Sara Pennypacker Reviews

Clementine; illus. by Marla Frazee
     136 pp. Hyperion
     Reviewed 1/07
Third-grader Clementine feels lucky that spectacular ideas are continually "sproinging up" in her brain, but her best friend, parents, teacher, and principal don't see things in quite the same way. In one short but eventful week Clementine finds herself in the principal's office again and again, struggling to explain perfectly reasonable behavior to increasingly impatient adults. Why, for example, can't her friend Margaret's mother appreciate that Clementine was trying to help when she cut off all of Margaret's long shining hair with plastic school scissors? Clementine's first-person narration is fresh and winsome, and the episodic plot is accessible to young readers but includes details and layers that add a richness rare in short chapter books. Frazee's abundant pen-and-ink illustrations bounce along the pages with the same energy as the story: socks sag, hair sticks out at odd angles, and affection shines through each of the drawings. When everything seems to be going wrong, and Clementine fears that her parents are ready to give her away, the very same skills that usually land her in trouble come to her rescue. The ending of Pennypacker's very funny book is as happy for Clementine as it is for her readers. MAEVE VISSER KNOTH

The Talented Clementine; illus. by Marla Frazee
      138 pp. Hyperion
      Reviewed 5/07
Clementine, a cross between Joey Pigza and Ramona Quimby, is back, and she is not happy about her teacher's latest "exciting" idea. Clementine's school is raising money for the big spring trip, and the third- and fourth-graders are putting on a talent show as their fundraiser. Unfortunately, our heroine has no talents at all. None. Not singing or dancing or playing music or even hopping. Tap-dancing on home-nailed shoes or juggling household objects or making her brother laugh hysterically, though quite amusing, are not what her teacher or parents have in mind. But on the night of the dreaded Talent-Palooza, Clementine finds her true talent: paying attention, in her own particular way. Readers of the eponymous first book (rev. 1/07) will be happy to meet the same funny, open-eyed, empathetic girl they loved, now -- thankfully -- a bit more grown-up and acting more like an actual eight-year-old than a caricature of Junie B. Jones. Her understanding yet oh-so-realistic parents and patient but frazzled teachers ring true. The breathless, jumpy first-person narration has an immediacy that allows the reader a front-row seat. Frazee's frequent energetic pencil drawings capture all of Clementine's joy and worry and earnestness. New readers and listeners will cheer when Clementine discovers her talent and will eagerly await the next book about this "one of a kind" girl. ROBIN SMITH

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