K-Gr 2-Violet is painfully shy and has always avoided anything that will draw attention to herself. She does not make waves in the swimming pool, swallowing sounds at snack time, or her voice heard in the Salute to Spring concert. When she is noticed despite her efforts, she wishes she could shrink away and writes "I am allergic to attention" on her hand. The situation is exacerbated by Irwin, whose main delight is in teasing her. The thought of having to participate in the class play terrifies her, until a refreshingly sensitive teacher comes up with a solution that not only comfortably places her center stage but also allows her to see Irwin in a different light. Best does an admirable job of fleshing out Violet's character, allowing readers to see the intelligent and funny child that her peers cannot, and makes a strong but subtle case for shyness being understood and accommodated instead of judged. Potter's pleasantly quirky illustrations are particularly effective in their composition. Violet is often placed facing out, as if making a sympathetic connection with her readers. Whether shared one-on-one or in a group, this is a first-class choice.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Whether she's impersonating Elvis, swaggering like Captain Hook, or imitating the sounds of a cricket, Violet is expressive and funny-but only when she's alone or with her best friend, Opal. At school, especially around class bully Irwin, who teases her nonstop, she retreats into a shell of shyness. But when Irwin, playing the part of Planet Mars in the class play, begins to spin wildly out of control and threatens to ruin the entire production, it's Violet who saves the day-managing not only to give Irwin his comeuppance but to find her own unique way of surviving the spotlight.
Whether she's impersonating Elvis, swaggering like Captain Hook, or imitating the sounds of a cricket, Violet is expressive and funny-but only when she's alone or with her best friend, Opal. At school, especially around class bully Irwin, who teases her nonstop, she retreats into a shell of shyness. But when Irwin, playing the part of Planet Mars in the class play, begins to spin wildly out of control and threatens to ruin the entire production, it's Violet who saves the day-managing not only to give Irwin his comeuppance but to find her own unique way of surviving the spotlight.
Shrinking Violet
Shrinking Violet
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940170904587 |
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Publisher: | Weston Woods |
Publication date: | 01/01/2003 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Age Range: | 5 - 8 Years |