This book was okay. I thought it was a little screwy at first, but it because of this it will likely be enjoyed as a read aloud to young audiences. The other thing it made me think of was that you could segue from this book into have kids write their own short poems or stories.

Matilda is a diner waitress, but she's horrible at her job because she's always telling stories to the customers. When the diner is in danger of being shut down because of poor conditions, Matilda shapes up but More...

An upper level picture book that would be a fun read aloud for older students. The book is written in a southern accent and centers around a fun waitress who loves to write and tell stories. The character exemplifies the exuberance of being an artist. But, when she is forced to conform to save the diner, she loses her passion.

The illustrations capture the fun of the story and the ambiance of the 1950's diner.

Storytelling waitress Matilda may spill drinks and mix up orders, but she packs the diner “tighter than a jar of dill pickles” when she starts to spin a yarn. Chock-full of colorful language that puts the reader in mind of the old west, and vibrant, lively watercolors that are the perect complement, this title is an absolute humdinger for sharing aloud.