Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker


Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. 179 p. Disney/ Hyperion, March, 2015. 9781423123583. (Borrowed from public library)

The end of third grade is fast approaching and Clementine refuses to say "Good-bye" to Mr. D'Matz. While she's looking forward to summer, she does not feel ready for fourth grade and all its demands and surprises. She's looking forward to the summer though. She has been giving her father the silent treatment because he un-apologetically ate meat. She has been drawing pictures of sad animals and leaving them in strategic places. She wants her mom to have this baby already but is a bit worried that her new sibling is going to be a dud like Mr. D'Matz's. 

Sob! The very last Clementine book! Can it be? This final installment is as fresh and funny as the first and makes me want to go back and read them all right in a row. Clementine has come a long way in third grade thanks to two great parents plus one fantastic teacher plus one spectacular principal. They all appreciate her gifts and work to gently yet firmly rein in her impulses.

Clementine is a spirited handful - ever observant, rarely reserved and exceeding creative. Her growth from book to book was realistic. The dialogue rang true. The spot art that usually began on the title and verso and dedication pages captured Clementines energy brilliantly. A perfect ending to a fun series. Uh-oh! I just realized that we never learn her brother's name! Clementine sure came up with some doozies for him over the course of the series. She comes up with a perfect name for her newest sibling.

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