Clementine, Friend of the Week

Children's Literature What is not to like about the spirited Clementine? Recently named Friend of the Week, which carries with it the privilege to be the leader in all thing for the week as well as a booklet about her prepared by her classmates, Clementine is determined to have her booklet be as good as if not more perfect that Margaret's. Trying to look into Margaret's Friend of the Week book result in an explosive feud between the two but not before Margaret suggests that good things will be written if Clementine gives presents. Armed with that advice Clemetine tries compliments, which always seem to somehow get twisted, draws tattoos on her friends with markers—fortunately the washable kind—and offers her fathers treasure trove of decorations—with his permission—to her classmates to decorate their bikes for the annual parade. In the midst of her exciting week, disaster strikes when her new kitten Moisturizer disappears. Frantic with his loss she engages her parents in a massive search while despairing that she will ever get the great booklet she is hoping for. Help comes from an unexpected source when Margaret steps in the assist her friend with a clever plan to find the kitten. With Moisturizer found Clementine learns the secret about Margaret's booklet and gets a pretty great one for her self. Along the way Clementine learns a valuable lesson is just what makes good friends. Building on an already sound fan base, Pennypacker's latest adventure for Clementine does not fail to please. Clementine is just as spunky, Margaret is just as perfect and bossy, and the appearance of the ever-patient parents and the vegetable nicknamed little brother add comfort and continuity. The breezy text narrated in Clementine's inimitable voice is spot on. The pen and ink drawings capture all the sparkle and energy that is Clementine. It is another winner. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey