If the Hat Fits

June 1, 2019
In this series opener, Pearl, Millie, and Halinka have taken on the charge to come up with an invention that will save Miss Bunsen's School for Brilliant Girls. Housed in a rotting building and led by quirky Miss Bunsen, the school is on the brink of financial collapse. The school's only hope is to win an interschool competition for the best invention, which comes with a large cash prize. The invention must be one that's perfect for the "youth of today." The girls design the Best of Yourself Hat, which, when worn, will "help you be the best version of yourself." When their rivals from the glitzy Atom Academy steal the hat-invention idea, Pearl, Millie, and Halinka must prove whose idea it truly was to save their chances of winning. What's oddly missing in the plot is that the girls on both sides never seem to consider that maybe another school might win, which dampens suspense somewhat and turns the story from one of invention to one of espionage. Diversity is conveyed primarily through visuals; the jacket image depicts Pearl, the leader of the team, with brown skin and curly hair, and Halinka and Millie present white, although in interior illustrations, Halinka appears to be a girl of color as well. Although the plot loses focus, it is empowering to see schoolgirls master STEAM. (Fiction. 7-10)

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August 1, 2019

Gr 2-4-Three friends, Pearl, Millie, and Halinka, attend Miss Bunsen's School for Brilliant Girls, where girls are encouraged to invent. Unfortunately, the school building is falling apart and there is no funding for repairs or updates. When an invention competition with a significant monetary prize is announced, Miss Bunsen asks the girls to create something that will win. As they work to develop their Best of Yourself Hat, a hat designed to boost the confidence of its wearer, girls from the Atom Academy steal the idea. The girls of Miss Bunsen's are disqualified based on an accusation of cheating, but they realize the truth was recorded by the school's bionic cat's glass eye. After sharing the footage with the contest judges, the girls of Miss Bunsen's win the contest and save the school. The underlying message of this adventure is that confidence, honesty, and friendship are something every young person needs. Cartoon illustrations throughout are detailed and cheerful. VERDICT This enjoyable series debut depicts girls as inventors and emphasizes the benefits of teamwork.-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa

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