It's Not Easy Being Mimi

Gr 1–4—The Periwinkle Tower in Pueblo Del Mar is home to an eclectic group of child residents. Mimi's voice leads the way in this episodic chapter book for early readers. Her adventures include an unfortunate haircut, driving a giant cut-out stegosaurus around town in her convertible, and a variety of holiday mishaps including an advent calendar, school pageant, and the annual Pueblo Del Mar Holiday Decorating Contest. Mimi's troubles begin when Boris moves into her apartment building. Boris loves caramels, and Mimi loves chocolate raisins; Mimi loves to wear spots, and Boris wears stripes. Although Mimi is irritated by Boris at first, the two are able to build a friendship. The chapters are short and bouncy, and the additional large typeface helps break up the text for newly emergent readers. Davick's illustrations add details to the story through simple cartoon-styled characters.