Parents need to know that Moxy is a procrastinator whose independence wavers on the verge of insolence. But she means well. While kids may be amazed at some of her ideas and explanations -- and think some of her antics unbelievable -- they may also find much of the story funny, and familiar.

Families can talk about Moxy's procrastinating behavior. She says she loves to read, yet she puts off reading Stuart Little until the very last minute. Why? Have you ever had a hard time getting started on something that you might have enjoyed if you hadn't been told to do it? Or are you more like Mark who gets his reading done at the very beginning of summer vacation? What kinds of things help you get started when you want to put something off? How would you have handled the situation if you were Moxy, or her mother?