Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--Evelyn has been looking forward to the local art show for a while, and she can't wait to work on her project at Picnic Hill Park with her friends, Dylan and Avery. When Dylan struggles to come up with an idea, Evelyn suggests that they work together to submit an entry as a team. Dylan jumps at the idea of a group project, while Avery reluctantly agrees. Their differences in opinion quickly becomes clear, as the two continue to argue until they both angrily storm off in different directions. To make everyone happy, Evelyn agrees to help Dylan and Avery with their separate projects, leaving Evelyn no time to make her own. The friendship drama comes to a head when Dylan and Avery realize that Evelyn has been helping both of them all along. While Evelyn's world looks a little different than our own--many of the characters, including Avery, are anthropomorphic animals--the emotions will feel familiar. Strong feelings rise to the surface, reflective of the real-life emotions that occur when there is drama in young friend groups. Tear-filled eyes, as well as happy hugs, make regular appearances. VERDICT This cute friendship story is a welcome addition to the graphic novel shelf for young elementary readers and is perfect for fans of the "Baby-Sitters Little Sister" series.--Annamarie Carlson
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An art contest sparks a big argument. Evelyn is an excitable young girl who's ready to take on the art world. Armed with a flyer for a local competition, she heads to idyllic Picnic Hill Park to meet up with her friends Dylan, a mercurial kid with an undercut hairstyle, and Avery, an affectionate, anthropomorphic skunk. Lacking inspiration but eager to win, Dylan starts to complain. Evelyn suggests that the three of them enter the contest as a group, though Avery is hesitant. Soon, Dylan starts bossing Avery around. A yelling match ensues, and Avery storms off. Evelyn tries to help her friends separately but only gets further entangled--which doesn't leave her much time for her own creative aspirations. This is a surprisingly intense story of young friends in conflict, with Evelyn's mom serving as a gentle, empathetic confidant for both her frustrated daughter and her apologetic friends. Their nurturing bond helps Evelyn grow as she confronts a challenging situation, and eventually Dylan and Avery find a way to help Evelyn shine. Pierre's illustrations have a bubbly, lighthearted energy, and her characters physically express big emotions: Tear-filled eyes brim to overflowing on many occasions, but happy hugs abound as well. Evelyn and her mom are Black, Dylan is tan-skinned, and fellow contestants include a kangaroo and a girl in a headscarf. A cute yet complex tale about solving conflicts with creative solutions. (Graphic fiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
