Clementine is a good friend. When Margaret, her best friend, cut glue out of her long hair and left a huge bald patch, Clementine tried to fix things. Using plastic art scissors, she snipped and clipped and really tried to make it even, but in the end she cut off all Margaret’s hair.

No one but Margaret thought it was a good idea.

When Margaret complained that she now looked like a dandelion and a dead one at that, Clementine tried to help. Using her mother’s best permanent markers, she colored Margaret’s hair Flaming Sunset. She even drew curls on Margaret’s head.

No one but Margaret appreciated Clementine's efforts.

When Margaret still felt bad, Clementine tried to comfort her. Using her mother's permanent markers, Clementine asked Margaret to color Clementine's hair green.

No one but Margaret agreed Clementine's hair looked good.

Clementine is a “hard” kid — as opposed to her little brother who is an “easy” child. She talks fast and thinks even faster. Her mind spins out of control on ideas. She watches for “ceiling snakes,” saves money to buy a gorilla, and swears she’s allergic to sitting still. When she’s not whirling her brother around in a wok on the kitchen floor, she’s helping dad fight The Great Pigeons War.

Despite her best attempts to pay attention and be good, Clementine slides from one disaster into another. Before long her family and her friendship with Margaret is tested and she fears her parents are about to tell her “Good-bye and Good Riddance.”

Sara Pennybacker's Clementine is a fun read, although I admit to having a bit of a problem adjusting to her voice — which is very real and very strong; perhaps because I have known one or two little girls who pitch words out like fastballs and prattle at speeds faster than light. But Clementine is a brand new character for kids ages 7-10, and her unique way of seeing the world and the resulting antics will quickly leave readers wondering, “What next, Clementine?”

Frazee's illustrations add to the story and provide an extra dimension to Clementine's character. A second book, Talented Clementine, will be released in the spring 2007.