Shrinking Violet

Never has being shy seemed so rewarding!

Whether she's impersonating Elvis, swaggering like Captain Hook, or imitating the sounds of a cricket, Violet is expressive and funny — but only when she's alone or with her best friend, Opal. At school, especially around class bully Irwin, who teases her nonstop, she retreats into a shell of shyness. But when Irwin, playing the part of Planet Mars in the class play, begins to spin wildly out of control and threatens to ruin the entire production, it's Violet who saves the day — managing not only to give Irwin his comeuppance but to find her own unique way of surviving the spotlight.

Illustrations brimming with humor and charm add to the fun in this fresh take on overcoming shyness.

Violet, who is very shy and hates for anyone to look at her in school, finally comes out of her shell when she is cast as Lady Space in a play about the solar system and saves the production from disaster.

Never has being shy seemed so rewarding!

Whether she's impersonating Elvis, swaggering like Captain Hook, or imitating the sounds of a cricket, Violet is expressive and funny — but only when she's alone or with her best friend, Opal. At school, especially around class bully Irwin, who teases her nonstop, she retreats into a shell of shyness. But when Irwin, playing the part of Planet Mars in the class play, begins to spin wildly out of control and threatens to ruin the entire production, it's Violet who saves the day — managing not only to give Irwin his comeuppance but to find her own unique way of surviving the spotlight.

Illustrations brimming with humor and charm add to the fun in this fresh take on overcoming shyness.

Children's Literature

This clever picture book takes an honest look at shyness and its debilitating effect on a young girl named Violet. During the school day, Violet doesn't like to draw extra attention to herself in any situation, especially if it means Irwin, the resident wise guy, will notice her and make insulting comments like "I'll be watching your fat knees." When he does, she blushes, twirls her hair and wishes she could just shrink away. For as long as Violet can remember, she has preferred to look and listen instead of being an active participant in events. The only time she reveals her true self is when she plays with her best friend Opal; then, she gives silly speeches, sings like Elvis Presley and shouts like a sports announcer. When Violet learns that she will play the role of Lady Space in a class play about the solar system, her nervous jitters begin, but not for long. Her role will be performed offstage, and excited about working behind the scenes, she learns her lines as well as everyone else's. On opening night, everything goes as planned until Irwin forgets what to do and causes chaos on stage. Violet interjects new lines for Irwin and gets a raucous laugh from the audience. After the show, he thanks her and draws attention to her once again by winging one of his famous insults. Only this time, she doesn't feel like shrinking away and doesn't let it bother her. Potter's silly, expressive characters dance across the page and bring the author's wonderful words to life. All families should add this delightful book to their collections. 2001, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Debra Briatico

Cari Best and Giselle Potter's previous collaboration, Three Cheers for Catherine the Great!, was a Booklist Editors' Choice and selected a Best Book of the Year by both Publishers Weekly and Child magazine. Ms. Best lives in Weston, Connecticut, and Ms. Potter lives in Kingston, New York.