I read it when quite young, but thought it was fun for a long time (and still do). Simple enough story, so where is the mystery? The mystery is: who is Viola Swamp, and where did she come from? Although Allard never says in so many words, Marshall’s illustrations give it away to observant kids…sweet Miss Nelson and mean Viola Swamp are one and the same, and readers get to laugh gleefully at their own clever mystery-solving abilities and at the trick played on the kids of Room 207. Thankfully, Miss Nelson does come back and the kids are as good as gold from then on. She makes life miserable for Miss Nelson’s class, and the poor students just dream of Miss Nelson’s return. With her evil-looking makeup and sour mouth, she looks just like a witch. So it’s no surprise that finally, a substitute teacher shows up to take over for awhile…Viola Swamp, a mean, scary teacher. Poor sweet Miss Nelson, with her pretty face and blonde hair and sweet manner is just frazzled when the book begins. The kids in room 207 are the worst kids in the whole school. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) Paperback Apr 1984 List Price: 6. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) Paperback Apr 1985 List Price: 6.95 Compare Prices The Stupids Have a Ball (Sandpiper) Author: Harry G. Most of our substitute teachers were of the treat/holiday variety but every now and then, we would have a Viola Swamp. Harry Allard, James Marshall Hardcover Apr 1985 List Price: 16.00 Compare Prices The Stupids Die Author: Harry G. If the former, we’d treat the day like a holiday and be uncontrollable if the latter, we’d sit in meek submission and do our assigned work. I don’t know about you, but when I was in grade school, substitute teachers were either easygoing, or terrifying. I really enjoyed this book when I was little.
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