Miss Brilliant is full of ideas. With her students she celebrates everything: teeth, corn, mummies, spiders -- and plays!

Only Jose isn't interested in "Mary Had a Little Lamb," or being a Brilliant Player, or even his surprise role.

But as Jose learns about drama and tension and working with his classmates, he finds that he, too, has his own special place in Miss Brilliant's class and in her heart.

Aliki has created a memorable teacher and a class full of personalities that all readers will want to join.

Reviews

Aliki's buoyant and insightful school tale stars Miss Brilliant-a creative teacher who "celebrates everything"-and her multicultural class. When the teacher suggests they celebrate finishing a test by putting on a play, all of the kids react enthusiastically except scowling Jose, who mutters, "I don't want to be in it." A snappy text delivered mainly in cartoon-like balloons and Aliki's signature bright and bustling paneled art chronicle the class's preparation for staging "Mary Had a Little Lamb." When Miss Brilliant announces the cast, a mild-mannered student gets the role of bully and Jose the part of teacher ("I don't want to be the teacher!" he yells). Despite the boy's disruptive behavior and negative attitude, his teacher remains supportive and encouraging. After the curtain rises, "teacher" Jose looks disapprovingly as the bully acts out, and, when a classmate parades by with a banner stating, "Treat others as you would like to be treated," Jose declares, "Bullies of the world, remember that!" In the book's satisfying final act, Miss Brilliant asks a suddenly reformed Jose to fill in as teacher for her while she attends a meeting. Aliki's applause-worthy cast delivers with flair a flurry of messages about kindness and cooperation, with a spoonful of sugar. Ages 5-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.