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Common Sense and Fowls

by Jane Cutler



      When second grader Brian announces to his friend Rachel that he's a reluctant reader, Rachel doesn't think she's ever heard him so happy. Brian is anxious to be tutored by Rachel's well-known and kindly uncle Benson. But little do they know that even though Brian is behind in school, he can still perceive things that the rest of them can't.

      Trouble comes to town when old Mrs. Krnc begins feeding the pigeons again. The town is up in arms and refuses to let Mrs. Krnc pollute their lovely neighborhood with the filthy birds. Rachel and Brian feel that something is going wrong when the neighbors have a meeting, without Mrs. Krnc present, to figure out what should be done. Under the guidance of Uncle Benson, they try to figure out their own plan to keep the peace.

     In the end, it takes the children to get the adults to be fair and see things from a perspective other than their own. However, everyone has a lesson to learn from the oldest characters to the youngest.

      This is a simple story of acceptance and teamwork. Since Brian himself is a reluctant reader, this story may appeal to other reluctant readers. The language is easy, and the story is simple without being boring. I would recommend this as a nice story for young elementary school children who are looking for a pleasant read this summer.

The Book

Farrar Straus Giroux
2005
Hardcover
0-374-32262-7
Children's Fiction
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Sarah Lomas
Reviewed 2005
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© 2005 MyShelf.com