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Clementine
- By Sara Pennypacker
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Move over, Ramona -- here comes Clementine.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character, Clementine, is a precocious third-grader who frequently gets into mischief, though with the good intention to solve problems. In one week she "fixes" her friend's hair by cutting it all off, helps out the principal by answering her phone, and pays attention in class by watching the janitor embrace the lunch lady. A wide age range will enjoy this book and enjoy reading it aloud, from the emergent kindergartner reader up to third graders.
What's the story?
CLEMENTINE covers one week in the life of the precocious third-grader Clementine. At school she "helps" Margaret, a friend and neighbor, by cutting and coloring her hair. Neither the principal nor the girl's mother are amused, and eventually the two girls stop speaking to each other.
At home Clementine helps her father battle pesky pigeons. Mourning the loss of her cat, she also is convinced her parents are going to trade her in. In the end, hair begins to grow back, friendships are mended, Clementine's parents address her fears and treat her to a big surprise.
Is it any good?
CLEMENTINE fits right in with Ramona, Sheila-the-Great, and Pippy Longstocking -- and Sara Pennypacker has mastered the art of believable dialogue out of the mouths of kids. Despite all of Clementine's challenges, the reader also knows that she'll land on her feet or more likely, in the arms of loving parents. What's more, pen-and-ink drawings by Marla Frazee beautifully complement both silly and tender passages.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how and why Clementine's good intentions lead her to the principal's office. Does she feel misunderstood? Is she frustrated with others around her who are frustrated with her? Parents can discuss the relationship between Margaret and Clementine. What was the reason for their disagreement and how did they arrive at forgiving each other? Parents can also point out Clementine's way of understanding what's happening around her through the process of sketching.
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AGE
I laughed, that's for sure!
Clementine is a very well written book. Funny details, all that good stuff. I am nine, and I was probably about 7 when I read this book. 5 stars, 7+!
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AGE
Clementine is an imaginative little girl who gets herself into situations that teach lessons about responsibility, friendship, and family. The book is well written and engaging. We read this (and the follow ons) with our 5 year old (who's now 6.5) and she loved them...and will now read again on her own. Way better stories and messages than some of the alternatives (i.e. junie b. jones) out there!
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AGE
5 stars!!!
This book gives you great laughs, and has its sad parts, but at the same time, it's perfect for any yound child!
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Kid, 11 years old
March 26, 2009
AGE
a must read book for everyone
it was great i loved it but for other people they may not understand the book
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AGE
Reminiscent of Beverly Cleary's "Ramona" for today's kid, Clementine is a sweet sassy girl that is realistic and fun.Clementine’s ability to pay attention gets her in trouble all the time. The problem is, what she pays attention to is usually what nobody else is paying attention to (and her teachers want her to listen to them!) Full of the typical antics of a tomboyish, rambunctious young girl, Clementine’s exuberance for life and being a kid is hard to miss. I enjoyed reading this book and felt that Clementine was a totally unique, 100% real character. The things she thinks are typical of what a child goes through at that stage of life. I would recommend this book for 2&3 graders. If kids like Judy Moody and Junie B. Jones, they will probably like Clementine.
I would describe this as a cozy book to read, one that gently and humorously approaches the average everyday fears of a young child and shows that it’s okay to have these fears, to be different, and to not always be perfect.
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AGE
A precocious little girl, much like my own
A very sweet story about a precocious little girl named Clementine. She means well but she just keeps managing to get into trouble.
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AGE
Sweet, funny, and unique!
Clementine is what I imagine Junie B Jones will be like when she hits 3rd grade. Imaginative, creative, and observant, Clementine pays attention to every detail of daily life - much to the dismay of her teachers, who keep telling her to pay attention in class! She's definitely a challenge for parents and teachers, and she doesn't always make the right decisions, but her lessons are great ones! I recommend the entire series. My 7yo daughter loves to read them aloud with me.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 7, 2009
AGE
dont juge a book by its cover exspeshly this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The serise Cemintine is a great seares for kids!!
The first time I saw it Iwasent to thrilled about it!!! But dont juge a book by its cover!! Expeshliey this one!!But once Ipicked it up Iwas in the zone !!!!!!!! Iwould yell at anybody who disterbed me!!!
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| Author: | Sara Pennypacker |
| Illustrator: | Marla Frazee |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | September 15, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 144 |
| Hardcover price: | $14.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 7 - 10 |
| Read aloud: | 5 |
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