Think Again, Robyn. (First Novels series). Hazel Hutchins. Illustrated by Yvonne Cathcart. Halifax, NS: Formac Publishing, 2012. 61 pp., pbk., hc. & Ebook, $5.95 (pbk.), $14.95 (hc.), $4.95 (Ebook). ISBN 978-1-4595-0077-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4595-0078-5 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-4595-0079-2 (Ebook). Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8. Review by Kate Hachborn. *** /4

excerpt:

Shelly arrived at my apartment on Saturday morning, right on time. She was carrying a suitcase.

I was ready for her. I took her down to my bedroom. I’d set out all kinds of things to do – things that weren’t dolls. I had my best games, my fancy art paper, my modeling clay that isn’t even the fake kind and lots of other things. Shelly ignored them all.

She set the suitcase on the bed and opened it. Poof. Out sprang a gazillion tiny clothes and four fashion dolls. This was going to be even worse that I’d thought.

Robyn often sees Shelly sitting by herself, away from the usual bustle of the school yard. She feels badly and tries to include Shelly in her plans, even if she has different interests. When Shelly’s father wins tickets to a hockey game, everyone at school is suddenly interested in Shelly. Can Robyn help her new friend deal with popularity?

     The “First Novels” series is meant to encourage picture book readers to transition to chapter books. Yvonne Cathcart’s black and white illustrations, which are interspersed throughout the text, will provide younger readers with some familiarity from picture books. The table of contents and numbered/titled chapters introduce readers to the standards of longer fiction. Large margins, short sentences and appropriate vocabulary make this an accessible and non-threatening starting place for readers new to chapter books.

     Think Again, Robyn is number 46 in the “First Novels” series which is authored by a variety of Canadian authors. Though characters in this title have appeared in previous stories, it can be understood as a stand-alone book.

     The plot is linear and relates to the targeted audience. Robyn no longer plays with dolls, but Shelly still enjoys them. Readers will be able to relate to the struggle of growing up and changing interests. Hutchins presents the “it’s okay to be you” story with acceptance and support.

Recommended.

Kate Hachborn is a library technician at the W. Ross Macdonald School in Brantford, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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