This is a charming story that can easily be read in one sitting. It is full of anecdotes that reminded me of my own young years. My husband comes from a large family and many of the younger members of his family have read it and liked it.

"Pour Applesauce in the Jars" should be children's book of the year. It is a well written, nostalgic memory of mother and daughter getting together in September for an all-day canning job. The illustrations and story show good family life, and it's nice that they love their dog, too. I have extra copies of the book which I was able to sell sight unseen to friends in California and Florida, because they know the quality of work the author does.

I loved it. The story not only told how to make a perfect batch of applesauce, it also had humorous points of dialogue. The illustrator did a wonderful job of bringing the little girl and mom to life. Her illustrations capture the daughter working diligently on her kettle of applesauce. I bought ten books for my relatives in Florida, and was able to sell them right away.

Like the first book in this series, Veronica The Show-Off, Veronica is at it again! This book is a lot of fun! Veronica is trying to make friends and she has a habit of telling outrageous stories and they get her into all kinds of trouble. Also, she gets to go visit her father who lives in sunny California (her folks are divorced). THe thing I hate though is that I think Veronica's mother is a materialistic snob who spends too much money on herself and neglects her daughter, and tries to get her to eat carrot sticks. That seems like it gives lip service to the diet world that says you have to look like a stick! also Veronica's mother makes her daughter call her by her first name because she thinks it makes her feel younger. Does that mean she regrets having kids? THat irritated me. But this book is still cool that part just made me mad.

I think this book could help any child who has lost a loved one. It shows how the family is knit together, not only those now living, but generations that have gone before. I would suggest it as a book to read aloud to kids if a grandparent or other elderly friend is nearing the end. It might help them to be read the book and get a chance to discuss it with the reader.