School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2Jamaica is not thrilled about having to share her blue marker with Russell. He never has the supplies he needs, and this time he takes the marker and draws all over her picture. The next day, she discovers that he is moving. With the help of her father, she begins to understand that her classmate is mean because he is unhappy about leaving and gives him her blue marker to remember her by. Havill once again captures important events in the lives of young children through the kind and thoughtful Jamaica. Through an everyday occurrence, she learns a strong lesson about feelingsher own as well as others'. O'Brien's full-page watercolor illustrations feature a multiethnic classroom and beautifully reflect the expressions and moods of the main characters.Helen Rosenberg, Chicago Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Jamaica is pleased when she learns a disruptive boy in her class is moving away. When her classmates make good-bye cards for Russell, Jamaica decides not to make one. On his last day, however, Jamaica realizes that Russell doesn't want to move and finds a special present to cheer him. Realistic illustrations accompany this gentle story, the fourth about young Jamaica. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 3-6. In the latest picture book about Jamaica and her friends, Jamaica thinks her classmate Russell is a mean brat, especially when he scribbles all over her special drawing; but when she learns that he's moving away, she imagines how sad he must be and reaches out to him. The sensitive story and realistic watercolor pictures show Jamaica's strong feelings and how they change. We see her at home with her warm African American family and in her classroom with her teacher and the other kids. Then in a climactic double-page spread, Jamaica and Russell look at each other and talk and say good-bye. Use this with John Steptoe's classic Stevie (1969) and with other books about how enemies can become friends. (Reviewed July 1995)0395720362Hazel Rochman
