Princess Angelica, Junior Reporter

February 1, 2020

Gr 1-3-Angelica, better known as Jelly, was first introduced to readers when she convinced her summer camp friends that she was a real princess. In another installment, she told her pals at the animal shelter that she was a lion trainer. Now Jelly convinces a new friend that she is actually a junior reporter for the city paper and assumes the name of a famous journalist. After investigating a hot-button topic concerning trouble at the local pool, and solving various problems around town with scientific know-how and ingenuity, Jelly comes face to face with the reporter she is impersonating. What will happen now that the truth is revealed? Polak's third installment in the "Princess Angelica" series will satisfy fans as Jelly's and best friend Joon's adventures continue. Jelly is a smart girl with a powerful imagination. Making up "whoppers" is her way of storytelling and she can't resist doing it. Naturally, the deceit has uncomfortable consequences, yet Jelly comes clean by the book's end. As an added bonus, much of the action takes place in a renovated library, where Jelly has to fix a squeaky book drop and a leaky pipe. Jelly, despite her bending of the truth, saves the day on multiple occasions, even serving as dog whisperer. VERDICT This series offers many aspects perfect for the chapter book crowd: large text; wide margins; short chapters; gentle humor; and a diverse cast of characters with generous black-and-white illustrations by Heinrichs. Best of all, budding writers may be encouraged to take their own pen to paper. Consistent with the rest of the series, purchase where the first two installments are popular.-Kate Nafz, Fair Lawn Public Library, NJ

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