All that glitters

In this upbeat first book in the Sparkle Spa series, author/editor Santopolo (the Alec Flint Mysteries) introduces practical, organized fifth-grader Aly and her younger and comparatively impulsive sister, Brooke, whose mother owns a bustling nail salon, True Colors. The girls enjoy spending time after-school and on the weekend doing ancillary chores at the salon, which Aly considers "the best place in the world." One especially busy day, their mother lets Aly give the star of the sixth-grade soccer team a pedicure featuring a rainbow of sparkly colors. Word of Aly's nail-polishing prowess spreads quickly, and more young customers flock to the salon, sparking the sisters' idea of opening a "kid salon" at the back of their mother's shop. While there's plenty of talk of nail polish colors, polishing techniques, and how salons operate, the author also devotes substantial attention to the siblings' mutually supportive and respectful relationship, while touching on the idea that "Girls can be smart, strong, and sparkly." Due simultaneously: Purple Nails and Puppy Tails. Ages 7-10. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Fifth grader Aly and third grader Brooke open a kids' salon in the back of their mother's nail salon, and it quickly becomes popular (Glitters). In Puppy Tails they hold a successful polish-a-thon to raise money for an animal shelter. The sisters are smart and business-savvy, and this light, creative series focuses on hard work, volunteerism, and family. Pedicure instructions are included. [Review covers these Sparkle Spa titles: All That Glitters and Purple Nails and Puppy Tails.] (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This amusing chapter-book series opener follows two grade school sisters as they start their own donations-powered nail salon. Fifth-grader Aly and her little sister, Brooke, a third grader, love helping out Mom in her thriving nail salon. Aly has become quite skilled in applying nail polish to Brooke's fingers and toes, so when Jenica, an envied sixth grader and star of the school soccer team, asks for special, rainbow-sparkly toe polish, with her Mom's permission Aly does her very best. If Jenica is pleased, more members of the team might want the same. When that happy event occurs, Aly and Brooke ask Mom for permission to start their own nail salon in the back of the store, asking for donations that will go to charity instead of direct payment for their work. All goes well until mean girl Suzy shows up and threatens to spread nasty rumors. Can the sisters keep their new business alive? Santopolo keeps the prose easily readable and the atmosphere light as she focuses on the girls' creativity in setting up their salon. Simple characterizations come across well, and a touch of light suspense keeps things moving. The second book in the series, Purple Nails and Puppy Tails (978-1-4424-7384-3; 978-1-4424-7383-6 paper), in which the girls expand their clientele to dogs and rescue puppies, works as a companion to this one. The nicely original business plot may interest many young entrepreneurs. Not just for lemonade-stand owners. (Fiction. 7-10)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.