I love the whimsical illustrations in this story! I also love how Rose can seem to handle practically anything, and how oblivious her mom is to the wild party that is happening in the next room. I did not predict the ending at all. ( )

Just as Rose's Mama is about to put her to bed, she gets a phone call from Uncle Fred, and instructs Rose to get ready on her own. But before the little girl can brush her teeth or wash her face, the front doorbell rings, and the first of a series of surprise visitors - in this case, party-supply deliverers - arrives. Rose soon finds herself playing the role of unwilling hostess, as a wild party ensues. Every time she attempts to gain her mother's attention, she is put off by the assurance that the phone call is almost over...

An amusing tale told in rhyming text, While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat plays upon the idea of the mayhem that can occur while oblivious parents are distracted, in this case, by a phone call. Children will appreciate the humor of Rose's situation, and enjoy the madcap adventure she falls into, simply by answering the door. The accompanying watercolor artwork by Alexandra Boiger highlights the humor of each scene, while also depicting a cute-as-a-button young heroine. Recommended to anyone looking for bedtime books with a little humor and pizzazz! ( )

Adorable and hilarious. Wild illustrations convey the story perfectly without being artsy-fartsy. I did *not* predict the ending! ( )

While Rose's mother has a "quick chat" on the telephone, Rose is supposed to get ready for bed but finds she is hosting a party instead. ( )

It’s just before bedtime when the telephone rings. Mama picks up the phone and tells Rose to get ready for bed by the time she finishes her “quick chat” with Uncle Fred. Rose is about to get started when the door bell rings and in rush men to set up a party. She tries to get Mama, who says that she’s busy. She tries to shoo them out, but they just won’t go. The guests arrive next, followed by waiters, a wizard, and a band. Rose tries to get rid of each one, but instead she gets carried off to help out. Rose is playing a wild rhythm on the drums, when Mama calls that she’s about to hang up. Rose rushes the party out the door and runs upstairs, where Mama finds her fast asleep in bed.

The text is full of action and dialogue and each new event is followed by the phrase, “It’s hard to believe, but Rose did ALL that, before Mama had finished her quick little chat.” The illustrations use a sophisticated palate straight out of the 1920’s, embellished with curlicues, balloons, and circles of dancing light. Rose herself is a delight, in a white night gown, argyle socks, and pom-pommed slippers.

Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-71-while-mama-had-quick-little....