Mary Wrightly, So Politely

PreS-Gr 3—Mary Wrightly is a soft-spoken and polite child. She says "please" and "thank you" and never complains. As her brother's first birthday approaches, she wants to buy him a present. The store is crowded, and Mary tries to stay out of the way while her mother chats with a neighbor. While waiting, she spots several toys that she knows her sibling would like. After other shoppers snatch up a teddy bear and a fluffy duck, she sees a blue elephant with round pink cheeks. It has a sweet smile like her baby brother. But then another lady reaches for it, and Mary knows that she must speak up. "'Excuse me, but that blue elephant is for my baby brother!'" she says, her voice growing stronger with each word. The obliging lady gives it to her. At home, her brother crows with delight when Mary dangles the toy over his crib, and the elephant smiles down at him. Mary and her happy family are portrayed in jewel-toned and textured pastel on cardboard illustrations. The luminous drawings have a vibrant, tactile quality. The stuffed animals on display at the store appear especially plush and huggable. Mary, with her wavy blond hair and rosy pink cheeks, is an endearing character who learns when to speak up for herself. Team her up with Emily from Cindy Post Senning's Emily's Sharing and Caring Book (HarperCollins, 2008) for a gentle lesson on using good manners.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA