Review by Booklist Review
In this companion to Felix Stands Tall (2015), Fiona volunteers to be best-friend Felix's Birthday Elf, charged with bringing treats for his school birthday party. Though she knows exactly what he likes (vanilla cupcakes with raspberry icing and lemon sprinkles), she forgets to bring treats to school and claims the cupcakes were stolen by three second-grade boys. Confronted by the trio, her story evolves: the thieves were actually alligators with the same names. Pressed for the truth, she eventually admits her lies and apologizes to the accused, and the class prepares to celebrate with Miss B's emergency stash of bran bars. Wells' droll narrative tackles a familiar childhood situation with empathy and understanding. Fiona's dishonesty stems from embarrassment, not malice, and Felix is more concerned about her feelings than his birthday treat. Watercolor and aquarelle pencil illustrations capture the nuances of this endearing guinea-pig cast, and the thought balloons depicting Fiona's elaborate fabrications are especially appealing. Fiona's mama makes a last-minute appearance in a surprising (and sweet) ending to this sure-to-be-popular tale.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this sequel to Felix Stands Tall, Fiona is named Birthday Elf for her best friend Felix, but she forgets her responsibilities and shows up at school the next day without the cupcakes she was supposed to bring. Desperate, she concocts a story about three cupcake thieves, a lie that quickly catches up with her. Wells is in fine form and her succinct, direct text doesn't pull any punches, but she's never less than sympathetic to all her characters; few artists can equal her empathy and artistry when it comes to depicting a child in the throes of mortification. The ending offers readers an important lesson: a moral slip-up need not be a black mark on one's permanent record. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Wells offers another tale with favorites Fiona and Felix. This time, Fiona is thrilled to volunteer as the Birthday Elf, tasked with bringing in a treat for the class to celebrate Felix's birthday. While riding home from school, Fiona notices a caterpillar and forgets all about her task. The next day at school, she lies, stating that a trio of alligator thieves stole and ate the cupcakes. Forced to confront the thieves and consumed by guilt, Fiona tells the truth. All ends well when Fiona's mom shows up with a batch of cupcakes. Wells demonstrates a difficult concept for some children, that it is best to tell the truth when one has made an honest mistake. The decision to come clean is no less difficult for Fiona, as she admits the truth only when she is caught in her lie and coaxed by an adult. While the story is true to life, the morality lesson could be muddled for children. Yet Fiona's apology to those she accused of stealing is another valuable lesson, with a positive ending for everyone. VERDICT Wells's familiar illustrations and playful storytelling will likely attract fans of the author and these characters. A solid read-aloud to share with a class and spark a meaningful discussion.-Kaitlin Malixi, formerly at Virginia Beach Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Fiona forgets that she's Felix's Birthday Elf at school, and instead of being honest, she makes up stories and blames others for the lack of cupcakes. Everything works out neatly, and the lessons about lying, friendship, and self-control are effectively conveyed through engaging dialogue and word choice. Colorful, friendly animals fill the pages, and the thought-balloon vignettes of Fiona's lies add humor. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
