EAT UP, GEMMA

by Sarah Hayes ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 19, 1988

The wonderful black family from Happy Christmas, Gemma (1986) is back. Now, Baby Gemma is just old enough to assert her independence: although Mom, Dad, Grandma, and the older brother who narrates the story all urge her to ""eat up,"" she manages to get by for three days without eating much--the food goes on the floor, to the birds in the park, or to a handy dog. Finally, in church, she spies a fruit-bedecked hat and suddenly pulls it off the wearer, which gives her brother an idea: home again, he uses an upside-down bowl and a plate to represent a hat, decorates it with real grapes and bananas, and cajoles Gemma into eating at last. She also starts to talk: ""Gemma eat up."" Hayes' text is full of warmth and humor, which are beautifully reflected in Ormerod's realistic illustrations of a loving, secure family.

Pub Date: Sept. 19, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S