PreS-Gr 2-- In this latest book about Arthur, the aardvark wins an essay contest, and he, his class, and his family are invited to Washington, D. C. to meet the president at a special ceremony. Unfortunately, Arthur has to memorize his essay and is too nervous to enjoy the preparations for the big event. In Washington, the class catches glimpses of the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and the National Museum of Natural History. Then it's on to the White House. But Arthur's carefully prepared notes are blown away by the presidential helicopter; in the somewhat flat and abrupt ending, sister D. W. saves the day by hanging upside down in a tree while holding the text of the speech. The bright, full-color illustrations are lively, and Brown portrays the emotions and facial expressions of the characters well. While the book is definitely not as strong an entry as others in the series, teachers and parents looking for easy fiction on the presidency and Washington will want this; kids, as always, will want the newest of Arthur's stories. --Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WI

Arthur is chosen to travel to Washington, D.C., to recite his winning essay to the president. When Arthur forgets his essay, his sister saves the day by holding up a cue card, reinforcing the theme of his essay, 'We can all help make America great by helping others.' A comfortable addition to the beloved series.

``How I Can Help Make America Great'' is the subject; Arthur thinks about how much more can be done when everyone helps, then writes his essay—and wins a national contest. His whole class goes to Washington, where Arthur is to repeat his memorized speech to the President, on TV. In typical Arthur fashion, the story is amusing enough—until the end, when an extraneous travelogue is introduced, after which Arthur forgets his speech and the book abruptly concludes. A weak link in this popular series. (Picture book. 5-8)"

This lively story--Brown's 15th about goggle-eyed Arthur--features the popular aardvark winning a How I Can Help Make America Great'' contest. Arthur and his classmates are excited about attending the special ceremony at the White House, but when Arthur learns he has to recite his winning essay on TVwhile all America looks on,'' he is terrified. In the end, when Arthur's notes are blown away by the helicopter's wind, it is his irrepressible sister D.W. who saves the day and underscores Brown's message that ``we can all help to make America great by helping others.'' Brown's attention to visual details provides much of the book's humor, and Arthur fans will delight in deciphering D.W.'s list of ideas about how to run the country. Although the appearance of too many characters makes the text seem needlessly disjointed, Brown's sensitivity to Arthur's frets is right on target. Ages 4-8. (May)