Book Report - Ellie

Ellie: The Perfect Dress for Me!"

For those for whom books must be read at bedtime or those old enough to read a beginner’s book, age six or more, I am happy to report that Eleanor is back. She is the heroine of "Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me" by C.M. Rubin and, in September, she returns in Ellie, The Perfect Dress for Me ($15.95, School Specialty Publishing, Columbus, OH).

The theme is self-esteem and it features the independent, resourceful, and lovable Ellie. A wedding calls for a special dress and everybody has their own idea about what she should wear until she decides to design her own.

What makes both books so much fun is the rhyming text and the wonderful illustration of the story by Christopher Fowler.
-- Alan Caruba, Editor, Bookviews.com, August 2005 Edition

Ellie, an independent and imaginative little girl, has been invited to a very important wedding and must find something to wear. After listening to the well-meaning advice of her friends and family members, Ellie decides to find the perfect dress all on her own and the result is a fabulous reflection of her creative spirit. Budding fashionistas will appreciate the illustrations - dresses and accessories galore...

-- Cincinnati Family, September 2005, Sherry Hang

You needn't be a fan of the prior Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, And Me to enjoy this whimsical sequel returning Ellie and her family to old and new fans alike. Christopher Fowler's large, fun cartoon-style drawings bring to life Rubin's store of a special occasion which calls for special planning and the perfect dress. Ellie has a lot of help from her elders but decides to find her own perfect dress for the occasion in a fun shopping expedition for kids ages 3-8.

-- Mid West Reviews, September 2005

"Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake, and Me"

What's in a name? For Eleanor - aka Punch Eleanora and E - a sense of identity. The pig-tailed protagonist in a new picture book , "Eleanor, Ellatony, Ellencake and Me," explains the different pet names well-meaning family member family members have hung on her since birth. She wonders how she can live up to the images suggested by these conflicting nicknames. C M "Boots" Rubin writes lightheartedly and cleverly in rhyming verse. Christopher "Bosco" Fowler's comical illustrations are the perfect complement.....

-- Jo-Ann Greene, Sunday News Book Editor, Lancaster Sunday News, Pennsylvania

Books make excellent gifts for smart little girls, boys Salute to clever Eleanor who proves to be a great decision maker. Rubin's endearing story is about a little girl named Eleanor who becomes frustrated when each member of her family insists on giving her a different nickname...... Children will enjoy getting to know Eleanor. Rubin's humorous rhyming text and Fowler's cartoon-style characters add spunk to this delightful story...

-- Judy McAulay Grimes, The Clarion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi