Jenna Beatrice

Tip-toeing through the library falls to pieces despite the good intentions of a very enthusiastic heroine.

Penelope dreams of the week, when it's her turn to help out at the school library. She's practiced in every possible way and is more than prepared. So when the day comes, her excitement shoots into high-gear, and she does great...except for her voice. But this isn't really her fault, since it is a naturally, overly loud one, and there doesn't seem to be anything she can do about it.

This is a fun and hilarious read, promising giggles and laughs from beginning to end. While the book starts out normal enough, it soon becomes clear that Penelope's situation is anything but normal...and that invites silliness pure. The text is concise, pulls in, and makes for a perfect read-aloud (which is important in another way...but I'm not saying why), and the font makes sure that the emotions sit. But it's the balance with the illustrations, which really let humor fly.

The illustrations are well played by mixing normality with imagination's extremes. The humor builds bit by bit in a mostly subtle way, which isn't subtle by the end. I appreciate how ridiculousness pops up without pardon, while still keeping the characters and setting as usual as usual can be. It's a great mix, which is sure to delight. I received an ARC and found the humor refreshing.… (mehr)