Prankster Toti can hardly wait for Easter since he has plans for the confetti-filled eggshells with which he plans to bombard his family. However, hisPrankster Toti can hardly wait for Easter since he has plans for the confetti-filled eggshells with which he plans to bombard his family. However, his creations don't contain the usual materials; instead, they promise to be a lot messier than paper. But as it turns out, maybe he's underestimated an unlikely prankster. The Photoshop illustrations fit this humorous story with a slice of cultural color to a T. ...more
Movement-filled mixed media artwork with expressive faces set against plentiful white space adds so much to this already-enjoyable picture book [3.5 fMovement-filled mixed media artwork with expressive faces set against plentiful white space adds so much to this already-enjoyable picture book [3.5 for me!]. The plot is simple enough; a girl and her father take the family dog for a walk in the woods. As the father chases the very rambunctious dog, the child is attracted to the pinecones, picking up and admiring first one, then another, and another, each time naming them. She brings her haul inside, where they quickly take over the house. Oh, and those pinecones contain various bugs who gradually make their presence known in the warmth of their new home. The child's enthusiasm is evident in every page, and her patient father doesn't toss the pinecones outside. No, instead, he makes them into ornaments and decorates the house with her new friends, a great example of following his daughter's lead and honoring her newfound passion. The inside of the book jacket offers tips to preparing pinecones BEFORE bringing them into the house. Having gathered more than my share of pinecones for school projects and never having followed these suggestions, I guess I can count myself lucky that I never inadvertently brought any insects inside. This one was a delight from start to finish. ...more
Anyiaka admires her older sister, Sorie, and wants to emulate her. But the two girls are very different, of course. During a visit to her grandmother'Anyiaka admires her older sister, Sorie, and wants to emulate her. But the two girls are very different, of course. During a visit to her grandmother's house, she starts feeling increasingly inadequate, comparing herself to others in the family and considering herself not as pretty, not as smart, not as helpful, just not in the same ballpark as the rest of her relatives. But after her grandmother suggests that she head to her studio, she continues wallowing in her misery and ponders a plain dark nesting doll on the table alongside other, more decorated ones. Her grandmother arrives, quickly recognizes the problem, and shows her granddaughter various family portraits so that she can see that there are little parts of her in them and vice versa and that everyone is different and beautifully unique. With its brightly colored artwork created with Corel and Photoshop and positive message about inner beauty, strength, resilience, and intergenerational connections, this book will touch the hearts of many youngsters just like its narrator, who may feel overshadowed by the others in their family or may feel quite different from them in appearance and actions. The text contains Gullah Geechee phrases for flavor and cultural authenticity, a nod to the author/illustrator's own family. The endpapers are delightful, fitting the story perfectly, with the first set of endpapers depicting undecorated nesting dolls, and the back set showing off the finished ones with different skin colors and clothing, decreasing in size from the largest to the smallest, but not dimishing in importance....more
Although the final portion of this debut novel dragged a bit for me, overall, I'm sending it lots of love because it was so well written and so importAlthough the final portion of this debut novel dragged a bit for me, overall, I'm sending it lots of love because it was so well written and so important in many different ways. There will be many readers who will relate to the protagonist, Lou, who spends the summer before her college days working at her family's ice cream shack. Lou and her mother have spent their lives moving from place to place, and it's only recently that Lou feels as though she's found a home and the family she craves. With her mother off on a sales trip to peddle her beaded jewelry and the farm and ice cream shack in economic peril, Lou experiences even more complications in her life. She breaks up with her hormone-crazed boyfriend because she doesn't feel any physical desire for him. She staves off her father's efforts to connect with her. She worries about the mental health of Florence, her best friend. She's confused about the reappearance of King, once her friend but someone who disappeared without a word after an act of violence in the community. While the book contains many references to alcohol, assault, sexual violence, identity, racism, and anger that keeps building, building, and building, looking for some way to explode, it also showcases writing that shimmers and characters that seem true to life. Lou's confusion about her own identity as biracial, White and Metis, her guilt about her past actions, and her hope that things might improve are described as though the author herself has been through many of them. There are passages that will prompt readers to put down the book for a few minutes in order to process what they've just read and others that will leave them horrified and disgusted. But there are also lovely lines about the natural beauty of this world, small wonders and happy moments as well as brief descriptions of various flavors of ice cream and sorbet and discussion of these confections, according to color, at the start of the chapters that will have readers licking their lips and driving to the local grocery store in search of something that comes close to those odes to ice cream. Lou's Uncle Dom could populate an entire story himself what with his recipes for ice cream and his romantic relationships. The book's title and cover are simply perfect for the contents, and I must confess that this was one book that I hated to see come to an end. I won't be the only reader eager to see more from this author....more
Energetic, colorful, and caring, Miss Mary has certainly created a warm and safe classroom community for her students. Just as she's shared her love fEnergetic, colorful, and caring, Miss Mary has certainly created a warm and safe classroom community for her students. Just as she's shared her love for various subjects and experiences in the past, she is eager to share her love for snow and winter during recess. But even though it's the first snowfall of the year, the students aren't able to enjoy their outdoor activities because they have no gloves or mittens, and their fingers are too cold. When she decides to knit mittens for all 20 of her students but learns that the yarn shop's supplies have been depleted, Miss Mary unravels all her own knitted objects and repurposes the yarn into colorful mittens that she then wraps and delivers outside their homes. When Christmas arrives, the children are pleased to be able to spend time playing in the snow and leave a special thank you for their kind-hearted teacher. While I love the message of generosity, self-sacrifice, and caring as well as the instructions for a small knitted ornament in the back matter, something about Miss Mary's sacrifice seemed problematic. Why should she feel compelled to use up all her knitted possessions in order to create something that could be used by others? Why did none of the youngsters' parents purchase or knit handwear for their children? Surely, that sort of cold weather gear would be an essential and fairly inexpensive purchase. As another reviewer noted, this story reminds me of The Giving Tree with its message about giving until there isn't anything left to give, a concept that might seem ideal on the surface but is more than a little problematic when it comes to relationships. The colorful illustrations are just as heartwarming as the story despite my concerns. It might be worthwhile to discuss other options for Miss Mary and those students and how she knew exactly where each student lived. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Narrated by six-year-old Lee, this picture book will be quite relatable for anyone with an older sibling, especially one as This one is a 3.5 for me. Narrated by six-year-old Lee, this picture book will be quite relatable for anyone with an older sibling, especially one as bossy and take-charge as Zora. Zora is the one who takes the lead for just about everything, and it's clear that Lee has a healthy fear of her as well as deep love and admiration. After all, she lets him come with her to different places such as the library and makes sure he's safe on the way to and from their destinations. At the library, she even asserts his right to participate in the embroidery activity even though he's clearly underage. Of course, Zora has no trouble stitching a pretty flower, but Lee struggles and makes a mess of his work. No matter because later that night, after Zora has shown off her work and Lee tells his parents that his isn't finished, he gets out of bed and carefully finishes his moon. And that's not all: he repairs the hole in his pants pocket and the ear on her stuffed bear. The two share a tender moment when she sees what Lee has done, but then, she reverts back to type, bossing him out the door. The text captures the very real but complicated relationship between these two and Lee's struggles with sewing, using effective language that a child would use to describe the process: "sail our thread through the needle's eye like a little boat," "my needle and my thread boat hit my finger" (unpaged) and "that tiger's tooth, mean and sharp" (unpaged) as Lee endeavors to make his fingers do what they need to do in order to come up with something attractive. The illustrations, created with collage, acrylic, artist pens, and pencils, bring the characters to life, showing the careful concentration of the youngsters as they work with needles and embroidery thread and the patience of Mrs. C, who is teaching them this new skill. Even Zora's proud posture as she shows off her work to her parents and the impulsively expansive and close hug she gives to Lee once she sees what he's accomplished enable readers to have insight into these personalities and this special relationship. This picture book would be perfect for sharing with youngsters as a reminder that love is expressed in many different ways, sometimes even through bossiness....more
Fans of psychological thrillers and those featuring unreliable narrators will devour this one, the author's debut novel. It's hard not to keep the booFans of psychological thrillers and those featuring unreliable narrators will devour this one, the author's debut novel. It's hard not to keep the book's title in mind while trying to sort out the various events that take place while also keeping in mind that what is described in a diary from 1991 is just as significant as what's happening in December 2016. As the book opens, television personality Amber Reynolds awakens in a confused state, having apparently been in a coma after some sort of accident. She can't speak or move, but she slowly becomes convinced that someone she loves, either her husband Paul, a writer, or her sister Claire, has tried to do her in. The more she thinks about the days before her accident, the more paranoid she becomes about both of them and the more frightened. To add to these fears, she becomes distressed by the presence of Edward, a former beaux, and his odd behavior toward her. As another reviewer wrote, the book's intricate, twisty plot would be spoiled by too much revelation of detail here so I'll just say that there are surprises and twists aplenty, especially on those final pages, and after reading this book, it will be hard to hear or read that once-innocuous phrase, "two peas in a pod," without wincing or shivering in horror. This one really had me going and even confused me at certain points, which is a very good thing in a book like this. ...more
As some citizens of one town gather together to clean up the river near their homes, an artist and a young girl repurpose some of that trash into a swAs some citizens of one town gather together to clean up the river near their homes, an artist and a young girl repurpose some of that trash into a swan composed of various pieces of scrap. And they aren't the only ones doing so. After viewing the beautiful swan, other townspeople and artists create their own pieces. The text relies on rhyming lines and simple descriptions to pay tribute to the river and those who work so hard to restore it to its former glory. The illustrations, consisting primarily of collages, fill the pages with color and action with bold, black text on the sides or at the bottom of the pages. Back matter includes information about the inspiration behind this project as well as suggestions for what readers can do to help the waterways in their neighborhood. There are even some ideas for crafts to find new uses for clothing such as t-shirts. This picture book might be useful in a unit on ecology, the environment or how art can make a difference in the world around us. ...more
Based on interviews with youngsters and their families from Iran and Afghanistan who were living in a refugee camp in Greece in 2018, this book revealBased on interviews with youngsters and their families from Iran and Afghanistan who were living in a refugee camp in Greece in 2018, this book reveals their struggles and sacrifices while waiting to leave their temporary homes in shipping crates. The author calls this the Waiting Place, and the children featured here range in age from five to thirteen. From the text and the photographs, it's clear that this is a bleak spot in many respects and that it is easy to drift from day to day, becoming increasingly discontent and unmotivated as time passes and nothing seems to change, leaving the youngsters unsure if they will ever leave this place that was supposed to be temporary but increasingly seems permanent. There are moments of hope as some families plant flowers and decorate their dwelling places in an attempt to make them more like warm homes, and there are friendships, new and old, solid and sometimes fractured. The author personifies the Waiting Place as a greedy entity, bent on sucking out any motivation present in its residents. This authorial choice enables readers to understand to some extent how hard it is to take any action or to hope, plan, or dream while waiting, waiting, and waiting for something to change. This seems to give rise to a sense of purposelessness in the children and presumably in the adults in their lives. While the tone of the Afterword is a bit angry and scolding, perhaps that is rightfully so, given that there are so many humans living somewhere other than their homelands--a shocking 82.4 million forcibly displaced individuals, which includes 26.6 million refugees. With its large, colorful photographs and strikingly personal text, the book effectively puts faces on the refugee crisis and makes readers aware of the individuals behind those shocking numbers. While I would have liked more information in the back matter about the typical lengths of stays in these waiting places and why it takes so long to leave as well as the economic costs and maybe even some insight into education and classes at this camp, this book with its ten lives marking time in whatever they can touched my heart. It would be ideal in a series of lessons on immigration or the refugee crisis as well as in a collection devoted to the everyday lives of youngsters around the world....more
The small town of Chokecherry, Colorado might be the last place anyone would expect to find hatred and white supremacists. But when a swastika appearsThe small town of Chokecherry, Colorado might be the last place anyone would expect to find hatred and white supremacists. But when a swastika appears on the walls of Chokecherry Middle School, the school administration quickly takes steps to educate students about prejudices, bigotry, and insure that the school is a safe place for all. But the town isn't exactly ethnically or racially diverse, and even media reports indicate that any diversity in the school is the result of the families of the visiting paleontologists who are in the area for a dig. The tolerance education program the school pulls together seems to be having a positive effect on the students, but then, other swastikas appear. Inspired by the Paper Clip Project in Whitwell, Tennessee, the students decide to fashion colorful construction paper rings that they will link together to represent the number of individuals who died in the Holocaust. This task seems impossible, but Caroline McNutt, seventh grade class president, is determined to use the project to get herself and the school on the map. When popular Lincoln Rowley gets involved, being part of the project becomes cool, and the coolness factor increases exponentially with all the media attention it receives. Suddenly, the unlikely goal of 6 million links becomes possible. Link's reaction to the massive endeavor is one of amazement: "The cavernous storage space is already half full with mounds of paper links. The expanse of bright colors is so gigantic that my eyes almost can't process it in one sweep. Every time I think I've seen it all, I turn in a new direction, and there's another huge mountain. I stand at the entrance to the building, blinking, struggling to take it in. It's hard to imagine that this landscape of loops was made one link at a time, starting that afternoon in the art room" (p. 127), 28 miles' worth of chains connected together. He also decides to embrace his Jewish identity with a Bar Mitzvah. With posts on YouTube from Adam Tok and the revelation of the real culprit behind the first swastika, the story shifts from the determined efforts of a collective of young folks to a story about guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. And the town's racist past is revealed, which leads to embarrassment on the part of its officials but also a museum dedicated to tolerance and understanding. In the end Michael Amorosa, who had the enormous task of keeping track of all those links, has the best take on the book's theme: "Maybe it shows that tolerance is more about the journey than the destination. A paper chain can be done when it hits a certain number of links. But tolerance is a project you always have to keep working at" (p. 242). The Author's Note gives credit to the Paper Clip Project for inspiring this book and offers helpful resources. As he states, it's almost impossible to wrap one's mind around a number like 6 million. Relying on multiple narrators to tell the story gives readers glimpses into how various individuals think and react to racism or such a crisis as the described here. I appreciated the complexity of the characters and their motivation and how the author doesn't leave readers with easy answers or solutions. My students know that I love using the Paper Clip Project as an example of a project that went beyond the walls of the school and continued for years, showing that we can change the world one person, one lesson, one class at a time, making this one a delight for me to read as it highlights so much that I believe to be true about teaching and education. Readers should not be fooled by the funny cover into thinking this is light reading filled with chuckles. There are moments of levity, yes, but Linked tackles important topics and behavior that need to be explored now more than ever....more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Originally published in the United Kingdom, this picture book effectively describes a sustainable lifestyle. Nari takes careThis one is a 3.5 for me. Originally published in the United Kingdom, this picture book effectively describes a sustainable lifestyle. Nari takes care of a little lamb, and after the lamb is older, her father shears its fleece so that its wool can be used for a scarf. The book shows the steps of this process, including the shearing of the wool, the washing, the brushing, the spinning, the dyeing, and the tedious process of knitting. The scarf proves useful in keeping Nari warm, but over the years, it becomes frayed, and Nari adds it to the family's compost pile where it decays and becomes part of the rich soil that she adds to the pasture, providing grass for future little lambs. The cycle is clear in the narrative, and the author includes a double-page spread that reinforces those steps from sheep to scarf and back again. The illustrations, created with watercolor, colored pencils, and digital techniques, are filled with sunny colors, and the text adds sounds such as "snip-snip" to enhance the story. This picture book may help young readers appreciate all the hard work that goes into the clothing they wear and maybe enhance awareness of the appeal of something that is made by hand....more
The first day in a new school is never easy, but for Kanzi, it's particularly intimidating. Kanzi and her family have recently moved from Egypt, and sThe first day in a new school is never easy, but for Kanzi, it's particularly intimidating. Kanzi and her family have recently moved from Egypt, and she wants to fit in. When a classmate makes fun of the way Kanzi's mother speaks when she brings her the lunch she left at home. Kanzi is devastated. Her classmate, Molly, apologizes for hurting her feelings, but Kanzi can tell that the apology doesn't come from the heart. Thank goodness for her supportive teacher, Mrs. Haugen, who encourages Kanzi to share parts of her culture with her classmates and points out that many words used in English are Arabic in origin. Kanzi displays the quilt her grandmother made, and her mother helps her classmates write their names in Arabic for a class quilt. Although the ending with Molly seems a bit romanticized, I appreciated the teacher's earnestness and open heart and the authentic push back from Molly, an attitude sure to be found in many classes. It was lovely to see the third graders' project inspire other classes to honor other cultures too. As the text and watercolor illustrations demonstrate, kindness and acceptance can spread just as easily as intolerance. ...more
This bilingual book highlights various careers to which youngsters might aspire. There are several jobs on display, some more commonplace than others.This bilingual book highlights various careers to which youngsters might aspire. There are several jobs on display, some more commonplace than others. But what really makes the book stand out, of course, are the close-up photographs of tiny figures woven from palm leaves by artisans from Puebla, Mexico. I had never seen this type of folk art before but came away impressed with the details on every figure. I particularly loved the gardener tending to his flowers, the hairdresser wielding scissors on the tresses of a customer, and the fisherman or fisherwoman unfurling the sea's bounties from a net. A photograph of the individuals who created these amazing pieces is included in the back matter with a comment about how long this weaving has been in existence. Readers will be amazed to learn that the pieces are tiny, usually a little larger than a coin such as a quarter. Goodness! The time, effort, dexterity, and patience that go into these creations leave me shaking my head in astonishment and humbleness. ...more
Although I didn't like this one as much as the author's first book, I Stop Somewhere, I was impressed that she continues to tackle tough subject matteAlthough I didn't like this one as much as the author's first book, I Stop Somewhere, I was impressed that she continues to tackle tough subject matter--in this case, the aftermath of a sibling's actions. Lexi Lawlor (not her real name) has been running for the past five years. After her older brother, Scott, committed a crime that shocked their community, she's somehow felt responsible for his actions. Her classmates and neighbors made it clear that they were angry about what happened and many of them blamed her and her parents as well as treating her as though they think that she too will behave in the same way. In order to avoid the notoriety, Lexi has moved to different places and different schools, changing her name, and trying to stay beneath the radar. But it never works, and eventually, someone figures out her identity. For her senior year, she's moved to stay with her aunt in public housing. This time she hopes things will be different. At first, it seems that she's found a safe and supportive community among the drama kids. She begins a pretend romance with Ryan, a friendly boy who rides her bus, and a real one with Marcus, a special needs student who lives in the same housing complex and has plenty of demons of his own. For those who like introspection, there's plenty here, but readers will probably wonder why Lexi thought things would be different than they had been in her other schools. When she chooses to reveal her secrets to Marcus and then her other friends, I was proud of her for no longer trying to hide, but I also was pretty sure how things would play out. The author does a great job here of displaying the many different forms of cruelty and bullying that teens can mete out--all in the name of justice and fair play. But I still wanted to know more about some of those characters, especially Rory, and what gave her so much power and control, even down to deciding who would get what parts in the plays the school produced. I also liked how well the author describes Lexi's conflicted feelings about her brother as she tries to reconcile the kind, loving boy she knew with the one that committed three murders. I also wondered about the behavior of her parents, allowing her to move from place to place when they might have been better off being together. As for Lexi being asked to weigh in on her brother's ability to be rehabilitated, I can certainly see that happening, but hers would not be the only testimony to be considered. The title for this book is perfect since readers can't help but wonder about what happens to those left behind after a tragedy as they ponder, like Lexi, all they could have been. It was definitely a book worth reading although I was disappointed in parts of the book and how things played out. Apparently, more and more books are featuring a character that is asexual as this one does, a solid reminder that not everyone is filled with lust in high school. ...more
Young Adult Literature is rife with books that deal with high school proms and the joys, perils, and stressful moments in finding a date for the imporYoung Adult Literature is rife with books that deal with high school proms and the joys, perils, and stressful moments in finding a date for the important event--or just avoiding it completely. This novel turns those familiar emotions and experiences on their ear while exploring the dilemma its protagonist, Nolan Grant Sheffield, faces. More than a little bit of an art snob, Nolan has no plans to attend his high school prom or engage in the school's social activities. He has never had a boyfriend or even been kissed, and he's fine with that. But his older sister Daphne has plans for him and insists that he must pump up his extracurricular activities, raise his GPA, and ask someone to the prom. Knowing how reluctant he is, she sets the stage for a promposal so that Nolan can ask Si O'Mara, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club. But as he does, his nemesis, Ira Bernstein, intervenes and accepts the invitation. Understandably confused, Nolan finds himself in a pretend romantic relationship with Ira, who just broke up with his girlfriend, Gia. He figures that Ira is using him to make Gia jealous, but Ira also seems to be giving off mixed signals. What's a boy to do? I enjoyed watching this rom com play out amid family hijinks, self-esteem issues, and an after-school art program. There are the usual bumps and misunderstandings along the way as well as a very competitive and zany family and so many things go wrong. Still, I smiled, laughed and winced a tiny bit during various parts of the book. We all have those well-intended but overbearing folks in our lives like Daphne who drive us crazy with their machinations but who also get us out of our comfort zones. This book is definitely a blueprint for how not to ask a boy to the prom and the perfect read for the April/May prom season. ...more
Not only does this book feature 13 poems about nature, but it also provides easy-to-follow directions for how to fashion 13 different animals by foldiNot only does this book feature 13 poems about nature, but it also provides easy-to-follow directions for how to fashion 13 different animals by folding paper. Youngsters--and older folks too--are sure to enjoy these origami shapes, including a moth, a swallow, and a snail, among others. To make things even easier or novices, there are 50 sheets of origami paper to use in making the forms. For those who need even more assistance, there is a QR code that leads to videos that walk viewers through all the steps of making these adorable products. Since origami paper has a different weight and consistency from typing paper, it is impressive that paper has been included. ...more
The first title in a new series sure to appeal to fans of Junie B. Jones, this one features a protagonist and situations with which just about anyone The first title in a new series sure to appeal to fans of Junie B. Jones, this one features a protagonist and situations with which just about anyone in late elementary school. When Scarlett Tandy, the most popular girl in her class, invites Lucy McGee to join her after-school Craft Club, Lucy is torn because she's supposed to join the Songwriting Club. Readers will quickly realize that Scarlett has no intention of actually including Lucy; instead, she uses her to do all the hard jobs and even has her act as the server for the refreshments once the club gets going. Eventually, Lucy realizes that she's been had, but she has a lot of making up to do since she's hurt her friend, Phillip Lee, with her promises to join his club and play the ukulele. But all is not necessarily forgiven since Lucy concocts a plan concerning some fresh-baked cookies and some unusual ingredients to get back at Scarlett. Ugh! This book is sure to prompt some thinking about making good choices and not always listening to what others tell you to do. The black and white sketches add to the story's appeal. ...more
Making puppets is a wonderful way to encourage students to be creative since there are so many different types of puppets that can be created. For budMaking puppets is a wonderful way to encourage students to be creative since there are so many different types of puppets that can be created. For budding actors, playing roles as they manipulate the puppets can help them develop confidence and self-expression. This useful title provides tips about how to make sock puppets, using basic materials that can be found just about anywhere. Part of a series focusing on fairy tales, this one focuses on Little Read Riding Hood, and even includes a script and tips about how to make props for the play, including Grandma's bed and Red's basket. Even experienced puppeteers can learn something from this book and its suggestions. I loved how readers can follow the directions step by step. ...more
While I've never really been much of a princess type of girl myself, I ended up liking this one in which five different fifth grade girls draw inspiraWhile I've never really been much of a princess type of girl myself, I ended up liking this one in which five different fifth grade girls draw inspiration from a Disney princess. When their school decides to break the grade down into small groups, headed by a faculty advisor, Milla becomes part of the Daring Dreamers Club along with her classmates, Piper, Mariana, Zahra, and Ruby. What starts out as a school assignment, complete with journal entries about the princess each girl connects with most ends up being a way to make friends and find support. I have to say that I relate to Ms. Bancroft, the students' advisor and music teacher, and her free-spirited, slightly rebellious ways. It will be interesting to see how things play out for her in the future. Each book in the series will focus on a different girl. In this one, Milla who has two moms and a pet pig named Chocolate Chip, loves to write and dreams of all the adventures she might have. But because of severe food allergies and a scary encounter with a dog when she was younger, her parents are understandably overprotective of their daughter. She's worried that they won't give her permission to go on a class field trip, and every time she tries to prove how responsible she is, something goes wrong. I enjoyed how the characters are developed and how deftly the author handles Zahra's feelings about being around Chip due to her religion. In the end, of course, Milla realizes quite a lot about herself, including some of the personal strengths that she never realized she possessed. Princesses or not, these girls are clearly going places and finding healthy ways to navigate through life. ...more
Birdie and several other classmates are dying to play the part of the butterfly in their class play. Even though Birdie has fashioned a little doll wiBirdie and several other classmates are dying to play the part of the butterfly in their class play. Even though Birdie has fashioned a little doll with wings to show Miss Domino, her teacher, her potential, her rival, Anya arrives at school with life-size wings and an attitude to match. Eventually, everyone except the two girls agrees to play the role of another insect, and Birdie reluctantly agrees to play the caterpillar because she is concerned that she's starting to sound and act just like Anya, obnoxious and controlling. But fortunately for Birdie, she can always rely on her alter ego, Crafty Cat, to come up with creative craft ideas such as a caterpillar lantern instead of one featuring butterflies. She saves the day with her craft materials, including colored tissue paper and glue, and patches up Anya's wings after a mishap. While Anya is beyond annoying and clearly needs to be taken to task at some point, Birdie somehow manages to transcend all those annoyances and remain true to herself. The third title in the series, this one contains good life lessons and tips for dealing with individuals such as Anya, but I wish that Anya would get her comeuppance at some point. Crafty youngsters will be thrilled to find directions for five craft projects in the back matter, making this a good choice for someone in second or third grade or maybe even older. The simple illustrations capture the feeling of being in school and wanting to have the starring role of that butterfly very well, and older readers will remember feeling that a particular day that seemed to be the BEST DAY OF THEIR LIVES turns into the WORST DAY OF THEIR LIVES, sometimes at a moment's notice. ...more