The Cobble Street Cousins books are known more for their sweetness than for the dynamism of their plots, but the fifth entry has even less going on than usual--despite the fact that the girls are scheduled to leave Aunt Lucy's now that their parents are done with their worldwide dance tour. The girls get the news, they feel bad, and they plan a party to welcome their parents home. Things do perk up at the party when Aunt Lucy's boyfriend, Michael, beloved by the cousins, asks Lucy to marry him. As always, Wendy Anderson Halperin's charming pencil drawings contribute much to the book's appeal. Although it may seem like the end for the cousins, Aunt Lucy's wedding is only two months away.

As in the previous books, the three cousins are in the care of their aunt for a year while their parents tour with the ballet. The story focuses more on the girls' emotions than on plot as they await the return of their parents, but young girls will enjoy the gentle, sweet story nonetheless. Halperin's pencil illustrations are as old-fashioned and delicate as the story.

Gr 2-4-Cousins Lily, Rosie, and Tess are saddened to learn that their parents will soon return from their European ballet tour. Then the girls must move from their temporary home with Aunt Lucy back to their respective families. To stave off their sorrow, Aunt Lucy helps them look ahead to future visits and family reunions. For the present, they focus on a party to celebrate the parents' return. The cousins brainstorm, and each one contributes to the gathering in her own way. Aunt Lucy's surprise engagement ensures that the girls and their families will reunite in a few months. Rylant's flowing text is infused with a light touch of emotion, humor, and charm. Halperin's black-and-white pencil-and-watercolor drawings are filled with dainty details and expressive faces. The images are thoughtfully placed on every page and provide contextual picture clues and a charming visual break from the text.-Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.