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Parents' Guide to

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day

By Peter Lewis, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Funny twist will enthrall kids.

Book Harry Allard School 1985
Miss Nelson Has a Field Day Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Viola Swamp returns to run a light-hearted chill up children's spines. An unruly football team is amazed at the obedience and achievement it gains under her tutelage. Allard puts a twist in the plot to make this third Miss Nelson offering as fresh and fun as the first.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

How smart of Harry Allard to throw a wrench into readers' expectations. Just when they think they have the Nelson-Swamp routine down, the two are on the same page. James Marshall gives clues throughout, with sets of twin students, in his expressive, cartoon-style illustrations. He draws a marvelously befuddled Mr. Blandsworth and a frazzled Coach; Viola Swamp is rendered in all her potato-nose, aggressive-chin glory and Miss Nelson looks like the likeable teacher every child wants.

The direct writing serves to underline both the comedy and the points taken on personal responsibility and will power.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about will power. Why is the football team doing so poorly? What did they really need to turn their luck around?

Book Details

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