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A review by lagobond
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
5.0
I heart Clementine. I love everything about this kid: her creativity, her good heart, the way she thinks. Yeah she gets in trouble, but it's never because she's mean, quite the opposite -- and I think that intention matters. Sara Pennypacker has a rare gift for writing children's books from a child's perspective, reminding us of what it's like to think like a not-yet-adult. (See also: [b:Stuart's Cape|620317|Stuart's Cape|Sara Pennypacker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387700877l/620317._SY75_.jpg|606694].) Clementine feels real in a way many children's lit characters never manage to do.
I suppose for children who will ape every dumb idea they come across, this book would not be the best pick (because it contains plenty of dumb ideas to ape, haha). But I was never that kind of kid, and I know I would have loved this when I was Clementine's age. I think Clementine might have ADHD, because I very much recognize myself in her.
This book made me laugh, and nod my head, and even sniffle away a tear or two. I love the way the family relationships are portrayed: people who aren't perfect, but who love each other and are there for each other. Even the sibling conflict never gets to the level of mean-spiritedness that I've seen in other kids' books. I like how Clementine gets to work out her own problems to the best of her abilities.
Last but not least, the illustrations: chef's kiss! [a:Marla Frazee|122662|Marla Frazee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1485068016p2/122662.jpg]'s black-and-white drawings are life-like, spirited, adorable, and filled with emotion.
Bravo. Children's books don't get any better than this.
I suppose for children who will ape every dumb idea they come across, this book would not be the best pick (because it contains plenty of dumb ideas to ape, haha). But I was never that kind of kid, and I know I would have loved this when I was Clementine's age. I think Clementine might have ADHD, because I very much recognize myself in her.
This book made me laugh, and nod my head, and even sniffle away a tear or two. I love the way the family relationships are portrayed: people who aren't perfect, but who love each other and are there for each other. Even the sibling conflict never gets to the level of mean-spiritedness that I've seen in other kids' books. I like how Clementine gets to work out her own problems to the best of her abilities.
Last but not least, the illustrations: chef's kiss! [a:Marla Frazee|122662|Marla Frazee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1485068016p2/122662.jpg]'s black-and-white drawings are life-like, spirited, adorable, and filled with emotion.
Bravo. Children's books don't get any better than this.