Penelope Crumb Finds Her Luck

Gr 3–5—In the third book in this charming series, fourth-grader Penelope Crumb has enjoyed thinking she is the Favorite of Grandpa Felix, her mom, and best friend Patsy Cline, but maybe she's caught "the Bad Luck… it's a lot like catching the stomach flu." Grandpa has asked her brother Terrence "Terrible" to help with a photography shoot, her mom says that moms don't have Favorites, and Patsy has been spending time with Vera Bogg. When Penelope has the chance to be in charge of a Mother Goose mural her class is painting for a home for the aged, she jumps at the opportunity, thinking it will make her everyone's Favorite. But the project doesn't go according to plan, and when she befriends an old woman at the home who promises to help find her luck, things take a turn for the worse. Penelope and her classmates must learn to work together to finish the project before the unveiling party, and she learns that being the Favorite is less important than being loved. Black-and-white line drawings help bring out Penelope Crumb's quirky and endearing personality. Fans of Clementine and Ramona Quimby will feel right at home with her.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH