busy, sort-of-grotesque art. In this modern world with its many family compositions, a unique story touching on remarried grandparents will certainly find its audience. The characters set a good example for readers by discussing their feelings.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL