In a purposeful departure from the stereotypical cookie-baking grandmother of children's books, Jill Ammon Vanderwood introduces Grandma Emma -- concocter of magic, not sweet treats -- in her delightful premiere children's book "Through the Rug." Grandma Emma's magic experiments actually begin when she attends what she thinks is a cooking school. What Grandma Emma doesn't realize is that she was really taught the art of magic, not of cooking. When her 10-year- old granddaughter Alyssa comes to visit for a week, the young girl immediately realizes there's something amiss: Grandma's formerly black and white dog, Domino, is sporting vivid shades of pink and green.

AuthorHouse (2006)
ISBN 9781425910983
Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 9) for Reader Views (7/07)

What can be more exciting than going to visit Grandma's house? Ten-year-old Alyssa just loves to visit her Grandma's house. Her grandma is not just like everyone else. When her grandmother makes cookies, it’s not just an event, it’s an experiment. You could say Grandma is like a scientist, you never know just what will result. Domino is her cute, little, white and black dog; however, when Alyssa's father brings her to Grandma's house, Domino is now bright pink and green.

There is a large spot of green goop on the rug which is a gateway to disaster. The dogcatcher is after Domino because of his strange colors. Grandma chases after the dog which falls into the puddle on the rug, followed quickly by Grandma. Alyssa doesn't want to be left alone, so she follows Grandma. Alyssa, Grandma and Domino are now entering the community of Wishville. This community is very strange as your every wish is granted. Wouldn't it be nice to have two extra days every weekend?

Wishville is a wonderful place to visit. You can eat as much as you want. Sleep as much as you want. And you can wish as must as you wish. What will happen when the three of them want to return back to Grandma's house? Will they ever be able to return to Wishville if they fall back through the rug?

"Through the Rug" is a hilarious book which had me laughing from cover to cover. I will never be able to look at a visit to Grandma's house the same way again. It makes me wish that I could visit another community by falling through my rug!

Note from Brianne's mother: "Through the Rug" is a very imaginative book which will keeps kids entertained. There is truth in saying "be careful what you wish for" -- it just might happen with unexpected results. Brianne loves to visit one of her Grandma houses and bake cookies with her. They always have great adventures but from now on, they will be careful around rugs.