Synopsis
Robin feels so ordinary next to the new girl in her third-grade class. How can Robin impress Zoey who has pierced ears, wears tap shoes, and speaks French? She’s sure a cool girl like Zoey wouldn’t want to be her best friend. Robin’s excited when their teacher Miss Wing makes the girls partners for the butterfly project. But what if she blows her big chance at being best buddies?
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-Robin is nervous about getting a new teacher, but Miss Wing turns out to be exotic and exciting, especially because she wears cool, red high-tops just like hers. She and Zoey, a new girl in the class, are assigned to be partners on a science project and are given a caterpillar to observe and write about daily. This device and a "tips" section provide readers with a basic knowledge of the butterfly's life cycle. The third grader hopes to gain the teacher's admiration and Zoey's friendship by dressing like them, to the point of wearing eyeglasses even though she can't see through them. As the butterflies emerge, so does Robin from her pretense. Sims's ink drawings add a pleasant and humorous touch, giving the novel a personality that is reminiscent of Beverly Cleary's "Ramona" books (Morrow). As with the author's Third Grade Pet (1998) and Mean, Mean Maureen Green (2001, both Holiday), readers will find much to relate to in this book.-Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.