VINEGAR PANCAKES AND VANISHING CREAM

by Bonnie Pryor ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 29, 1987

A humorous look at the vicissitudes of the middle child. Martin Snodgrass feels overshadowed by the other, more accomplished members of his family. His older brother is famous for his sports ability, his sister for her good grades; his mother is the mayor, his father a popular local doctor. Even Robbie, the baby, has had his picture in the newspaper. So Martin is determined to make a name for himself, but none of his schemes work. Meanwhile, he does succeed in growing a garden, thereby winning the friendship of the crusty old man next door. The story ends on a happy note: Martin is camping in a tent in the backyard, and, one by one, the rest of his family squeezes in to join him. Finally, Martin is happily where he belongs--in the middle. This sketchy plot depends heavily on overly familiar vignettes of family life, such as the children making a huge mess of the kitchen while fixing breakfast in bed for their parents. Credibility is occasionally strained, as when Martin becomes the means of his neighbor's reconciliation with his estranged son. But even though no new ground is broken here, the story is warm and good-humored, and will be enjoyed by young readers, especially those in Martin's position. Attractively designed, with pleasing full-page drawings.

Pub Date: May 29, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 118

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S