Felix Stands Tall (Felix and Fiona)

K-Gr 2--Wells, known for portraying adorable fuzzy-faced animal characters with endearing and oftentimes assertive qualities, introduces Felix, an agreeable guinea pig who becomes immediate best friends with Fiona. The minute the bond is established, Fiona declares that her new buddy will join her in the big talent show as a pixie at the Guinea Pig Jubilee. She never gives Felix much of a choice when she teaches him the Texas slide step and how to in-line dance in costume, but far worse is when he is teased as being a "Twinkletoes" and mercilessly bullied by classmates. Only when Felix learns what it means to "stand tall" and face his antagonists with a "Magic Protection Suit" does he rise above his circumstances, even voicing his own opinion to slightly bossy Fiona. Wells's characteristic illustrations are enhanced to a meaningful level with a story that emphasizes how to meet the challenges of bullying without fighting back by tongue or fist. At a time when bullying is on the rise from as early as preschool, this book serves a vital purpose, further demonstrating minimal parental involvement beyond Mama Guinea Pig urging her "angel" to "stand tall" and face his own problems. VERDICT A worthy addition to memorable picture books about bullying and self-worth, like Helen Lester's Hooway for Wodney Wat (HMH, 2002) and Anna Dewdney's Llama, Llama and the Bully Goat (Viking, 2013).--Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Fearless, determined, and blunt, Fiona has decided that Felix will be her new best friend. That's good, because Fiona's gumption is a tonic for cautious, mild-mannered Felix--in fact, she pushes him to enter a talent show with her as a song-and-dance team, and they win first prize. But there's a downside: Felix suddenly has a higher profile at school, and he becomes the target of bullies who taunt him with cries of "Here comes Twinkletoes," tie his gym shoes together, and even put "a chirping plastic cricket" in his egg-salad sandwich. "Felix, you're a hot mess," Fiona tells him, hilariously if not entirely helpfully. But thanks to a little mentoring from Fiona (which includes the use of one of her invisible "Magic Protection Suits"), Felix learns to stand tall and gains the confidence to put his relationship with Fiona on more equal footing. With a cast of guinea pigs who correspond to instantly recognizable human types, this series opener from Max and Ruby creator Wells humorously captures the fluidity of social dynamics--and proves that it's possible to captain one's own destiny. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

The details in Wells' illustrations showcase Felix's and Fiona's different personalities brilliantly and cleverly stretch the story out to the endpapers. Concise and kid-appropriate language combines with darling drawings (who can resist cute little guinea pigs?) for another feather in Wells' literary cap.
—Kirkus Reviews

A worthy addition to memorable picture books about bullying and self-worth, like Helen Lester's Hooway for Wodney Wat (HMH, 2002) and Anna Dewdney's Llama, Llama and the Bully Goat (Viking, 2013).
—School Library Journal

With a cast of guinea pigs who correspond to instantly recognizable human types, this series opener from Max and Ruby creator Wells humorously captures the fluidity of social dynamics—and proves that it's possible to captain one's own destiny.
—Publishers Weekly

The notion of a shy protagonist standing up for himself in order to fend off a friend's goofy ideas is an interesting twist on the theme of self-assurance. Fine for reading aloud.
—Booklist Online

Felix personifies the problems that most children face, and provides a useful conversation starter about bullying and standing up for oneself.
—School Library Connection