3.5 stars. There is a glimpse of the fun and humor that shines through my favorite of Peck's work, _A Long Way from Chicago_. This one is not quite as entertaining as that, but it does offer a fun glimpse at the Chicago World's Fair. It's probably best for 3rd-5th grade or so. ( )

In 1893 Rosie Beckett’s family got a letter from their Aunt Euterpe in Chicago. They’d never had a letter from her before.

It’s the year of the Columbia Exposition and Aunt Euterpe has sent her invitation and railroad tickets for Rosie, her older sister Lotti, her younger brother Buster and their mother to travel to Chicago and see the Exposition. Euterpe feels she is making a great offer to give her backwoods family to see what the world has to offer. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As Euterpe has lived in Chicago for a good number of years, the question is can she handle her family and their lack of sophistication. Especially when one member shows up unexpectedly.

Author Richard Peck writes in the voice of his characters. This book is in Rosie’s voice and tells of each family member’s experiences and the surprises they have during their week-long visit. The incredible sights and the people they meet.

There are historical photos to help set the scene of the era, which I feel adds to the over-all story telling. It may be a book for kinds, but adults can enjoy it too. It is also a story that tells how family can be important even though not everyone lives in a particular style/place. ( )

This was a sort quick read that was very enjoyable. It gave some interesting insight into the Chicago’s World Fair without being overly daunting with facts. It also talked about society and the expectations that came with it. I would recommend it for younger readers that like Navy Pier and the Ferris wheel. ( )

Advance copy ( )

Aunt Euterpe sends Mama a letter...in it are 4 tickets to Chicago and an invitation to visit the World Columbian Exposition (1893) for Mama, Lottie, Rosie, & Buster. Granddad, however, is Not Invited! Mama decides to send the kids and returns her ticket to Aunt Euterpe.....

Well don't you know as the train heads out of town towards Chicago, it makes a sudden stop....lo & behold, it's Granddad....who snagged Mama's ticket out of the letter going back to Aunt Euterpe...

Things get off to a rocky beginning...the first night's dinner was the worst food Granddad & the kids have ever eaten, and Granddad makes sure everyone in the house knows it. The next morning the girls get up earlier than the housekeeper and find the kitchen filthy...well growing up on a farm they did what they were taught...they clean (scour & scrub) the kitchen and proceed to make a hearty breakfast, whereupon arriving to find the kitchen clean and a decent meal cooked, Mrs. O'Shea the housekeeper quits. But not before she sticks her hands in her pocket to retrieve the house keys, but instead draws out Buster's snapping turtle quite securely attached to her finger.

The family's exploits are funny and warm the heart.....The descriptions are true to life and makes us feel as if we were there for the trip to the Fair.

" 'I suppose you won't be good for anything until you've heard Euterpe's letter,' Mama observed. Wisely no one spoke."

" 'I ain't gonna wear any of it,' Buster declared. Granddad considered. 'Well boy, you can't go neekid in Chicago. The wind comes right off the lake.' "

"We got it sorted out. Lillian Russell-the real one-was a woman, an actress. Admiring her, Granddad named his horse for her. It was the kind of thing he'd do."

" 'It is you, isn't it, Si? You old owlhoot.' Buffalo Bill sat back in his saddle and tipped his hat. Yes it was. It was Silas Fuller, our Granddad."

" ' Boy, come and meet the greatest lady of American stage.' Granddad grabbed for him. 'Ma'am,' he said, 'this here's my grandson, Bus-LeRoy. Boy this here is Miss Lillian Russell!' Buster beheld her, this perfect woman in her unforgettable hat, with her armload of roses, her lovely smile. 'Did they name you for our horse?' Buster inquired."

I was happy to reread this book ( )