The School Show

June 1, 2015
The Peabody Elementary School Talent Show is a source of anxiety for Penny, who has no clear talent. Jelly, Penny's small black-and-white dog, is her best friend, sticking by her as she tries to figure out what her talent is, no matter how loud, uncomfortable, or unpleasant that process might be. From playing the tuba and juggling to jumping rope and designing doggy fashions, Penny fails at them all. But it's not for lack of trying or a shortage of determination. Multiple lists and lots of ideas later (magic, yodeling, ballroom dancing), the exasperated Penny finally just crosses the talent show off her list. She doesn't want to share her "untalentedness" with the whole school. But when Penny reaches her lowest, her dog comes through for her, showing her just what the two of them are best at, and readers will not be surprised at the award they win. Heder's illustrations appear to be watercolors, and they capture both Penny's outsider status among other kids and her close relationship with her pooch, who is always at her side. Spot illustrations and white backgrounds work well to show the many activities attempted, and the lists with crossed-off items speak volumes about Penny's rising frustration level. Penny and Jelly are sure to warm the hearts of both future talent-show contestants and readers who have similarly close canine friends. (Picture book. 4-8)

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July 1, 2015
Grades K-3 When the annual school talent show rolls around, Penny is at a loss. Most of her classmates are turning to the old standbys: singing, dancing, singing and dancing. Penny, however, can't do either and certainly not both at the same time. So she and her best pal, adorable pup Jelly, embark on an epic quest to find a talent. As Penny's list of potential talents gets longer (and each entry is crossed off as she fails to successfully pull off the routines), Heder's warm, comforting illustrations charmingly and vibrantly depict each disastrous attempt. Penny tries out exotic skills like magic, tuba playing, and dog fashion, all with Jelly's help. Though Penny's dogged determination and playful spirit could have easily led to a Pollyannaish conclusion, Gianferrari resists that impulse, and she realistically includes moments when Penny feels frustration and fear, something that will resonate with many kiddos trying something new. Little ones anxious about finding a talent will be reassured by this heartening tale with a cozy conclusion: sometimes the best talent is friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)