Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger

Amber Brown is in second grade.  She is good with racing, and has no problem with following the second grade rules such as Always be respectful, Be on time, Do your own work, Never say "I can't", and Always say "I'll try."  Until one day, her teacher, Ms. Light adds a new rule "You have to keep your desks clean", then, Amber Brown starts to have real trouble.  Mrs. Light tells the class that the desk fairy Deskarina (cousin of the tooth fairy) will come to their classroom every once in a while; she will leave treats and a Clean Desk Award-a shiny blue ribbon-on all the neat desks.

After seeing that her classmates, one by one, all got an award from Deskarina, Amber decides to make efforts throwing things out, one thing every day. But then, she puts two more things in.  She is having real problem cleaning her desk.  Then her mom tells her to practice the cleaning job on her room.  Her mom says it would be a treat for mom if they could find the floor in that room sometimes.  Then Amber tries to work harder cleaning her desk during free time, and she keeps working at cleaning, until one day she figures out the best way to clean and organize her desk.  Finally, one day, when she gets to her classroom, she discovers that Deskarina left her a...treat and a...ribbon.  Amber Brown is so happy and so proud.

The conclusion of the book is funny because Amber Brown, after all, still has problem finding a space on her bulletin board in her room to put that ribbon...

"#1.  Don't leave your stuff all over the house.  Instead, put it in a big pile in the middle of the living room.  That way you'll know where everything is."

And so begins the book, Don't Bargain With the Tooth Fairy.  From there, the author leads you to 43 more funny "rules" and unlimited fun.  With descriptive pictures on every page, it's guaranteed to make you laugh.

Suitable for kids of grades 3 and up. 

Suitable for mommies, daddies, and teachers too.   You can lol (laugh out loud) or giggle or chortle with yourself, to yourself, and by yourself, to release the pressure caused by...a day with-or without-the kids.

Written by Deborah Zemke.