This slight but entertaining collection of vignettes (they can't really be called stories) is pleasant and, at times, witty. It doesn't have the power or depth of Codell's previous book, Sahara Special, but then again it doesn't intend to. Kids who clamor for stories of their parents' childhoods will enjoy it well enough, and it may make the adults sharing it with them nostalgic.

The size, typeface, and illustrations make this look like a middle grade book, on the order of the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary. But some of the content, while not strikingly objectionable, is clearly aimed at somewhat older children, such as a chapter on love, in which a friend gives Esme a lesson in "butt-switching,' a way to walk to attract boys. On the other hand, older children may find Codell's way of addressing her readers a bit condescending. This is a pleasant, amusing book, but Codell can do better -- and no doubt will.

From the Book:
I pulled my hand back and flung the egg high into the air. Truly, one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life was that little ivory missile passing across the moon. It glided through the air so slowly, as though it had wings. Considering it was an egg, it could have had wings ... but we'll never know, because it landed on the hood with a terrible splursh.