Completely Clementine

October 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-Clementine faces a host of rising fourth-grader issues as the school year ends. She's feuding with her father over his refusal to become a vegetarian like the rest of the family, she can't bring herself to say goodbye to her third-grade teacher, and the family's new baby is due soon and they haven't even chosen a name yet. Picking the baby's name should be easy, but her other problems are more serious. She's avoided her teacher and given her dad the silent treatment for so long that she begins to regret it-but it's so hard to stop! Clementine and her friends sometimes exhibit the concerns of adults (school friends worry about future wedding plans), but Clementine's steadfast good nature and silliness are endearing and relatable. Jessica Almasy narrates, bringing infectious enthusiasm to Clementine's usually upbeat and slightly sassy personality. Other character voices are clearly defined, with Clementine's parents sounding especially authentic. VERDICT Fans of the series and kids ready to move up from Junie B. Jones will enjoy. ["This last title in the popular and laugh-out-loud chapter book series is a must-have for library collections": SLJ 2/1/15 review of the Disney-Hyperion book.]-Lisa Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ

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