In the tenth I Can Read Book about Arthur and Violet, there's a lunch-box mix-up on the first day back at school. Arthur is confused, and so, at times, is the reader, about who has whose lunch box and which snack is where. The subplot is more interesting, even if it is messagey: all the children get so excited that they misbehave on the school bus, and the principal has to make them see the reasons for safety rules. As always, Hoban's colorful cartoon drawings of her eager chimpanzee characters are wonderfully humorous and affectionate, without a trace of condescension. (Reviewed Sept. 15, 1996)

Gr 1-3--The engaging little chimp is back for his 10th adventure. This time Arthur and his sister, Violet, are waiting for the school bus when Norman arrives with a lunch box exactly like Arthur's. After some excitement on the bus and at school (where school-bus safely rules are discussed), it is finally time for a snack. Arthur and Norman have inadvertently switched lunch boxes and Arthur's cookies are gone. In classic heartwarming style, Violet shares her cookies and they all have a great first day of school. The soft-focused, warm watercolors will be recognized by Hoban's many fans. The topic is timeless and of great appeal to this age group. The characters may be welcomed back or met for the first time. A surefire selection for the first day of school.--Sharon R. Pearce, San Antonio Public Library, TX

In the rush to board the bus on the first day of school, Arthur the chimpanzee loses his chocolate chip cookies because of a lunch box mix-up, but his sister comes to the rescue. Readers may wonder why the chimps do not notice an obvious clue to the mix-up. However, in this tenth Arthur book, which focuses on bus safety, Arthur and company retain their appeal.