So, what's not to love about grandmothers? If you're Larry Lamb, plenty. When his grandma comes to stay, she likes to sip tea, wear a big hat, sing loudly in church, and insist on sharing a secret handshake that involves squeezing his hand three times to signal: I. Love. You. Larry's reaction? "Embarrassing." The Klise sisters give young readers an antidote to those sentimental books that gush over immediate and unconditional love between grandparents (even those who live far away) and children. That loves takes time and shared experiences. When a community catastrophe extends Grammy Lamby's visit, she and Larry slowly develop a bond. A gentle telling creates the story arc as animal characters (dressed as humans) allow readers to identify with the main players while also softening the initial problem. Sheep walking on spindly legs and giraffes singing in church set a lighthearted toned. Still, the idea that Grammy is at first overbearing toward Larry (who is seen in one illustration with calendar in hand counting the days until she leaves) is never in doubt. And, in a final spread, neither is his affection for her. —THE HORN BOOK
IN THE BAG
". . . Klise's cleverly conceived and charming book is the literary equivalent of an all-expenses-paid trip to Europe." —CHICAGO TRIBUNE
“Reading In the Bag is like taking a bite of fluffy pink cotton candy . . . Stash it in a beach bag for a quick, weightless summer read.” —NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS
"Charming . . . Klise’s debut is light and romantic and will go down as sweetly as a glass of champagne.” —BOOKLIST
When the paths of chef Daisy Sprinkle and her daughter Coco collide with those of father-and-son duo Andrew and Webb Nelson on a transatlantic flight from Chicago to Paris, none of them have any idea of the hand fate has dealt them. While the men depart for Madrid, the women stay in Paris. The real adventure begins when Coco and Webb discover that they picked up the wrong luggage. While the teenagers quickly connect over their missing bags and build a digital friendship, their single parents get off to a rocky start. However, after much trial and tribulation, the foursome discover that their misunderstandings—borne of a lack of clear communication—are no match for kismet. VERDICT: In her debut adult novel, YA author Klise (Dying To Meet You) uses multiple varying viewpoints to provide insight into just how differently men and women, children and parents think. Readers will enjoy this lighthearted, fast-paced read that manages to amuse as often as it astounds. —Natasha Grant for LIBRARY JOURNAL
Klise takes a break from her bestselling children’s books for her first foray into adult fiction. This lively love story is told through four voices—those of star chef Daisy Sprinkle; her precocious 18-year-old daughter, Coco; the art installation designer Andrew Nelson; and his 17-year-old son, Webb, a computer geek. Traveling separately on the same flight to Paris with their kids, Andrew is immediately smitten with Daisy, but is too shy to chat with her, so he slips a note in her purse in hopes that she’ll e-mail him. Unfortunately, her response reveals that she found his behavior “completely unacceptable.” But Coco’s lost suitcase, mistakenly swapped with Webb’s at the airport, connects the teens, and through attempts to be reunited with their luggage, they start an online flirtation. Coincidentally, Andrew and Daisy cross paths and the sparks fly, while their kids’ clandestine rendezvous ends awkwardly. Klise’s portrait of modern romance is infused with the trappings of a digitized world, and while she wraps up all the loose ends too swiftly, the brisk pace will keep readers happily engaged. (Agent: Kelly Siegel, Michael Siegel & Associates.) —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (3/5/12)
