The World According to Bertie
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

*Starred Review* Six-year-old saxophonist Bertie Pollock steals the show in this fourth installment in McCall Smith's witty and wise 44 Scotland Street series (after Love over Scotland, in 2007). Precocious Bertie, who counts command of Italian among his many talents, had hoped that the arrival of his little brother, Ulysses, would give him a break from his overbearing mother, Irene. No such luck. She continues to monitor his every move, even demanding his help with Ulysses' care (including the dreaded diaper change). Meanwhile, irrepressible painter Angus Lordie is depressed over the precarious fate of his dog, Cyril, who's been labeled a serial biter. Pat, too, is dogged by the reappearance of consummate narcissist and cad Bruce, who's back in Edinburgh after time spent in London. Also returning are anthropologist Domenica Macdonald, who finds plenty of subjects to study right in her own building, and Big Lou, owner of the local coffee bar and earnest listener to the laments of well-to-do Matthew, who's every bit as unremarkable as his distressed-oatmeal sweater. McCall Smith writes with wry humor and heart about his native Scotland, as in this description of one of the country's potables, Crabbie's Green Ginger Wine: redolent of everything quintessentially Edinburgh: slightly sharp, slightly disapproving, slightly superior. Loyal fans and newcomers alike will marvel at McCall Smith's ability to find deep meanings in the small moments of life.--Block, Allison Copyright 2008 Booklist

Smith delivers yet another delightful installment to his Scotland Street series. This time out, he focuses mostly on the irrepressible Bertie Pollock, a precocious six-year-old whose mummy, Irene, forces him to play a saxophone, converse in Italian, do yoga and see Dr. Hugo Fairbairn, a psychotherapist who looks a lot like Bertie's baby brother, Ulysses. As Bertie struggles to accommodate his nutty mummy and new brother, another crisis explodes for artist Angus Lordie, whose beloved dog, Cyril, has been thrown in the pound for biting someone. Cyril is innocent, and Angus, with Bertie's assistance, sets out to rescue Cyril before he's put down. Subplots abound, and Smith details with dependable whimsical flair the romantic progress of Scotland Street familiars Matthew, Pat and Bruce. Series fans know what to expect, and they get it by the truckload. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.

*Starred Review* Six-year-old saxophonist Bertie Pollock steals the show in this fourth installment in McCall Smith's witty and wise 44 Scotland Street series (after Love over Scotland, in 2007). Precocious Bertie, who counts command of Italian among his many talents, had hoped that the arrival of his little brother, Ulysses, would give him a break from his overbearing mother, Irene. No such luck. She continues to monitor his every move, even demanding his help with Ulysses' care (including the dreaded diaper change). Meanwhile, irrepressible painter Angus Lordie is depressed over the precarious fate of his dog, Cyril, who's been labeled a serial biter. Pat, too, is dogged by the reappearance of consummate narcissist and cad Bruce, who's back in Edinburgh after time spent in London. Also returning are anthropologist Domenica Macdonald, who finds plenty of subjects to study right in her own building, and Big Lou, owner of the local coffee bar and earnest listener to the laments of well-to-do Matthew, who's every bit as unremarkable as his distressed-oatmeal sweater. McCall Smith writes with wry humor and heart about his native Scotland, as in this description of one of the country's potables, Crabbie's Green Ginger Wine: redolent of everything quintessentially Edinburgh: slightly sharp, slightly disapproving, slightly superior. Loyal fans and newcomers alike will marvel at McCall Smith's ability to find deep meanings in the small moments of life. Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.

Smith delivers yet another delightful installment to his Scotland Street series. This time out, he focuses mostly on the irrepressible Bertie Pollock, a precocious six-year-old whose mummy, Irene, forces him to play a saxophone, converse in Italian, do yoga and see Dr. Hugo Fairbairn, a psychotherapist who looks a lot like Bertie's baby brother, Ulysses. As Bertie struggles to accommodate his nutty mummy and new brother, another crisis explodes for artist Angus Lordie, whose beloved dog, Cyril, has been thrown in the pound for biting someone. Cyril is innocent, and Angus, with Bertie's assistance, sets out to rescue Cyril before he's put down. Subplots abound, and Smith details with dependable whimsical flair the romantic progress of Scotland Street familiars Matthew, Pat and Bruce. Series fans know what to expect, and they get it by the truckload. (Nov.)