Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle

With insight and humor, Jennifer Richard Jacobson explores a common childhood anxiety and finds a quiet way to boost self-esteem, aided by Abby Carter’s expressive illustrations.

Andy Shane did not want to be in school. He did not want to be at morning meeting. He did not want to sit up straight on the rug. Andy Shane would much rather be home catching bugs with Granny Webb than sitting in class with the likes of know-it-all Dolores Starbuckle. Any minute, Dolores is likely to shout out, ’Ms. Janice, someone’s not sitting properly!＂ or ＂Ms. Janice, someone’s misusing the math materials!＂ (meaning him, of course). At rhyme time, the words bug and rug get stuck in Andy’s throat while Dolores yells out of turn, ＂Hullabaloo and Kalamazoo!＂

＂I hate school,＂ he blurts out at the end of the day to Granny Webb, who is sympathetic but firm. But when Granny makes a surprise visit to school with a monarch caterpillar, everyone is mesmerized and Andy remembers how much he knows about insects himself. Even Dolores Starbuckle can’t help but be impressed!

Jennifer Richard Jacobson is the author of WINNIE DANCING ON HER OWN and TRULY WINNIE, illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis; MOON SANDWICH MOON, illustrated by Benrei Huang; and A NET OF STARS, illustrated by Greg Shed. ＂There is a little bit of Andy Shane in me,＂ she says. ＂I remember what it was like to be bullied in school. But I also remember tattling, so I guess I have a bit of Dolores Starbuckle in me, too.＂

Abby Carter has illustrated numerous books for children, including MY HIPPIE GRANDMOTHER by Reeve Lindbergh. She is also the creator of the Fresh Samantha juice character and all her colorful friends.＂From the moment I read the manuscript for this book, I couldn’t wait to illustrate the bossy Dolores Starbuckle!＂