Isabelle and Little Orphan

When Isabelle discovers her new protâegâee can't read, she acquires an unwilling and possibly unteachable pupil.

Grade 4-6 Isabelle, the spirited heroine of Isabelle the Itch (1973) and Isabelle Shows Her Stuff (1984, both Viking), is back in another set of trials and errors, mostly errors. She is still as outspoken and frequently obnoxious as ever. She is still in Mrs. Esposito's fifth-grade class, still chasing the elusive popularity enjoyed by Mary Elizabeth, and still driving her parents to the brink with her impulsive antics. Her old friends are busy with new interests, and she needs a new companion and a new cause. She finds both in Frannie, whose ``old daddy died and. . . mom went looking for a new one.'' Frannie has a secretshe can't read. Of course, as soon as Isabelle learns the secret, she becomes a self-appointed tutor. The illiteracy issue is handled with a light touch and perhaps resolved a little too quickly to be convincing. Some of the characters such as Andre the hairdresser are overdrawn, and the humor is a bit more stretched and slapstick than in the earlier titles. Still, Isabelle's fans won't want to miss this one. This book can be read independently, but will be most appreciated after reading the first two titles. Overall, an acceptable, if not spectacular, response to the ``Do you have any funny books?'' question. Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, Wis.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Isabelle, the plucky heroine of Isabelle Shows Her Stuff , is back to take a new look at herself and her gang. Sparring partner Herbie has grown confident, older brother Philip has discovered girls, and old Mrs. Stern has a gentleman suitor. To Isabelle, it's as if everyone else is leaving her behind. Her newest find is "little orphan Frannie," a tough, irascible kid whose semi-abandoned state evokes instant sympathy from Isabelle's mother and other adults, and whose unpredictability drives Isabelle to distraction. Then she discovers Frannie's secretshe can't readand reluctant-reader Isabelle decides to do the teaching herself. Bright and funny, this is a terrific new adventure for Isabelle's many fans. While Frannie's plight, when explained, is quite believable, some readers may be disappointed that she disappears as quickly as she arrived. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.