Common Sense Media Review
Top-notch tale of teacher from the dark side.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Miss Nelson, a sweet and shrewd teacher who has to deal with a wild class of schoolkids, makes her winning picture-book debut. Harry Allard's wit and James Marshall's illustrations make this top-notch tale of the substitute teacher from the dark side a hilarious hit.
Is It Any Good?
Allard delivers a crowd pleaser with his rowdy students and a substitute teacher that kids love to hate. His deadpan writing style underscores his comedy; school-age kids will be laughing out loud. Marshal's expressive and colorful pen, ink, and wash illustrations escalate silliness levels; he personifies mischievousness in the kids, kindness in Miss Nelson and vileness in Swamp.
The point that runs through the story -- that you ought to treat others with respect and consideration -- is clear yet tactfully unspoken. Along with the jokes, children seem to intuitively appreciate that the story could come true.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters in the story. Which are your favorite characters? How does the author make unlikable characters so funny?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James Marshall
- Genre : School
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1977
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : July 12, 2017
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