Sunshine Picklelime

August 1, 2010

Gr 4-7-PJ Picklelime meets a yellow warbler who can't warble, names him Lemon Pie, and allows him to take up residence in her thick crop of curly black hair while she teaches him to sing. Eventually, however, Lemon Pie moves on, and the remainder of the story takes a confusing turn toward realism. The narrative follows PJ's relationships with the quirky individuals in her town, such as Mrs. Patel, with whom PJ concocts lemonade so delicious it conjures up adults' nostalgic memories of childhood. The story becomes more confusing when the girl no longer wants to be at home because her parents are fighting, a problem that is talked about but never shown. Finally, PJ attempts to deal with the sudden death of a friend by participating in her school's art show. Interspersed throughout are details of the protagonist's developing relationships with other local birds, with whom she teams up to drive a nasty pet shop owner out of town. A criss-crossing matrix of underdeveloped story lines never really connect. Ferguson's celebration of diversity rings true, delivering a subtle, poignant message, specifically during PJ's search for various views on life after death. Unfortunately, she and the cast of adult side characters are not strong enough to hold readers' interest.-Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
Grades 4-7 PJ Picklelime copes with her parents separation and the death of a friend with help from her animal friends and several supportive adults. In a village where summers are hot and dreamy, nearly everyone practices alternative lifestyles, and those who help animals can speak to them. PJs first encounter with loss happens when the warbler who lived in her bushy black hair flies south. Saying she needs a big sister, her gardening neighbor Mrs. Patel introduces her to 13-year-old Ruth, who rescues baby animals. With their owls and gulls, the two discover and chase off a local bird thief. After Ruth dies suddenly, the second half of the book chronicles the devastated PJs spiritual quest as she consults adults from a variety of religious backgrounds to find out what happens after death. Though the setting is dreamy and there are touches of magic realism, PJs problems are distinctly real-world. This debut childrens novel by a teacher of oriental medicine will appeal to families who share her alternative values of conscious living.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)