Fans of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle will adore Mrs. Noodlekugel, the latest invention from the curious mind of Daniel Pinkwater (children's book advocate on NPR's Weekend Edition and author of The Hoboken Chicken Emergency).
Mrs. Noodlekugel may not have an upside-down house, but her little old-fashioned abode is nestled in a forest of skyscrapers and surrounded by a yellow picket fence. An aroma of cookies wafts through the windows, and a hint of magic lingers about (just like Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle). Maxine, the first to spy the cozy cottage, shows it to her brother, Nick, and they seek out Mike the janitor to gain entry. Mike points the way, then says, "Do not tell your parents I told you." The siblings discover a serene oasis in Mrs. Noodlekugel's home and yard. Mr. Fuzzface, the cat, welcomes them, then serves tea and cookies as the children get acquainted with their kind hostess. Adam Stower's ink drawings of the zaftig woman and her welcoming household make the fantastical proceedings feel plausible.
Pinkwater can make urban sprawl feel like a small town. Maxine and Nick's parents employ a bit of reverse-psychology, warning their children away from the kindly woman. But when brother and sister call them on their tactics, their parents promptly fess up, revealing they've lined up Mrs. Noodlekugel as their babysitter. Short chapters, abundant illustrations, and pointed repetition make this an ideal first chapter book. This funny, charming tale proves one needs look no further than his own backyard for adventure. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness