Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package is book number four, it is, in fact, the first book in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Eugenia is the sort who likes order. Her lists and plans give her comfort. She absolutely, positively, has no interest in frivolous behavior of any kind. When an unexpected package arrives, Eugenia tries her best to get rid of it but this unanticipated gift might just be what she needed to unlock the song that’s hiding in her heart.
Kate DiCamillo is an author my students love. Books like Because of Winn Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Tale of Despereaux are continuously checked out from our library. Her Mercy Watson series is a favorite with our kids as well and I would venture to say that they would also enjoy the Deckawoo Drive books just the same.
Chris Van Dusen’s illustrations that are peppered throughout the book are wonderful and highly engaging. I really enjoyed the moods conveyed in the faces of each character, especially Eugenia. Equally pleasing to my eyes was the use of the Mrs. Eaves typeface. It’s a beautiful font and I particularly liked the question marks (maybe this is a weird thing to note but I thought they were pretty neat). The text size and line spacing were spot on for my young readers. It also has a healthy dose of big words (palpitations, taxidermy, etc.). Keep the big words coming. It challenges our students and expands their vocabulary. Having read this book, I think I will plan to add this series to our library for my students to enjoy.
Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package
Kate DiCamillo
Book Quote:
“It was the most marvelous, unexpected thing that had ever happened to her. It was mysterious. It was joyous.”
~ Kate DiCamillo
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