Violet Mackerel's Remarkable Recovery

Violet (Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot, rev. 9/12) has had sore throats before, but this time is different -- it feels like a cactus is in her throat, and Dr. Singh's purple lozenges can't make it better. Violet is worried about getting her tonsils removed, even with promises of ice cream. But when the doctor casually mentions the fact that some people's voices change after their tonsillectomies, Violet's fear turns to curiosity, and she convinces herself that she will now become an opera singer. Young readers will identify with her nerves and laugh at her description of feeling rhinoceroses in her belly rather than butterflies. We also find out where Violet got her name and learn that she is very good at inventing lyrics for "My Favorite Things" and making new friends. Violet's kind, patient mother shines in the story, as Branford once again creates a warm world for Violet, one in which the protagonist's optimism spreads to others without any hint of the saccharine. Many new readers will identify with the story, enjoy the accessible vocabulary, and appreciate the expressive illustrations (final art not seen) that grace almost every spread. robin l. smith