  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2010 PreS-Gr 2— Florence dreams of performing for adoring fans. However, when she tries to sing in front of her big sisters, all that comes out is a pathetic, tiny squeak. Her siblings laugh and tease her, but Florence never stops believing in herself. When a talent show not unlike American Idol comes to town, Florence wants to sing with her sisters. Of course they say no. On the night of the big show, they get stage fright, and the piglet has her chance to steal the show and share her hidden talent with all. Alexander's illustrations are full of pinks and yellows that will appeal to young girls. She uses humor and creative plays on words as the other singers perform versions of well-known songs at the talent show. Fans of Ian Falconer's "Olivia" series (S & S) will enjoy Florence's determination and belief in herself.—Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH - Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Bulletin for the Center... - 04/01/2010 Small Florence is a little pig with a big dream: to be a pop star. Her older sisters, who are studying with “Jazzy-Funk Mutt, the cool singing teacher,” have their own beady little eyes on that same goal, and they deride their little sis’ vision, especially after she clams up when they ask to hear her sing. As her sisters practice for a singing contest, Florence practices on her own, and when the big day comes, guess who freezes and who shines in the spotlight? With its clear “Cinderella” overtones, the plot of this British import may be a little thin and well-worn, but Florence is a charming little porcine heroine; small kids (particularly younger sibs) with their own big dreams will find it easy to relate to her, especially if they’re followers of the American Idol genre of reality shows. The text is satisfyingly simple and succinct, with lots of humorous asides (“Ham it up, sisters! Smooth!” exhorts the singing teacher) adding to the fun. The vibrant artwork successfully employs clever perspectives and compositions to capture the emotions and perspective of a small child with larger-than-life siblings. Delicate, sketchy pencil outlines are bolstered by the vivid colors of acrylic paint that are frequently layered and textured with noticeable brushstrokes. Florence herself is adorable in her little blue dress and yellow visor, while her big sisters sport crop-tops, miniskirts, and porcine muffin-tops. This would be a perfect addition to a pig- or music-themed storytime, a good springboard for talking about young kids’ dreams for their future, or a pleasing complement to a traditional “Cinderella” reading. JH - Copyright 2010 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Booklist - 04/15/2010 Cinderella meets American Idol in this charming little tale. Small Florence is intimidated by her older sisters, never more so than when she tries singing in front of them. She has dreams of being a pop star, but it is her sisters who take singing lessons. When an Idol-style TV show comes to town, her sisters are ready to audition immediately. Florence wants to try out, too, but when the duo commands her to “sing us a song right now!” she can barely emit a squeal. On the day of the tryouts, the big sisters get their chance—but blow it big-time. The judges and the audience render them small and shy. Meanwhile, a voice belts out from the background . . . Alexander, a talented artist, gets this spread exactly right—two black pages and a spray of golden spotlight with a tiny pig singing a swirl of notes. All of the pictures, in fact, are sturdily illustrated and executed with verve and humor, drawing readers right into a story that will feel happily familiar. - Copyright 2010 Booklist. Loading...
 |