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Five daughters of "very busy parents" are shown to take care of themselves by a head mistress reminiscent of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Mary Poppins, and Nanny McPhee. The tone of the writing feels a bit overdone, as if the writer is working especially hard at being clever, and the characters at times slip into tropes. Many readers, however, will forgive these faults as they enjoy reading about the girls' adventures in their unusual boarding school in a lighthouse on a stormy, magical island. Give this
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This is an enjoyable book for middle grade readers. The full name of the school that Ms. Rapscott runs is Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents. While the premise is a bit sad - the parents of these girls are too busy to take care of them, the book takes a light-hearted approach to teaching them some much needed life skills. It is just tongue-in-cheek enough that it doesn't seem didactic. Fun and a quick read.
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I am raising my review one star because my 10-year old daughter loved this book. I, on the other hand, enjoyed it, but there were many parts that dragged. Ms. Rapscott sends a letter to the parents of five young girls, advising them that their daughters have been selected to attend the prestigious school of Ms. Rapscott. All five sets of parents are Extremely Busy -- which may hit a little too close to home for some darling readers. (Their parents will never read it though, seeing as they are to
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An outstanding story with strong female characters (ok, maybe just one strong character, Ms. Rapscott, and four whiney ones who later become strong!) I love the illustrations that start and end the story in the fashion of Hugo Cabret. I love the adventures that the girls survive by using less conventional wisdom all while trying to find the one girl who did not make it to school because her box was not sealed properly (after all, what busy parent can possibly be expected to remember everything!)
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Loved the narration in the audiobook (can you really ever go wrong with Katherine Kellgren? Answer: Nope), and this story I think would work for kids who already love the Incorrigible Children or Roald Dahl's books, but there was something missing for me. I don't know exactly why, but I don't think I cared about these characters as much as I was supposed to. In any case, it's a fun read and would be a good car trip story.
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Altogether Primavera, remember Auntie Claus? This charmer will evoke memories of Mary Poppins and the estimable Mr. Wonka. Mrs. Rapscott's Girls School for Girls With Busy Parents is wacky adventure based learning at its best.
Can't wait for the next installment. ...more
Can't wait for the next installment. ...more
Jan 17, 2015
Laura Harrison
marked it as to-read
Feb 04, 2015
Rachel
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Feb 08, 2015
Shanshad Whelan
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Feb 17, 2015
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Apr 15, 2015
Sherry Holland
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Apr 19, 2015
Katie I
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May 04, 2015
Kathy
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Jan 02, 2016
Monica Edinger
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Jan 29, 2016
Jeane
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Feb 13, 2016
Karyn The Pirate
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Jul 29, 2016
Kathryn
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Aug 13, 2017
Angie
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Sep 06, 2017
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