Boss for a Day

Barker Twins

by Tomie dePaola

Moffie is ten minutes older than Morgie and she likes to control every situation. It's time for Moffie to let her twin brother be Boss for a Day, but first she'll have to show him how.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book for two reasons. One, the reading level seems higher then a level one. There are not enough really beginner books, but there are a lot that are labeled level one. Second, the characters were jerks--which is realistic, and realistically there was no justice for bossy siblings. I thought it would be more realistic, and I would have liked it more if the younger brother punched his older sister.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story, easy to believe when it's hard to change one's pattern of habit.
When twins Moffat and Morgan played together, Moffie was always the boss. One day their mother suggested letting Morgie be allowed to do what he wants instead of always doing what Moffie said. Moffie thought it was a great idea to let Morgie be the boss one day, but she sort of forgot to let go of her habit.
Funny story, nicely illustrated.

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another bossy sister.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moffie is always bossy, so one day she tells Morgie that he can be the boss for the day. Except she still winds up being the boss. Silly. I like the illustrations.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an okay book. It is not one of Tomie dePaola's best pieces. It is not a bad book, or a good book. It's a typical book for developing readers, but it doesn't do much for their literacy experience.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not only a great one for reading levels, but it can also be used to teach bossing in the classroom. The book can be used when introducing classroom community or if the situation has become an issue in your classroom.

[Claudia Naranjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moffie and Morgie are twins. Moffie thinks that the fact that she is ten minutes older than Morgie gives her the right to be the boss. Today, they will change roles, and it is Morgie’s turn to be the boss. PK-1

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not a person who believes that every children's book should have a moral to it, but this one almost screamed for some kind of vindication for Morgie or comeuppance for his sister. The book just felt unfinished without it.

[Willow]

I'm working on entering all the books I've ever read. This book was one of them. I read this book a long time ago.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moffie and Morgie are twins. Moffie is ten minutes older and very bossy. She says it's Morgie's turn, but does he get to be the boss after all? A fun book to read aloud to children.

[Molly Darr]

This book was a level one read, although it seemed a little higher. When reading it with my level one students I found they had a bit of trouble with it.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I always loved sharing this as my daughter was learning to read.
It's among the wonderful DePaolo's funniest books.

[Naeemah Reese]

This is an excellent choice to give to students who are out of Level 1 books. This book is an easy read and also enjoyable.

[Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny reader, Bill read it aloud to Max at bedtime. We like Tomie dePaola.