Thanks to Moxy Maxwell’s extraordinary gift for procrastination (and a companion arsenal of excuses), she hasn’t even begun Stuart Little , the book assigned at the end of third grade by her new fourth grade teacher. Peggy Gifford’s whirlwind story takes place over the course of a single afternoon and evening on the last day of summer vacation. Moxy’s mom has delivered an ultimatum: finish the book by 6 p.m. or else. Moxy’s intent to avoid the consequences by finally reading the book is quickly sidetracked by a string of ideas too good to be ignored. Gifford’s narrative moves with great humor and lightning speed. Funny, long-winded chapter titles (“Chapter 7 In Which Moxie’s Mother Says 'No.’ ”) offer glimpses of what’s to come in the smart, pithy, perfectly-paced prose (the text of Chapter 7 in its entirety: “No.”). Black-and-white photographs, presented as the work of Moxy’s twin brother Mark, document an afternoon gone awry in this breezy, entertaining story. (Ages 8–11)

It wasn't as if Moxy Maxwell hadn't tried to do her summer reading. She and Stuart Little had been inseparable all summer, like best friends. But now its the end of August--the day before fourth grade. And if Moxy doesn't read all of Stuart Little immediately, there are going to be consequences. Illustrations.