Official Review: They're Waiting For Me by Ernie Harker

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bookowlie
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Official Review: They're Waiting For Me by Ernie Harker

Post by bookowlie »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "They're Waiting For Me" by Ernie Harker.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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They’re Waiting for Me is a children’s book written and illustrated by Ernie Harker. The story focuses on a young girl’s aversion to doing household chores on a Saturday morning. She knows she can’t go outside and play with her friends until her tasks are done. Still, that doesn’t stop her from trying to avoid her assigned responsibilities. Each chore is shown as a character, and the girl hopes she can make them disappear through various methods, such as counting to 100, throwing a tantrum, etc.

This well-written, fun story is told completely in rhyme, with a traditional rhyme scheme. Each stanza consists of four lines with the second and fourth lines rhyming. The writing has a natural flow and there is no awkward phrasing used in order to fit into the rhyme scheme. Although the story is generally easy to understand, there are a few words or phrases that are a bit sophisticated for a child – for example, the word “budge” and the description of the girl’s usual secret weapon as “a third-degree black belt in whine and complain.”

Written in first person, the book is narrated by the main character. I enjoyed this style, as it felt like the girl was speaking directly to the reader. However, the main issue I had was that the girl has no name. This gave a somewhat impersonal feel to the story. In general, I think children are able to relate better to named characters.

The colorful and vivid illustrations really make the book shine. Each chore is depicted as a person or animal wearing a costume and props to indicate the particular chore. For example, “Pick-up-your toys” is shown as a toy dinosaur with the head of a woman and who is holding a crayon. The chore “people” are suspended in mid-air and add a whimsical, almost magical feel to the story.

Most of the pages contain only four short lines of text which is ideal for children who are learning to read independently. Also, the pictures provide good visual clues, as the artwork ties in perfectly with what’s occurring on each page of the story.

I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The author has taken a common, timeless topic of kids not wanting to do chores, and turned it into a creative and entertaining story. I would recommend this book to children ages 4-8. It would be a good choice for teachers and parents to read aloud, particularly with such cute illustrations. Hopefully, the younger set will be inspired to do their chores after reading this book!

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They're Waiting For Me
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ron2524
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Post by ron2524 »

I love this review. It is simple and to the point.
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Post by meynard abad »

This review literally emphasize but completely states all the informations and contents of this book, good job!
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Post by gali »

A book revolving around refusal to do household chores sounds inspiring. It is a common issue, and a familiar one. Too bad the girl has no name. I think kids relate better to a named protagonist. Still, it sounds like a sweet book with an important message. Thank you for the great review!
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Post by inaramid »

Thanks for this review. I agree about the issue concerning the nameless protagonist since one of the first things that kids ask others is their names. (It's one of the first things they learn to do too.) I'm glad to hear that there are colorful illustrations inside. I'm guessing they're as awesome as the book cover!
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Post by Barry jofeer »

I am happy I see a colorful illustration Inside.and within me I rate this book 100%
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Charlesseun
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Post by Charlesseun »

This review is on point!
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Post by kandscreeley »

Another great review bookowlie! The cover is nicely illustrated. I think I need to read this book because I want to escape my Saturday chores as well! Perhaps I could learn something from this little girl. Thanks!
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Post by londonmartine »

This sounds really good! I love kids books that are done well, and even the small example you have made me smile. Great review!
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Post by bookowlie »

Thanks everyone for your kind words. :) It's clear the author has many talents - he did the beautiful illustrations as well as writing the story!
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Post by Libs_Books »

This book sounds like a lot of fun, but I agree that it's regrettable that the narrator/heroine (you seem quite sure it's a girl?) hasn't been given a name. However, I love the fact that it rhymes - such an important device for developing readers. Thanks for bringing the book to my attention.
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Post by Poppy Drear »

This seems like the kind of book I would have enjoyed a lot when I was a kid! I especially like how the author put a unique and imaginative twist on a mundane topic with each character that represented a chore.
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[Valerie Allen]
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Post by [Valerie Allen] »

Such a, seem like, cute story and good review with minor spoiler alerts.
And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. (Revelation 20:12 (NKJV) :reading-7:
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Danny the refresher
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Post by Danny the refresher »

Its a really good book
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Post by Kalin Adi »

This book truly sounds fun. Who wants to do chores? Sometimes not even adults, including me. I'm quite sure kids can relate to this unnamed girl. Perhaps when reading, the kids will feel they're narrating the story like if they were the main character. Thanks for this entertaining review!
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