Rosemary Wells gets it. Few writers today can hone in any better on the emotional, sometimes funny concerns of very young children. Noisy Nora arrived with a "monumental crash!" - showing that Wells understands about being a middle child. And there are disadvantages to being the youngest, so Wells provided Morris and his "disappearing bag" ("Morris' Disappearing Bag").

No matter where they fit in a family, children are sometimes just not ready, so Edward was created to comfort children who need a bit more time ("Edward in Deep Water," "Edward Unready for School," "Edward's Overwhelming Overnight"). And then there are Max and Ruby: Max knows exactly what he wants, but so does his older sister, Ruby.

Wells ranges from a picture-book format about families touched by war - "Waiting for the Evening Star," "The Language of Doves" - to mysteries for young adults - "The Man in the Woods," "When No One Was Looking," "Through the Hidden Door."

Through work that is poignant, humorous and understanding, Rosemary Wells is a child's best friend. She shares children's concerns and lovingly brings them to their parents' attention.

- From Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children by Valerie V. Lewis and Walter M. Mayes

Pub Date: 9/27/98