Louise the Big Cheese and the Ooh-la-la Charm School

December 19, 2011
In her fourth outing, Louise, the small girl with ginormous aspirations, meets Claire Eclaire from Paris, who invites her to attend her charm school. But it turns out that Madame Claire is bossy, makes Louise wear a shower curtain, and is actually from Paris, Maine. Goode’s comic book–style watercolors match the young diva’s energy and ambition. Even readers who relate to Louise’s high-flying fantasies should appreciate seeing her come back down to earth (and remember what it means to be a good friend). Ages 5–up. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

January 1, 2012
The ever-ambitious Louise is back for another adventure-cum–life lesson, accompanied by her adorable dog PeeWee. As in previous outings, Louise has high hopes of improving her status that don't quite work out as planned. This time around there's also a villain of sorts who leads her astray: snooty Claire Eclaire, in town to visit her grandmother. Claire's from Paris (no, really--though not the one in France, as Louise eventually discovers), and she uses the promise of "charm school" lessons to coerce Louise into doing her chores and letting her win at games. In the process, Louise ignores her faithful BFF Fern (again) and embarrasses herself in front of family and friends as usual. It all works because Primavera's deadpan delivery and Goode's over-the-top illustrations emphasize the sheer silliness and thus manage to keep Louise entertaining rather than annoying (though her older sister Penelope might not entirely agree with that assessment). Fans of the series will be happy to see that the essential elements are present: Louise's fantasies are explosions of cotton-candy pink, dialogue balloons further the plot and the pictures provide plenty of amusing details to pore over. Those new to Louise's "sleepy town" will likely be eager to catch up on her previous escapades. Tongue-in-cheek humor balances the bling to make this a fancy series that both adults and children can enjoy. (Picture book. 5-8)

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January 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-Louise is a small-town girl who wants a big, important life. She wants famous parents, but Mr. and Mrs. Cheese are not impressed with importance. Louise wants to be noticed, so she dresses in outlandish outfits, but still no one gives her the attention she feels she deserves. Then Claire Eclaire arrives at school, and she comes from Paris. And she is opening the Ooh la la Charm School at her house. Louise is so ready to learn to be a glamorous Parisian that she ignores her other friends. In the end, though, Louise is in for a surprise about Claire and realizes who her true friends are. The narrative is a combination of straight text and word balloons, which can be a bit of a challenge for read-alouds. The expressive cartoon illustrations pile on the jokes and wannabe glamour. This series title is charming and funny and carries a gentle message about friendship and what's really important in life.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2012
Grades K-2 Louise, the little girl with big ideas about getting noticed, has a new route to prominence here. A new kid, Claire Eclaire, takes Louise under her wing and shows her how life is lived in Paris. She teaches her things like how they make beds in France and how to dress in a shower curtain. When it becomes clear that Claire is from Paris, Maine, Louise not only knows she's been duped but regrets her treatment of best-friend Fern. Readers will find loads to look at in Goode's hilariously detailed artwork, and they'll both frown and laugh at Louise's predicaments. Fun, even in repeated readings.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)