  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2013 PreS-Gr 1—A new bedroom, a new doll, and a mischievous dog create a simple tale about growing up. The first night in her big-girl room leaves Patti Cake lonely and uncertain as not even the dog will sleep in the "greatly dark." Her babysitter takes her on a "new-room" shopping trip, and Patti Cake chooses a slightly soiled doll that she mistakenly thinks is named On-Sale. What follows is an activity-filled day consisting of pink-nail-polish belly buttons, a doll-bathing experience gone wrong, and a celebration interrupted by the dog. On the second night in her new room, Patti Cake is more comfortable with her doll and her forgiven pooch nearby, while even the moon makes an appearance to lighten the mood. Large, sweet illustrations with ample white space show both a smiley child and her bedroom decked out in purples and pinks. Girls who are venturing into a new sleeping situation may find comfort in this reassuring story.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/15/2013 Babysitter Bella treats Patti Cake to a doll in honor of her new room and big bed. Patti dubs the smudgy toy “On-Sale” (for her status in the store) and brings her home, hoping to clean her up and embellish her with a nail polish belly button. The makeover careens from messy to disastrous when Patti’s dog crashes into a celebratory cake, but by evening Patti is no longer afraid of her “greatly dark” room now that On-Sale and her pooch can keep her company. Giff addresses Patti’s fears in a matter-of-fact manner that acknowledges the problem without making it worse. Patti always accepts that she will sleep in her new room; that she is able to work through her issues without trauma is a tribute to her good nature and her understanding caregiver. Bryant’s watercolor-and-colored-pencil illustrations depict Patti in pink and purple and reflect Giff’s upbeat tone and laid-back humor. Give this one to parents helping their toddlers with new bed and darkness issues. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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