Reviews
“Boiger’s pencil and black tea drawings, punched up with bits of watercolor, effectively display time and movement with just the right amount of chaos as she sets adults off-kilter and places Violet everywhere at once. Sly comparisons of coffee breaks to school snack time and mid-afternoon slumps to naptime remind adult readers that they probably really did learn all they need to know in kindergarten, but what really makes this narrative work is the fact that Violet is clearly the heir to Kay Thompson’s Eloise. Her obstreperous energy, brazen confidence in the face of adults, and even her body type, with its poochy little tummy and continually upturned chin, charm audiences for the same reasons that Eloise did, suggesting that every stodgy grownup space needs a pixie.
Hence this is one of those books clearly aimed at two audiences: the children who will delight in reading about a freedom they would never enjoy without serious consequences, and the adults who need reminding that yeah, it’s tough, but they love their kids anyway.”
– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Reichert embellishes a narrative style reminiscent of Laura Numeroff’s in the If You Give… series and presents a sturdy heroine evocative of Kay Thompson’s Eloise…. Many families will enjoy the interplay here between mother (efficient and loving) and daughter (sky’s the limit).”
– Kirkus Reviews
“Violet proves to be a more benevolent, less spoiled version of Eloise…those still too young for the labor force should get a kick out of seeing how easy it is to discombobulate the button-down mind.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Boiger’s whimsical watercolor illustrations show the charismatic little helper playing chair tag to “liven things up” in a meeting and teaching an adult how to add a “snazzy personal touch” by lying face down on the copy machine. Lots of cheeky fun that’s sure to elicit giggles.”
– School Library Journal
“Young Violet offers children plenty of advice for the professional world in this lighthearted tale that uses the circular, second-person style of Laura Numeroff’s If You Give . . . series…. Eloise-esque illustrations expertly capture the exuberant girl’s innocuous misbehavior as well as all of the exhausted adults…. Children will relate to Violet’s enthusiasm to return to the office, and adults will recognize the coworkers’ subtle eye rolling.”
– Booklist
“Violet is the perfect office assistant on Take Your Child to Work Day—she helps the boss with his presentation, answers her mother’s phone, and delivers packages to the mailroom. Her antics along the way “may” not be quite so helpful, but don’t tell her that! Adorable illustrations by Alexandra Boiger ramp up the fun.”
– Scholastic Parent & Child
“Knowing how to behave at the office is very important, so this book is a definite must for any youngster headed to work with a parent. The darling young mischief maker who narrates the book has several useful pointers for the child on their way to mom or dad’s workplace, including hopping across the lobby floor, making sure to find the co-worker with a candy drawer, how to place a call on hold, and even how to help the boss with his big presentation. Each piece of advice is accompanied by hilarious illustrations that will have adults rolling their eyes and children giggling in their seats. The facial expressions of the rest of the office as the little girl capers about are especially priceless. This book will have children begging their parents to take them to work and parents petrified at the possibilities. The obvious love the mother in the story has for her daughter shines through despite how much trouble she causes and it ends with a sweet embrace.”
– Children’s Literature
“In these overloaded days of work/life blur, few parents need Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day as an excuse to drag children in…. And what’s not to like when you get there? The secret candy drawer, “all the fuss” of doting (or procrastinating) colleagues and snack time, otherwise known as coffee break. This “Eloise”-without-the-attitude (and let’s face it, the office is no Plaza) offers an amusing and semi-informative take on what Mom does all day. It may also come in handy.”
– The New York Times Book Review, Children’s Bookshelf
