By Allison Wortche, Illustrated by Patrice Barton
Alfred A. Knopf, $17.99, 40 pages
Rosie Sprout’s classmate Violet is THE best at everything – she runs fast, sings high notes and dresses really fancy for school pictures. Violet also never gets tired of letting everyone know how great she is. Rosie isn’t good at any of those things but is tired of Violet always being the best. So, when their teacher assigns the class to grow a pea plant, Rosie knows that this is her time to finally out-best Violet. Rosie Sprout’s Time to Shine by Allison Wortche is a great book about jealousy, self-esteem and finally coming into one’s own. The book nicely shows Rosie’s frustration with feeling inadequate when Violet is around as well as her determination to finally have her own moment in the sun. It also shows Rosie’s acceptance that while she may not be the best at everything, she can make the best choices and be proud of herself. Patrice Barton’s illustrations are well done and funny. This is a great book for the Rosie’s of the world.
Reviewed by Barbara Cothern
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