Pay Attention, Emily Brown!

PreS-Gr 2—Emily Marjorie Brown is so busy looking out the window, admiring nature, disguising herself, playing video games, and drawing pictures that her mother doubts she is paying attention. "Should I paint myself red? Should I put on a crown? Should I light myself up like a bright Christmas tree?" asks her mother. "Please tell me, Miss Emily, what can I say to turn your attention a little my way?" Of course, in the end, Mom figures out that a hug and a kiss, and her proclamation of love are certainly heard, understood, and appreciated. The computer-generated illustrations are expressive, humorously depicting Emily's active imagination and Mom's frustrations. Unlike David Shannon's No, David (Scholastic, 1998), which explores similar themes of unconditional love, this book will resonate most with parents of children who have difficulty focusing and those who have been diagnosed with an attention deficit.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL