Ages 4^-6. When Arthur's mother learns that his teacher's roof has collapsed in a snowstorm, she invites Mr. Ratburn to stay in their home. At first Arthur worries about what Mr. Ratburn will think of him. Later, labeled teacher's pet and ostracized by his classmates, he's more concerned about losing his friends. Mr. Ratburn solves the problem, though, when he announces that he'll be moving on to the homes of his other students. Cartoon-style ink-and-watercolor pictures illustrate the story with style. Some children will be as surprised as D. W. to learn that the teacher doesn't live at school, while others will hardly recognize Mr. Ratburn in jeans and a T-shirt. Though "adapted by Marc Brown from a teleplay by Joe Fallon," this is an entertaining addition to a popular series. --Carolyn Phelan

While his roof is being repaired, Mr. Ratburn stays at Arthur's house. Based on a teleplay for the popular series, this is a slightly humorous, if far-fetched episode in Arthur's life. Early books about Arthur were popular because the emotions and incidents were universal; this book will be popular simply because Arthur is a familiar character. From HORN BOOK Spring 2001, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2-Arthur can't imagine anything worse than having his teacher move into his house, and his response is understandable: "It's just plain wrong.-It goes against nature!" However, that's just what happens when Mr. Ratburn's snow-laden roof caves in, and Arthur's parents kindly open their home to him while it is being repaired. The young aardvark worries that the other kids will think he is becoming too friendly with Mr. Ratburn, as well as how to best impress him. D.W.'s candor and misnomers (she never quite gets Mr. Ratburn's name right) add humor to the story. Of course, by book's end, Arthur's preconceived notions about his teacher are proven unfounded, and, in fact, he's in for a few surprises. Arthur, D.W., Francine and the rest of the familiar cast appear in another winning story, twist and lesson intact.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.