No Room for Dessert

Gr 2—4—Eight-year-old Dessert Schneider feels neglected and unappreciated by her busy family. When her teacher announces an invention contest to honor Thomas Edison, she decides that a brilliant idea will get her all the attention she needs, and she sets her sights on winning. Despite her hard work, though, her Vending Dresser is defeated by the two-headed lemonade gun. Fortunately, Dessert's parents finally realize that their firstborn needs some special time alone with them, and they end up celebrating with her at the family's fondue restaurant. Dessert's voice is authentic, and readers will identify with her frustrations, but the overall feel is of an episodic television show, and the characters' names become a distraction (Mrs. Howdy Doody, Mushy, Wolfie, to name a few). The strongest narrative element is the air of excitement generated by the contest and the friendship that develops between Dessert and an inscrutable new kid. Davenier's charming black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout add to the light feel. Purchase this one for fans of the first three books.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC