Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package
Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Four
illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Candlewick Press, October 10, 2017
Early chapter book, ISBN 978-0763678814
Eugenia Lincoln is a practical person with no time for gee-gaws, whoop-de-whoops, or frivolity. When an unexpected package containing an accordion arrives at her house, she is determined to have nothing to do with it. But her plans to sell the accordion, destroy the accordion, and give the accordion away all end in frustration. How can Eugenia stop being tormented by this troublesome package? Might she discover that a bit of unforeseen frivolity could be surprisingly … joyous?
Read the Reviews
Van Dusen’s illustrations enliven the already amusing text. A great addition to chapter book shelves and a must-have for fans of the series. (School Library Journal)
The text is peppered with tough vocabulary for the more advanced independent readers in the intended age group, but the story also works well as a bedtime read-aloud for those not ready to tackle words and phrases such as “malevolent,” “obtuse,” or “diametrically opposed” on their own. Eugenia’s need for routine and her intolerance of change and uncertainty will resonate with readers who experience life similarly. (Kirkus Reviews)
As in the earlier books, believable (if eccentric) personalities, sophisticated vocabulary, and polished prose make this an inviting title for emerging chapter-book readers. Fans of this series and the earlier Mercy Watson books will be amazed by Eugenia’s partial redemption and delight that the results are merely temporary. (Booklist)