Clementine and the Spring Trip

Jessica Almasy completely inhabits Clementine, a precocious third-grader and budding artist. In addition to expressing Clementine's generally upbeat nature, Almasy's high tones and bouncy inflections capture the enthusiasm of the dynamic young protagonist as she flutters from one principle-inspired undertaking to the next. Diverse voices include chatter from Clementine's tireless school chums and the befitting English accent of the Pilgrim woman of Plimoth Plantation. Almasy's changing pace reflects the chaos when the school children become frantic about riding on smelly Bus 7 as well as the calmer times as empathic Clementine helps her friend Margaret deal with the anxiety of facing the rules made by older kids. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-Clementine is busy navigating third grade. Her family is expecting a baby and working on a surprise project for her Mom. Now that spring has sprung, Clementine has planted an apple tree and she's busy watching it grow. Her friend Margaret is going crazy with spring cleaning and worrying about the upcoming field trip to Plimoth Plantation. But that's not all. There's the funky odor on bus seven, and the fourth grade class has rules about eating without making a sound-no slurping, chewing, smacking, or snicking (what is snicking anyway?). Clementine has a lot to be concerned about, but a new student named Olive will help her work through her woes with a few bumps along the way. There's a lot going on in this book (Hyperion, 2013), but in the end Pennypacker ties it all together. Clementine learns important life lessons about growing up, becoming independent, and making choices. She's reminiscent of Ramona, Junie B. Jones, and Judy Moody with her own style and personality that listeners will easily relate to. Jessica Almasy's narration brings life and energy to the characters. The inclusion of sound effects and some music would have made the telling even more engaging.-Jessica Gilcreast, McDonough Elementary, Manchester, NH

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