THE DAVENPORTS AND CHERRY PIE

Sequel to The Davenports Are At Dinner -- this carries on the very natural and matter-of-fact adventures of a nice family. The radio program idea which was launched in the earlier book is going strong, though the family have tucked themselves into the barn, with only longing backward looks and thoughts for Pleasant Meadows. The crowded quarters get on everyone's nerves. Lyn seems still a cry-baby and spoiled (though by the end of the story, the poodle, Cherry Pie, helps bring about some small measure of change). John, the eldest, gets himself a girl- briefly- and then persuades his father that he should really live during the week in Danbury, near High School. Kathy is still my favorite (as she is the favorite of their radio audience) but occasionally even Kathy gets out of patience with Barbara's adolescent showing off. And Ricky manages to get into hot water just often enough to be natural. Thinly plotted, but it really doesn't matter, for the things other children might like to have happen, such as going on television and building new quarters, add interest and flavor to the first year in the barn home. Flavia Gag has done the pictures for this one, too.