WANDA THE WORRYWART

by Mary Towne ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1989

An adept worrier--one who prepares for all contingencies--Wanda faces her greatest challenge the summer her stepgrandmother Phyllis joins the family on its annual pilgrimage to Potter's Lodge. Phyllis--divorced, selfish, and in need of money--is overdressed and bored in the rustic locale, and is coming dangerously close to ruining Wanda's mother's vacation. So, despite some misgivings, Wanda encourages the interest that a dedicated, wealthy fisherman shows in Phyllis, trying to stave off disaster when Phyllis makes the mistake of going out in a boat with him. But, to her surprise, both her worrying and the natural supersititions of the ornery fisherman actually help the romance along. Wanda's worrying shows unusual understanding of possible consequences, in nature or in people; and her straight-faced account of such possibilities, juxtaposed with other characters' dialogue, provides much of the humor here. But, unfortunately, her worrying--the only side of her character that is developed much--grows tedious in this otherwise lighthearted story.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S