Completely Clementine

Gr 2-4-Clementine faces a host of rising fourth-grader issues as the school year ends. She's feuding with her father over his refusal to become a vegetarian like the rest of the family, she can't bring herself to say goodbye to her third-grade teacher, and the family's new baby is due soon and they haven't even chosen a name yet. Picking the baby's name should be easy, but her other problems are more serious. She's avoided her teacher and given her dad the silent treatment for so long that she begins to regret it-but it's so hard to stop! Clementine and her friends sometimes exhibit the concerns of adults (school friends worry about future wedding plans), but Clementine's steadfast good nature and silliness are endearing and relatable. Jessica Almasy narrates, bringing infectious enthusiasm to Clementine's usually upbeat and slightly sassy personality. Other character voices are clearly defined, with Clementine's parents sounding especially authentic. VERDICT Fans of the series and kids ready to move up from Junie B. Jones will enjoy. ["This last title in the popular and laugh-out-loud chapter book series is a must-have for library collections": SLJ 2/1/15 review of the Disney-Hyperion book.]-Lisa Taylor, Ocean County Library, NJ © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In this seventh and final installment of the series, change is afoot, and Clementine is in the thick of it. Reader Almasy captures the big-hearted, earnest first-person voice of Pennypackers heroine (which mitigates the absence of Marla Frazees spirited illustrations in the audiobook format). Characterization and expression come through loud and clear as Clementine grapples with everything from the end of the school year to the birth of a new sibling. Just as Clementine resists saying goodbye to her beloved teacher Mr. DMatz, loyal fans will not want to bid farewell to this series. megan dowd lambert(c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Rambunctious Clementine is back, and with third grade almost over, she has calmed down and grown up. At least that's what her favorite teacher, Mr. D'Matz, thinks. Actually, Clementine is not ready to leave her teacher. She is also not ready to end a standoff with her father: she wants him to go vegetarian (regularly handing him drawings of sad animals), and he refuses. And if all that isn't enough, the new baby is expected soon. Pennypacker puts a pleasing bow on the popular series, giving Clementine a complicated family situation to deal with and allowing her to explore the feelings that come with being angry at someone you love. Ingenious, too, is the way she finds for Clementine to finally resolve the situation, reminding readers that love can be as important as taking a stand. Frazee's illustrations always charm, and that's true here. Although readers may be disappointed that Clementine and Mr. D'Matz don't get a face-to-face good-bye, the poignant ending still works its magic. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 2–4—Third grade is ending and Clementine feels anxious as the school year comes to a close. She does not like saying goodbye, and she's especially not ready to bid farewell to Mr. D'Matz. She's also worried about her mother's nutty "nesting" behavior as the new baby's birth approaches, and she's so mad at her dad she isn't speaking to him. Everything wraps up neatly by the end, though, and Clementine is finally ready to face the summer and embrace the unknowns of fourth grade. Clementine is just as fresh and funny in this seventh and final title in the series as she was in the first book. It's sure to be popular for readers already familiar with Clementine and will doubtlessly engender a new set of fans to read each of the books about this entertaining character. VERDICT This last title in the popular and laugh-out-loud chapter book series is a must-have for library collections.—Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA