School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-In this quick, quirky story, Moxy is preparing to play "Heart and Soul" with her sister in a piano recital. She's excited to dress up and go onstage in front of a large, adoring audience, but one small detail stands in her way: she can't seem to find the time to practice, so she's really not prepared. With her mother and aunt just back from Africa, her stepfather incessantly working on a poem about the elephant bird, her grandmother sewing glittery capes for the concert, and her friends and siblings in the mix as well, who can blame Moxy for getting a little distracted? Plus, she's got important things to do, like making fake ermine trim out of bath towels for the capes. Black-and-white snapshots "taken by Moxy's brother" are scattered throughout, providing glimpses into what the household and family members "really" look like. This installment will keep readers looking forward to the next one.-Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Prime procrastinator and drama queen Moxy Maxwell is about to take the stage for real, making her Piano Debut at the Palace Theater, playing "Heart and Soul" with her little sister, Patsy. True, there is the scary note from the piano teacher. But how can she practice stopping and not pounding when there is so much else to do to prepare? Once again, Gifford offers a hilarious and very nearly believable glimpse into a day in Maxwell family life. Those familiar with the first two volumes will recognize the enticing format: short, episodic chapters with long, often foreboding titles ("In Which Mrs. Maxwell Gets Back to the Point"). They may decide that twin brother Mark's illustrative photography (provided by Fisher) is getting better; some pictures are even in focus. Sympathetic readers of any age will appreciate that, although she has just returned from Africa (bringing her own twin, the fearless, glamorous Aunt Susan Standish), Moxy's exhausted mom is there when a suddenly faint-hearted performer needs her most. This is a solid addition to a popular series, sure to attract new fans. (Fiction. 7-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Planning to prepare for her piano recital with a dress rehearsal at home, Moxy puts all her time and energy into her dress, leaving none for actual rehearsal. Her piano teacher's fear that Moxy will get into an endless loop of Heart and Soul prepares readers for an onstage catastrophe, but the evening's events still come as a surprise. Like other entries in the Moxy Maxwell series, this story offers a fresh, comical view of a child's outlook and experiences. Large type, widely spaced lines, short chapters, and black-and-white snapshot illustrations add to the appeal of this inviting chapter book.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
