Winnie at Her Best (review)

Winnie's friend Zoe is the best speller in fourth grade, her friend Vanessa is the best actress, but Winnie doesn't seem to be the best at anything. Since she has an artistic bent, she decides to secretly prepare an entry for the museum's children's art contest. Meanwhile, she's assigned a kindergarten reading buddy, John Stuart, a stubborn, prickly kid who gradually begins to trust Winnie. Though her entry is selected as a finalist in the contest, a family crisis at John Stuart's house means he needs Winnie just as she's leaving for the announcement of the big winners—what will she do? The book overdoes Winnie's merits and powers—not only does she help John Stuart on her own time and skip the award announcement to keep him company at the hospital, he saves his mother's life by employing the reading knowledge he's learned from Winnie—and her painting is a little convenient in both its theme (friendship) and its success. Nonetheless, this unintimidating chapter book has the same companionable warmth as previous titles about Winnie (Winnie Dancing on Her Own, BCCB 11/01), and her solid friendship with her pals is realistically balanced against her desire for independent achievement. Geis' black-and-white illustrations strike an unusual note for a chapter book, with trim, elongated lines and sturdy pencil strokes adding a touch of sophistication. Whether they've known Winnie before or not, novice readers will likely empathize with her struggle for significance and appreciate Jacobson's quiet, approachable style.