In this second installment in the series, Annie, the O’Fallons’ nanny is planning a trip home to Ireland to visit her sisters. Emma is afraid that her parents will like the substitute nanny better and fire Annie. This is a legitimate concern for precocious Emma as this is a pattern her parents tend to follow. Emma devises an outrageous plan to keep Annie from leaving. Meanwhile, Emma also runs into trouble when she “borrows” a soccer book from a classmate and it is eaten by Marmaduke, her pet ferret. A good girl at heart, Emma struggles with telling the truth and making wise choices. Eventually, all the secrets become too much for Emma to bear and it is Annie to the rescue. Though this is the second in a series it easily stands alone.
Readers who enjoy Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Ramona, and Clementine will enjoy stories about Emma. For those parents who are not so thrilled with Junie B, this is an excellent alternative.

Recommended for 2nd grade and up.

Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5 ( )

Emma and her siblings plot to keep their beloved nanny Annie from going on a three-week vacation and leaving them in the care of the totally uncool, animal-hating Mrs. Potts.