Julie Sternberg Knihy

Celie turns to her diary as she tries to sort out her problems, filling the pages with humorous, heartfelt entries, notes, drawings and pages from her top-secret spy notebook.

A new girl at school throws nine-year-old Eleanor's relationship with her best friend Pearl into disarray

Once more Celie turns to her diary, filling the pages with heartfelt and often humorous entries, notes, drawings and pages from her top-secret spy notebook.

I had a bad August. As bad as pickle juice on a cookie. When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor faces a summer without her. The new babysitter isn't quite the same, and as the school year approaches, Eleanor struggles with the change. Yet, she soon realizes that Bibi will always hold a special place in her heart, regardless of the distance. Written in lyrical prose and accompanied by charming illustrations, this debut novel captures the essence of friendship and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Eleanor’s heartfelt free-verse monologue resonates with readers, particularly those who have experienced loss. The halftone cartoons effectively convey the story’s humor and emotional depth, reflecting Eleanor’s shifting moods. Critics praise the simple yet poignant narrative that resonates with children facing goodbyes. The illustrations complement the text without overwhelming it, adding a lively visual element. This touching story captures a sensitive child’s first encounter with loss, acknowledging that separation can feel like a bereavement. It’s a heartfelt, accessible read that invites children to explore their emotions, making it an excellent choice for independent reading or shared moments between parents and kids.