A Weekend With Wendell
Common Sense Note
Children will identify with Sophie and cheer when she stands up for herself. Expressive and amusing illustrations, occasional tongue-in-cheek writing, and a sympathetic main character are a winning combination.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sally Snyder
Kevin Henkes excels in presenting common childhood issues within a humorous, intelligent story. Wendell behaves as a typical five- or six-year-old child would like to act. He does everything he wishes, with little consideration for others.
Children know who's right and who's wrong. They naturally empathize with polite Sophie and see the error of Wendell's ways. One seven-year-old said Wendell "was not being very nice. He was treating Sophie as if she wasn't important, and all people are important."
The bright, cheerful watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the characters' emotions. Children will immediately recognize Sophie's unhappiness and her parents' grim expressions.
The illustrations often add extra humor. On one page, the text reads, "Sophie helped Wendell carry his sleeping bag and suitcase upstairs," and the accompanying illustration shows a boisterous Wendell zipping up the stairs empty-handed, while Sophie struggles to carry both the suitcase and the sleeping bag.
For another look at visiting, try The Relatives Came, by Cynthia Rylant.
From The Book
Then they played hospital. Wendell was the doctor, the nurse, and the patient. Sophie was the desk clerk. When they pretended they worked in a bakery, Wendell was the baker and Sophie was a sweet roll. "Isn't this fun?" said Wendell. Sophie didn't say anything.
Plot Summary:
Three days of her cousin Wendell? How can Sophie endure it? Wendell is thoughtless, rude, and selfish. He scares her from the closet and pinches her under the breakfast table, while Sophie does her best to be polite to him. Humorous illustrations, on-target story, and clever writing make for a delightful read.
Rate It!
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Social BehaviorWendell behaves abominably as a guest, and Sophie's eventual retaliation may send the wrong message. |
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