Emma Dilemma and the Two Nannies

Emma Dilemma #2

by Patricia Hermes

Emma loves the family's Irish nanny. Annie's fun. She likes pets. She keeps secrets. She wears wonderful clothes. And she likes to play. Emma's sisters and brothers are also crazy about her. So when Annie announces that she's returning to Ireland for three weeks to see her sisters, the kids panic. What if Annie doesn't come back? What if their parents hire a new nanny, someone who doesn't like ferrets, or even worse, kids? Annie introduces them to a substitute nanny named Mrs. Potts. But the kids don't take to her. She's just not Annie. What a dilemma! Then Emma has a brainstorm . . . and the fun really begins!

Genres: Middle Grade

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this title, Emma's behavior gets worse! Now don't get me wrong. I don't think a book character has to be perfect in middle grade books, but Emma is not a good role model in the slightest kind of way. Her parents aren't either! Emma has some major lying/stealing problems, and once again, I just don't think she's learning her lesson. Too many things are hidden from the parents with the help of Annie, too. I know kids will hide things from their parents. Mine will! These characters just lie and scheme too much, though.

The parents! I was annoyed toward the end that they were portrayed as terrified out of their minds at the thought of having to take care of their own children ALL BY THEMSELVES...for 3 WHOLE weeks. The horror! :P

Plus, this part made me furious.....

There is a girl in class crying and telling the teacher about being bullied. This is what Emma has to say as she attempts to hide her smile...

"And then they got into the Big Talk about bullying. Bullying was the main topic in school these days, and Emma thought it was silly. If someone made fun of you, you got even, that is all. There were all sorts of ways to do that. And if someone punched you, you punched them back. Big deal."

What a message for young minds! Bullying is funny. If only bullying were so simple, too!

This series could have been cute and it had potential, but I just can't recommend it.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment in the series, Annie, the O’Fallons’ nanny is planning a trip home to Ireland to visit her sisters. Emma is afraid that her parents will like the substitute nanny better and fire Annie. This is a legitimate concern for precocious Emma as this is a pattern her parents tend to follow. Emma devises an outrageous plan to keep Annie from leaving. Meanwhile, Emma also runs into trouble when she “borrows” a soccer book from a classmate and it is eaten by Marmaduke, her pet ferret. A good girl at heart, Emma struggles with telling the truth and making wise choices. Eventually, all the secrets become too much for Emma to bear and it is Annie to the rescue. Though this is the second in a series it easily stands alone.

Readers who enjoy Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Ramona, and Clementine will enjoy stories about Emma. For those parents who are not so thrilled with Junie B, this is an excellent alternative.
Recommended for 2nd grade and up.

Mrs. Archer’s rating: 5 of 5

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven children try to keep their nanny from going on a much-needed vacation for three weeks. Oh, the horror of animal-hating Mrs. Spot, the short-term nanny. And on top of all this, Emma has to figure out what to do about a "borrowed" book that gets eaten by a family pet!