Jackie French Books

I first saw this book at an open house. It was part of the staging for the unit but once I saw the book, I stopped looking around the property and had to read it. I was all smiles from the first page.

This book is great for both children and adults. The text and the illustrations are of equal quality (excellent) and make me laugh every time I read the book. It is obvious that the author has spent a lot of time with wombats and has observed their behavior with humor. The words and pictures capture the quirkiness and cuteness of wombats perfectly. Another thing I liked about this book was that the text is shown as if the wombat was scribbling in his diary (same look as how the title is written). I keep this book displayed on the shelf at all times in my room so whenever I look in that direction there is something to brighten my day. If you like animals, you will love this book.

We just discovered this book at the library, and our six year old son thought it was great. He's had us read it with him over and over. We might have to buy our own copy.

What a sweet book! The illustrations are wonderful. I just wanted to read the book over and over again!

I bought this book after reading it at the library. The illustrations are fantastic and the the first-person narration is too cute! I'm sure it will be one of my son's favorites!

We read dozens and dozens of childrens' books featuring local flora and fauna during our trip to New Zealand and Australia and this one was by far the most engaging and delightful. We didn't buy it in the first store where we saw it and then spent the ensuing several weeks quoting it at every available occasion. We even started demanding carrots for both good and bad behavior.

One thing we loved is the link between the narration and the drawings -- they complement each other in clever and wonderful ways. On one page the wombat discovers a new scratching post and only in studying the drawing do you see that he has dislodged a can of paint. At the end of the book many of his targets (from clean laundry to a pair of boots) are visible in one truly great image.

Another great thing is how well the book gets across how wombats really act without ever stating any boring facts. The humorous text and graphics simply show a wombat doing what wombats do -- it's a great purchase as a souvenir because it can introduce a child to this funny animal.

Strongly recommended.

As I tend to go for LONGER books, this one was an appitizer to me. It was a quaint story.. that I devoured in less than a day. Easy reading.. Somewhat predictible story line.. that could have been rendered from a lifetime movie for sure. It does show the struggles of a 15 year old girl, and the thinking that she has (that we have all had)... But it also has a nice little pink bow ending.. and we all know that life doens't happen that way, however much we might really want it to.. However, if that is what you like.. a nice wrapped up ending with no strings sticking out.. this book is for you.

It was a fine book, but not one of my top ten.

Anna is 15 years old and her mother is constantly leaving her. When her mother is gone she has to take care of five year old Mandy her sister and 11 month year old Casey. Her mom is always making bad choices. One day her mom never comes home like she usually does when she leaves. Anna is always worried that the authorities will come and put her in a foster home seperate from her brother and sister. I liked this book because it is realistic. I give the book four stars. I really enjoyed reading this book!

This is such an awesome book! I recommend it to young adults everywhere!

I read this book last year, and it was outstanding. This book is about Anna O'Dell and her two younger siblings, Mandy and Casey who are abandoned by their alcoholic mother. Since her father is dead, Anna soon assumes the role of a mother and finds out how hard it really is to be a parent, especially at the age of 15.I highly recommend this book to anyone. When I read it, I couldn't put it down. I read this book in school with some of my friends as a group, and we all loved it. Some of them even cried. It is touching and very realistic, and you will be sad when it ends, because you won't want it to end.

A place to call home!

This is a very interesting book that inspires and tells a life story about a girl named Anna and her other two siblings. Casey, at the age of 11 months, and Mandy, at the age of 5. Anna's mother is an alcoholic. She is a regular about leaving Anna to take care of the children for about a day or so but when she leaves this time Anna doesn't think she is coming back! Anna is pretty much a mother at the age of 15. Anna try's to get through the time of her life being a kid but that isn't very possible. Since Anna has 2 siblings to look out for Anna doesn't have a lot of time for boys. So when Nate a very cute boy in Anna's eyes comes along she can not spend time with him! Anna gets her first kiss, and would like to spend time with Nate but now that she knows that her mom is not coming back Anna can't trust anybody. Anna and Mandy are always very scared that the foster care is going to come and separate their family. Mandy and Anna are always looking out for each other and will try to never separate. I liked this book because it is inspiring and it is a life telling story. I really liked this book and I hope you have a fun time reading it too!

This story is a well written account of life during the Great Depression! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nothing to Fear is an amzing book about a boy named Danny who's growing up in the Great Depression. After his firend's family gets evicted there is more trouble. His dad has to go look for work. He promises to be home by Christmas. The hard times are just beginning though. With suicides going on every day and his mother getting sick after having a baby you have to wonder is there really nothing to fear? This is a story you'll never want to put down and read over and over again.

I read this book three years ago, when I was [...], and I really enjoyed it. I had a very basic idea what the Great Depression was, but I didn't really know.
Now, I'm reading it again. I've read it before and can understand it more, and it really is an outstanding book. It's well written, filled with dialogue and conflict, and provided me with different people's points of view on the Great Depression. Now that I'm older, I know what it is, and how it happened, but that actually made the book lose some of it's sparkle. It's still a great book and I would recommend it to anyone 8-12 who wants an insight on the Great Depression through the eyes of a young boy. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes adventure, friendship, and a good read.

Danny Garvey and his family are trying to deal with the hardships of going through the Great Depression. Danny's dad Daniel Garvey decides to leave to look for work because Danny's family doesn't have enough money to support themselves. Weeks pass and Danny, his mother, and, sister wait for a letter from Daniel. Danny's family eventually becomes very close to the Riley family because of the absence of Daniel. Christmas comes and Danny hopes that his dad will make it home for Christmas. Danny's dad doesn't show up and Danny's family is very disappointed. Months go by and there is still no word from Daniel. Then Danny learns that his mother is pregnant and as weeks go by she becomes very sick. Danny's family meets a guy named Hank and he is the one who cares for Danny's sick mother. Danny's mother eventually goes into a coma and Danny finds a letter that tells him that Daniel died. Then one week passes and Danny's mom awakes from the coma and marries Hank. They then have a grand funeral for Danny's dad as the Great Depression finally subsides.



This story's setting is in the neighborhoods of New York City. It is a poor neighborhood and the people do not have any hope of surviving the depression. This story takes place for about a year.


I would recommend this story to anyone because it teaches you a great amount on how people's lives were affected in the Great Depression. This story will make you appreciate the things you take advantage of in life. You should read this book because it is so interesting and is funny at times. This story is very heartbreaking but is one of the most heartwarming stories. I enjoyed this story so much.

I have always thought that the 1930's were the most interesting times in the 20th century to study. So, much was changing in the world and so much in the United States. Danny Garvey, the main character, is a boy who trys to live through these hard times with all the courage he can muster,looking after Ma and little Maureen. His Pa, Daniel , senior is a man torn between staying with his family and looking for a job. Molly, the mother, has to hold together her family and support it at the same time. Maggie, the next door neighbor girl, is as tough as nails and sweet on Danny.Hank, the Okie, comes into Danny's life at a diffucult time to help out. Mr. Weissman is a store owner just trying to make it. Mrs. Riley, Maggies's Mom, raising 7 kids through the Depression and an abusive alcholic husband. This book really captures the Depressiona and the peole who lived through it. Jackie Koller makes this time period real for kids and adults who are lucky enough to pick up her book. IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE KNOWN THESE CHARACTERS!!!!

Illustrations are warm and fun. Rhyming is done very well. It is not the sometimes stiff and unusual vocabulary you can get in childrens' books that is used just to get a rhyme.

I did not give it 5 stars b/c the story was just a little bit awkward. It wasn't always evident why one more monkey would have been the cause of the problem as opposed to it just being attributable to the rowdiness of the monkeys. Never-the-less, it is an above average and fun to read kid book.

My son and I first checked this book out of the library, but he kept wanting to read it, so we bought it and it was been one of his favorites ever since. I enjoy reading it to him too. The illustrations are fantastic and the verses are light, flowing and fun to read. The rhythm of the text lures my son into a read-a-thon and we end up reading it not once, not twice but three times or more.

This is a fun counting book about monkeys who break the rules about how many people can do certain things at a time. Whenever one monkey too many joins the group, it starts off fun, but inevitably ends in disaster. The book is not exactly scary, but a lot of objects get broken, so it might be an uncomfortable read for kids with anxieties about breaking things. The story is quite humorous, and it has about 500 words.

This is a wonderful book. The text has a lilting, easy-to-read flow to it, and the phrases are often hilarious, but the illustrations are what really make it a classic! My children love seeing what the naughty little monkeys will get themselves into next. The "twist" at the end of the book is the best part - we all laughed ourselves silly. What a fun, fun book for children and grownups alike!

This is one funny book! The story begins with a bear bikeseller telling the monkey, "This bike is for one. / One monkey can ride it, / and one can have fun." True to its title, it doesn't take long for "one monkey too many" to jump on the bike-with predictably disastrous results. "It started to wobble. / It started to pitch. One monkey too many crashed into the ditch!"

Left with a busted bike, the two monkeys are given a cart by a golfing tiger. "Two," said the golfer. / "This cart is for two. / If you're looking for fun, / this is perfect for you." Would have been perfect, that is, if "one monkey too many" hadn't hopped right on.

The story continues in this vein with the monkeys trying out a canoe, an elegant restaurant, and, finally, a large bed.

At story's end, the book's author tells the monkeys, "This book is for six. The pages are full, / so no more of your tricks." Of course, as soon as the author goes out to lunch . . . you guessed it . . . one monkey too many gets into the book-literally-making a huge, hilarious mess all over the last page.

Lynn Munsinger was the perfect choice for illustrating this clever creation. Her pen and ink and watercolor cartoons capture perfectly the rambunctious action and gleeful expressions of the monkeys, as well as the horrified-yet comical-faces of the onlookers.

The book is a delight to read aloud. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff.

My 9 year old son read all 3 books in one weekend! Even thought Grammie & Grandpa were visiting he kept reading ... even through dinner out. I'm serious, he read in the car, in bed and even put down GameBoy for the entire weekend (he only gets GB on the weekend) to read the books! He was laughing out loud while reading and LOVED the characters. Said he wished the series was like Box Car Children because there are 100's of those books. I love the fact that he likes them and the lead character is a strong girl. YEAH!

when i finish this book, i think the book is very good. The story happened in the Eldearth, a eleven years old princess Nell is determined to be the next Imperial Wizard., but she has a brother, owen. He is better to be the Imperial Wizard in king's heart, because he is a boy. So Nell and her brother, owen, compete for the Imperial Wizard. Nell wants to provide that the girl can be the Imperial Wizard. However, the evil Lord Graieconn grows stronger. He want to extinguishing the Scepter of Light. All of the Eldearth worried about their peace. Nell must use all of her power and intelligence to stop the evil Lord Graieconn extinguishing the Scepter of Light. However, she doesn't have enough power, she undertands she need her brother's power.Although I am a boy, but I admire Nell who is a clever and brave girl. I think Nell and Owen can beat the evil lord Graieconn.
1/7/06
longme

The evil Lord Graieconn and his allegiances of twisted Folk who call him their commander are growing stronger, while the current Imperial Wizard, the keeper of the Scepter of Light, continues to grow weaker. All of Eldearth is worried that their peaceful days are over. Eleven-year-old Princess Arnelle "Nell" who has overcome an extremely difficult task to be the next Imperial Wizard, must use all her intelligence and wit to stop the forces of the Dark Lord from extinguishing the Scepter of Light, which has always protected Eldearth from Graieconn. However soon Nell comes to the realization that she cannot do it alone. She must have the help of her twin brother Owen, her competitor for the title of Imperial Wizard. Can Nell and Owen work together to stop the dark forces? Will the two be strong enough?

This was a good conclustion to the Keeper's Trilogy. This wasn't my favorite fantasy trilogy but did have a very headstrong heroine that will connect with many young girls. Though this series is reminiscient of other books I have read, it does have its own uniqueness in some areas. Its a good book to read for leisure. A definite recommendation.

The Imperial Wizard, Guardian of the Scepter, is dying, and all the good people of Eldearth are worried. If the Imperial Wizard dies without choosing a successor, Graieconn, the Lord of Darkness, will take over Eldearth and rule over it with an iron fist. Eleven-year-old Nell is determined to be the next Imperial Wizard, but her long-lost twin brother, Owen, is favored because he is a boy. As Nell and Owen compete for title of Imperial Wizard, time is running out for Eldearth. Will Nell be strong enough to fight the forces of evil? And what if neither she nor Owen is the promised one, destined to be Imperial Wizard?

Readers who enjoyed the first two books in the Keepers trilogy won't want to miss the conclusion to Nell's adventures. I enjoyed this trilogy a lot, and I highly recommend it to young readers who enjoy fantasy adventures with strong girl characters.

This book was sooooo good! It really took me to an other world! As soon as I finished the series, I got jolted back to reality... I was pretty sad... Then I found a couple more cool books, (both series... wizard one and friends...) The Circle of Magic, Aragon, Dragons of North Chittendon, and A Glory of Unicorns. If you liked this book just as much, you might want to read these.

This is a story of a girl lost in the world of today, without a soild family. It is perhaps fear that makes her "step around the corner" into the 1930's, at the time of the depression in Australia. There she meet Young Jim, whose family takes Barbara in, even though they are poor. Here Barbara learns what it is like to be loved, and to love in return. THis is a great book, and I love the feel of the 1930's, French writes it so well!

thiis book was the best book i have ever read i think it should be around for many years to come it is just a bit to hard to find.

i think it should be a compuslery book at high school's

I love it! Abolutely! I cried, I laughed, I read it again. The description of the depression days, the Australian bush, the ol' billy and hessian bag windows in Young Jim's family's shanty in Poverty Gully to which Young Jim flees with Barbara too. Lonely, 1990s Barbara. In the world of jeans and sportsgirl and makeup and discos. Plummeted into the dark depression world. But not everything's so bleak. Over Barbara's time living with Jim's family, they accomplish some wonderful things... until it takes a natural disaster to get 'Bubba' back around the corner again... The best book I've ever read. I loved the end, but it was a tear-jerker, when she and Young Jim are reunited, then only perhaps two or three years apart, now more than sixty. I could cry now! I LOVED IT!

I can't tell you all how much I LOVE this book! It was sooooo touching! I laughed alot of times and cried at the end. But don't get me wrong this book wasn't sad at all, it was so touching and sweet. A perfect ending. This book moves at a fast pace. I fineshed it in a couple of hours! READ THIS BOOK!

I think this is the best book that i have read and i would suggest anyone reading it. please read it

This book was incredible! It was about Alec who hates his little brother. A old lady gives him a magical coin and he makes a wish that his brother was never born. He finds out how wonderful his brother is in his adventure. This story is definitely a book you should try to find!

"If I Had One wish" is a great book. It's about a boy named Alec. Alec was at a mall when he literally ran into a bag lady. She gave him a coin and said it would grant him one wish. Alec wishes his little brother Stevie away because Stevie is driving him nuts. When Alec relizes the wish came true, and his familiy didn't remember Stevie, Alec became sad. Alec's familiy was richer but they didn't have time to do fun stuff with him. The story teaches you to be careful what you wish and to love your familiy dearly.

Id have to say the movie was better, but the book was good too.

I think this book is excellent because I have a brother and it showed me how diffrentlife would be with out him.People that would enjoy this book the most is the ones with little brothers or sisters.

Josephine wants to dance. She practices her bounces and leaps with the long-legged birds. When she sees a poster for a ballet, she dreams of wearing a tutu and silk ballet slippers. Sneaking into town to watch the ballet rehearsals only makes her want to dance more.

Her brother, Joey, doesn't understand. He just keeps reminding her she is a kangaroo and what she does is jump, not dance.

On the day of the first performance, the prima ballerina twists her ankle and Josephine has the chance to live her dream. Will she do it well enough? Will the show go on? This is an adorable, pink book reminding children not to give up on their dreams, even when they seem impossible. The combination of story and illustrations is delightful and sure to make for a fun time.

Armchair Interviews says: We're never too young-or too old to live out our dreams.

This lovely Australian import created by the award- winning team of Diary of a Wombat (Clarion, 2003) will delight preschool children. Josephine is a Kangaroo who loves to dance and learns her steps from the graceful movements of other animals like brolgas and lyrebirds; their motions are described in evocative similes that stretch the imagination, "she swayed like the lyrebirds as they call to their sweethearts." Her brother Joey loudly tells her, "Kangaroos don't dance" but Josephine ignores him and continues to seek ever more inspiration: Then a ballet company comes to town and Josephine wants to dance "in a pink tutu, with silk ballet shoes." The illustrations express and extend beautifully this humorous and lively tale. Josephine is depicted dancing on her toes and doing pirouettes; her body is always a swirl of motion as she strikes one dramatic pose after another. At one point she hides in a garbage can outside the ballet practice room window so she can learn how to perform the ballet. When Josephine actually performs the ballet on stage, her very attentive and expressive audience is featured in a dynamic and amusing double spread that shows various different people but also includes a sheep and a dog family: the puppy's ears are all that is visible in one chair. The design of this book is lovely from the eye- catching cover that shows Josephine dressed in a tutu and ballet slippers to the many endearing illustrations that stand out beautifully from a warm pink background. The font is easy on the eye and large font size is used for declarations, "I can't dress a kangaroo!" says the costume designer. Enjoy using this book in story times and if you display the bold cover, patrons will snap it off your shelves.

Reviewed by Olivia Alejandre (age 4) for Reader Views (12/07)

Mom's review / summary:
I love this book! Not only does Josephine follow her dreams to be a ballerina, even though her brother continually tries to discourage her, but she does it through her OWN intuition and initiative! She doesn't wait for someone else to encourage her or help her find a creative solution to becoming a dancer. She goes out and finds a way herself. Wow! Thank you Jackie French!

My daughter Olivia and I had read five new books and I asked her which one was her favorite - she pointed to this one. She connected with the story AND the artwork - that's relatively rare for someone of her age (she just turned 4).

I wish there was more background with the artwork, especially on the pages where Josephine danced on stage. I was hoping that Olivia could get a visual of Josephine being on a stage in front of a crowd and not being scared. She might remember that someday when she is in a recital or concert of some kind. The artwork looked too similar from page to page (minor issue compared to all the positives of this book).

Olivia's review:
"Josephine loves to dance. `Don't dance, Josephine! Kangaroos don't dance; they hop.' Josephine still danced and she danced over her brother. There was a ballet class going and `I am going to go to the ballet class.' Josephine sneaked into the door and the girls in ballet class hurt their legs. There's a kangaroo dancing; that kangaroo can really do ballet. And he makes a dress for Josephine and some slippers. `Come out of there,' said Josephine's brother. `No, I'm going to dance,' said Josephine. She can jump higher than anyone. Last dance was from Josephine."

Some quotes from Olivia about "Josephine Wants to Dance":
"Is Josephine a rat?"

"Pretty." (Josephine dancing)

"She has to try to dance because she's never done it before." [Mom]: "And, what happens if she practices?" [Olivia]: "She gets better. And, then her brother is dancing! And, her brother doesn't have to tell her that anymore."

[Mom]: "What do you think about someone telling you that you can't do something?"
"Mean."

Jackie French's JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE enjoys Bruce Whatley's zany story of a kangaroo who doesn't want to hop, but dance. Josephine dreams of being in the ballet, but everyone rejects the idea and won't let her - until the prima ballerina twists has ankle on opening day and Josephine at last displays her talents. A fine story of achievement and possibilities.

My daughter asked for this book for Christmas because we read the first one together. She is 8 years old. She absolutely loves the characters, especially Nell and Minna. Nell is such a strong female character, I highly recommend her as a role model for any young girl. She is often scared, but presses on anyway.
There is plenty of adventure, but it doesn't get too scary for an 8 year old.
We can't wait to read the next book!

My 9 year old son read all 3 books in one weekend! Even thought Grammie & Grandpa were visiting he kept reading ... even through dinner out. I'm serious, he read in the car, in bed and even put down GameBoy for the entire weekend (he only gets GB on the weekend) to read the books! He was laughing out loud while reading and LOVED the characters. Said he wished the series was like Box Car Children because there are 100's of those books. I love the fact that he likes them and the lead character is a strong girl. YEAH!

Eleven-year-old Nell has done the unthinkable -- she has completed the quest to meet the Imperial Wizard, something no girl in her land of Eldearth has ever accomplished. Now, she may be able to become the next Imperial Wizard. But there is still much standing in her way. She has always thought that she was the only child and heir of her father, the King of Xandria, one of the kingdoms of Eldearth. But she learns she has a twin brother, Owen, who was hidden away at birth. Now her father refuses to even consider granting her request to train as Imperial Wizard -- he wants his newfound son to be trained instead. Nell resents that Owen has the chance just because he is a boy. Once again, Nell must set out on her own to prove her worth and help her kingdom.

Readers who enjoyed the first fantasy adventure featuring Nell won't want to miss this continuation of her story. Nell is a very likable character that will appeal especially to young girls who enjoy reading about strong and determined heroines who defy the odds.

Eleven-year-old Princess Arenelle "Nell", has accomplished what no other girl of Eldearth had ever done, she completed the quest to become the Imperial Wizard, the most important figure in the land who guards Eldearth from the dark evil forces. Nell is overjoyed that she will soon begin the required training to become the Imperial Wizard. However an unexpected twist of events might threaten everything for Nell. When Nell's father, King Einar, discovers that his long lost son, and Nell's twin brother is actrually alive, he denies Nell the right to proceed with her training. The boy instead must become the Imperial Wizard like tradition says. Nell is of course extremely hurt and outraged, even more when she finds out that her twin brother is no other than Owen, the person she used to pose as her at the Witch Academy so that she could complete her quest. Now all seems to be lost just because she is a girl. That is until Owen falls into the hands of the evil forces. Nell once again must prove that she is worthy to become the Imperial Wizard and save the day for her family and Eldearth.

This is a worthy continuation of Nell's story. Nell is a strong girl character that appeals very well with the audience. Girls will very much like to read about her battle against prejudices and how she beats all the odds against her. A definite recommendation.

I loved this book! It has a fairly simple story line, and wonderful, light, airy, whimsical illustrations. The expressions are priceless. Best suited for children 4 and up. Super cute.

Bruce Whatley provides fun simple drawings to accompany the tale of an Australian sheep shearer who doesn't have a sheep dog, but a sheep named Pete who speaks politely to the others, Pete and shearer Shaun are good partners - but the other shearers have a gripe, especially when Shaun creatively sheers Pete with a whole new look. A fun, zany tale is created.

This is a wonderful, quirky story with some great characters. Taking on the manly world of sheep-shearing, Pete and Shawn go about it, well, differently, to the delight of the sheep and the sheep dogs, but to the dismay of the rugged old-school shearers.

The drawings are perfectly matched to the story line, and kids absolutely love the expressions and the dialogue.

Although there's some initial confusion, this is a very original and wonderfully zany story, cleverly disguising a subtle message that "being different" is not only ok--its sometimes superior!

The plot develops a bit too quickly, assuming a knowledge of sheep and sheep dogs not possessed by many kids and some adults. Beneath a fetching opener ("Ratso, Big Bob, and Bungo sheared sheep in Shaggy Gully"), the first spread shows introduces three sheep shearers (Ratso, Big Bob, and Bungo), three sheep dogs (Brute, Tiny, and Fang) and a herd of unnamed fluffy sheep. That's a lot of characters to comprehend at once; furthermore, some won't understand the job of "sheep shearer," and the illustrations is too crowded--you have to work a little to find the dogs among the sheep. That's surprising, because these watercolor and ink illustrations are otherwise uncluttered and clear. The rest of the story is silly/sophisticated humor that neatly shish-kabobs traditional notions about how men should act.

The new shearer on the block (Shaun), employs a sheep-sheep (Pete), instead of a sheep dog. You may need to point out Pete; he's the sheep with the natty hat. "Baa!" said Pete politely, which in sheep talk means, `Delighted to meet you gentlemen. Madam, please follow me, and Shaun will attend to you shortly." Predictably, the traditional sheep shearers protest:

"You can't have a sheep-sheep!" cried Big Bob.
"You need a proper sheep dog," yelled Ratso.
"Strewth," muttered Bungo, who never said much.

IN his thematic response, Shaun replies, "Pete's as good as any sheep dog...We just do things...differently." For starters, Shaun doesn't merely shear sheep, he COIFS them, giving them haute couture clips. Pete, for his part, is unfailingly polite and attentive to their customers, who love Shaun's work so much that they ignore the sheep dogs' herding. As in an old Western, the three men sense trouble, and kick out Pete and Shaun. Undaunted, Shaun gives Pete a new shaved look; the other sheep are so impressed that Pete has an idea, and so "Shaun's Sheep Salon" is born. A very funny series of sheep customers with nouveau wool- follows, and in the coup de grace, even the sheep dogs desert their owners for trims from Shaun! The last few pages complete the transformation, as the herders become professional-level stylists, and Pete's latest idea ("Baa Baaaa!") which means "Everyone can look gorgeous) opens the door to a veritable zoo of new animal clients. The renamed "Shaun's Animal Salon" now serves all animals, great and small, and the newly groomed animals include a panda with a checkerboard top, a rhino with a curly-cue tail, a giraffe with a row of tufted and tied hair running up his neck, and even three human animals--the traditional sheep herders, opening their minds and redesigning their hair. Somehow, Jackie French pulls the whole thing together; her originality doesn't get in the way of the basic goal of telling an entertaining and engaging story.