Fiona's Little Lie (Felix and Fiona)

In this sequel to Felix Stands Tall, Fiona is named Birthday Elf for her best friend Felix, but she forgets her responsibilities and shows up at school the next day without the cupcakes she was supposed to bring. Desperate, she concocts a story about three cupcake thieves, a lie that quickly catches up with her. Wells is in fine form and her succinct, direct text doesn't pull any punches, but she's never less than sympathetic to all her characters; few artists can equal her empathy and artistry when it comes to depicting a child in the throes of mortification. The ending offers readers an important lesson: a moral slip-up need not be a black mark on one's permanent record. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Wells offers another tale with favorites Fiona and Felix. This time, Fiona is thrilled to volunteer as the Birthday Elf, tasked with bringing in a treat for the class to celebrate Felix's birthday. While riding home from school, Fiona notices a caterpillar and forgets all about her task. The next day at school, she lies, stating that a trio of alligator thieves stole and ate the cupcakes. Forced to confront the thieves and consumed by guilt, Fiona tells the truth. All ends well when Fiona's mom shows up with a batch of cupcakes. Wells demonstrates a difficult concept for some children, that it is best to tell the truth when one has made an honest mistake. The decision to come clean is no less difficult for Fiona, as she admits the truth only when she is caught in her lie and coaxed by an adult. While the story is true to life, the morality lesson could be muddled for children. Yet Fiona's apology to those she accused of stealing is another valuable lesson, with a positive ending for everyone. VERDICT Wells's familiar illustrations and playful storytelling will likely attract fans of the author and these characters. A solid read-aloud to share with a class and spark a meaningful discussion.--Kaitlin Malixi, formerly at Virginia Beach Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Wells is in fine form and her succinct, direct text doesn't pull any punches, but she's never less than sympathetic to all her characters; few artists can equal her empathy and artistry when it comes to depicting a child in the throes of mortification. The ending offers readers an important lesson: a moral slip-up need not be a black mark on one's permanent record.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Notable for its subtlety, humor, and warmth as well as its pitch-perfect depiction of childhood hopes and fears...A gently humorous take on being honest and learning to admit when you're wrong.
—Kirkus Reviews

Wells's familiar illustrations and playful storytelling will likely attract fans of the author and these characters. A solid read-aloud to share with a class and spark a meaningful discussion.
—School Library Journal

Wells' droll narrative tackles a familiar childhood situation with empathy and understanding...Watercolor and aquarelle pencil illustrations capture the nuances of this endearing guinea- pig cast, and the thought balloons depicting Fiona's elaborate fabrications are especially appealing. Fiona's mama makes a last-minute appearance in a surprising (and sweet) ending to this sure-to-be-popular tale.
—Booklist Online