School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-- Sooner or later there had to be a book about someone who picks her nose. Super Dooper Jezebel (Farrar, 1988) never would, according to Ross; but Nellie does in the Christmas play at school, and when admonished says, ``It won't come out . . . It's stuck .'' So everyone tries to extract the finger from the nose, in ever greater elaboration, until small brother Henry, who's been offering his services for many pages, tickles her and the problem is resolved. Wacky, watercolor cartoons embellish the text. It is remotely possible that some people will laugh at this silly story, but most will harken to the title when considering purchase. --Carolyn Jenks, formerly at Oyster River Elementary School, Durham, NH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
In this uproarious but vulgar cumulative tale, Nellie is in a predicament when she sticks her finger in her nose, which is prized for its beauty, and cannot get it out. She seeks help from several experts to no avail, while little brother Henry repeatedly claims that he can do the job. Cartoonlike drawings add humor. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 5-8. "Don't do that," warned Nellie's teacher, but it was too late. Nellie's finger was already up her nose. What's more, it wouldn't come out! The teacher tried to get it out; the principal tried; so did Mom. "I can get it out," declared Henry, standing by with a shovel (later a mallet, a pitchfork, and a wrench) in his hand. But nobody listened. Then the doctor tried and the magician and the scientist, who tied a rocket to Nellie's upraised arm. Nobody could dislodge the finger from its rude repose. Finally, they let Henry try: "He tickled her and it worked." Though Ross' watercolor-and-pen illustrations lack his usual brightness, his puckish sense of humor is here in full force. And while his roundabout lesson in good manners may turn off some kids, others will laugh out loud. ~--Stephanie Zvirin
