ALA Booklist (Wed Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2004)

In Numeroff and Munsinger's fourth collaboration, a reluctant reader discovers, in spite of herself, the power of a good book. Henry had to look after Beatrice. He also had to write a report on dinosaurs. Where better to do both than at the library? Unfortunately, little Bea hated going to the library. Once there, she greets Henry's every suggestion with a muleish I don't want to. Finally, a serendipitously timed story hour (and a very funny book) convince her of the library's charms. The siblings are cleverly cast as bassett hounds, an endearing species in any context. Munsinger, queen of anthropomorphic animals, makes them even more so, manipulating their naturally elastic features to reflect Beatrice's moods--beseeching, sulky, endearingly angelic--and to extend the humor of Numeroff's typically pitch-perfect text. Though the plot is somewhat thin and the ending far from surprising, adults will dab at their eyes over the ever-rousing message about the glories of reading; little ones will sympathize with Bea's tagalong status; and big kids will groan in recognition at her contrarian ways.

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2005)

Because he's her babysitter, Beatrice's big brother Henry has to take her along when he goes to the library to do his homework. But Bea has no use for books or libraries, and she gives Henry plenty of trouble. Then they discover story time, and--not too surprisingly--she's hooked. Munsinger's dog characters have very expressive faces, making Bea's antics especially funny.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>"Beatrice didn't like books. She didn't even like to read. More than that, she hated going to the library." Unfortunately, her older brother Henry has to do his homework there and look after Beatrice as well. Henry unsuccessfully tries to interest her in the books. She watches him work and drives him crazy. The next day, she says she'll wait for him in a big, comfy chair, but she gets bored and drives him crazy again. On the third day, Henry sees a storytime advertised and drops her off. Though she fights it, the story of Albert Mouse wins her over, and Beatrice asks to look at the book herself afterwards. When Henry comes to get her, she says, "I don't want to!" As usual Munsinger's watercolor animalsa"in this case, dogsa"are charmingly expressive. Watching Beatrice's face as she comes around is particularly wonderful. While big people might see the end coming, the target audience will enjoy the twist and wish for further adventures. (Picture book. 2-6)</p>

School Library Journal

PreS-K-Beatrice doesn't like books. The last place she wants to be is in the library, but her older brother has to complete a report on dinosaurs and she is in his care. Done in watercolor, ink, and pencil and featuring floppy-eared canine characters, the expressive illustrations perfectly capture the humor of the text. Beatrice's facial expressions are priceless as she repeatedly attempts to distract her brother from his work: she clings to him with adoring and overly exaggerated interest; she taps him on the shoulder and proclaims, "I'm bored"; and she holds his tail as she trails his every move. Finally reaching his limit, Henry drops Beatrice off in the storytime room. To her grudging amazement, her interest is piqued and she even laughs out loud when the librarian reads a story about a roller-skating mouse. When Henry is ready to go, he finds Beatrice sitting quietly in a big stuffed chair, totally absorbed in the book. This charming tale emphasizes the importance of finding the right book for the right reader.-Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.