It's Showtime!
(Pepper and Frannie)

A charming, colorful celebration of the unique contributions we each bring to our friendships. Encore! (Picture book. 3-8)

Copyright 2020 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with Permission

K-Gr 2--Pepper and Frannie are best friends, each with their own unique skills and talents. When extroverted Frannie wants to stage a performance, her practical friend Pepper is there to support her and handle all the details. They discover that working together, they can combine their talents and really shine. The colorful and fun-loving Frannie splashes across the page as she practices her dance moves, designs her costume, and perfects her theatrical debut. Pepper helps with all the technical aspects such as lighting and props, illustrated in a uniform set of colors and consistently tidy manner. When the show begins, it is apparent that Frannie focused too much on the visual and not enough on the practical, so Pepper saves the day. It is a true story of friendship, balance, and support. Odell's text is simple and straighforward, and the illustrations are colorful and sweet, with nods to famous movies and performers. VERDICT This quaint and enjoyable tale reminds readers of the value of friendship.--Kaitlin Malixi, Kensington Health Sciences Academy, Philadelphia