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
