Booming Bella - Hardcover

Carol Ann Williams lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

Tatjana Mai-Wyss lives in Clemson, South Carolina.

Kindergarten-Grade 2—This charming picture book celebrates a child's enthusiasm for her world. From the moment she arrives in class, through the bus ride and tour of the museum, Bella's lively interest in everyone and everything she encounters earn her reprimands from the adults and the cold shoulder from her peers. Bella's excitement is finally cowed by the guide, who scolds her, and a classmate who tells her she is "ruining everything." Bella flees the museum in despair, planning to take refuge on her bus, but she accidentally boards the wrong one. Upon realizing her error, she bellows, "Stop the bus! I'm on the wrong bus!" Bella's self-esteem is restored when the chaperone on that vehicle comments, "Good thing she has a loud voice." Bella's teacher agrees, which helps restore the child's happy mood. Mai-Wyss's colorful watercolor cartoons are a nice match for the text. Bella's irrepressible personality shines through in the active cartoon illustrations. The scenes in the museum are particularly pleasing as the child admires framed works of art done in traditional styles. The book's design adds to the story's appeal; Bella's speech appears in large and various colored fonts. An enjoyable read-aloud choice.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
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