Welcome in Spring with a Good Book -- The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister by Linda Ravin Lodding (Review)

 Hardcover, 32 color pages, ages 4-8
ISBN 9780979974694, October 2011

Buy now for only $13.49.

Summary:

If you think YOU have a busy schedule, take a look at Ernestine Buckmeister's weekly
calendar:

On Mondays she sculpts with Clay Lumpkin.
On Tuesdays she does water ballet with Miss Goldfisher.
On Wednesdays she knits with Mrs. Pearl Stitchem.
On Thursdays she takes tuba lessons with Mr. Oompah.
On Fridays she yodels with Little Old Lady Hoo.
On Saturdays she studies karate with Grand Master HiYa!
And on Sundays she practices yoga with Guru Prakash Pretzel

Her well-meaning, busy parents have packed her after-school hours, turning Ernestine
into the over-scheduled poster child of today.

But Ernestine is about to opt out and do what no Buckmeister has ever done before:
just PLAY.

My Thoughts:

I just read this book to Savannah this evening, and was surprised to see her reaction -- she kept shaking her head, and saying "no, no, no -- play".  The story follows a young girl named Ernestine Buckmeister, who is very busy.  Her parents have enrolled her in various after-school activities, that she is always on the go to these with her nanny.  Usually on the way to these classes, she runs into her neighbor, who is around her age.  Instead of being swept off to a class, he is enjoying being outdoors, playing with his ball, or just having fun. Ernestine wishes she could for just one day be a "normal" child and play.  So, one day she plans to skip a class and spend the day enjoying being a kid.  Oh, what fun she had, running, laughing, and just having fun.  That is, until her parents get a call that she didn't attend one of her lessons.  They go on a hunt to find her, stopping by each of places she takes lessons, including tuba, karate, yoga, yodeling, water ballet, sculpting and knitting.  Her seven day a week schedule would make anyone go crazy and be exhausted.  And, this is what happened to her parents, as they went from place to place.  They then realized how much they were expecting of their young daughter, and how she really didn't have "free time" to just enjoy being a child.  When they found her in the park, on the top of the hill, with her Nanny, they agreed that her schedule was hectic and that things would change.  And, they did.  Not only did Ernestine get to be a kid, while not taking on too many lessons, her parents also began spending time with her and enjoying life themselves. 

What a fun and entertaining book this is.  Savannah and I loved the cute illustrations, which really brought the story of young Ernestine's hectic schedule to life.  I found myself getting dizzy just imagining have to cart Savannah around to all these places.  Even though Savannah and Arabella are too young for afternoon classes, I know that when they are, I will not over schedule them, allowing them to enjoy being a kid.  My mom made sure we were able to run and play outside, while taking 1-2 lessons or classes weekly.  It kept everyone sane and happy. 

If you are looking for a fun book to read to your little one this summer, why not pick up a copy of this book. Both boys and girls will enjoy listening to you read all about Ernestine and her crazy life.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.