Are We There Yet?

Margaret Bunel Edwards is a freelance writer and author of several
children’s books.

Dexter, his dog Sherlock, and his parents set out for the beach. It’s
a hot day, too hot for playing with toys. It’s a day for mischief, for
fun, and, finally, for a snooze.

Amusements during the drive include putting a seatbelt on Sherlock,
placing earphones from the Walkman on his head, and blowing bubble gum
into his hair. After waving his shirt and pants out the window, Dexter
pulls off his socks and lets Sherlock wear them. When the beach is
finally reached, boy and dog are asleep.

Every child who has repeatedly asked “Are we there yet?” will
relate to this appealing story. Dexter’s mischief is fun and highly
imaginative. There is a pleasant rhythm to the text, with just enough
repetition to keep a child listening and to give him or her a sense of
the familiar. It shows acceptance of the boy, despite his failure to
always behave well. The book is printed in large, easy-to-read type and
illustrated in full color. The pictures are bright, with an emphasis on
facial expression and appearances by various animals.

This is an attractive book, able to withstand constant handling by
young children. It should give hours of amusement and pleasure to its
owner.