THE ONE AND ONLY
From the Toot & Puddle series
by Holly Hobbie & illustrated by Holly Hobbie
In Hobbie’s latest offering in the series, readers revisit a familiar, beloved character, Opal, as she adjusts to the obsessive presence of a new girl in school. Toot and Puddle take a secondary role in this tale, functioning more as “agony aunts” for Opal, dispensing sage advice, comfort and commiseration. Through Opal’s struggles, Hobbie gently leads readers to an understanding of the adage “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Hobbie handles this often tempestuous situation, fraught with high emotion for youngsters, with aplomb. Under the guidance of Toot and Puddle, Opal discovers that it’s her kind and compassionate heart that makes her a true original. The sprightly watercolor illustrations are full of fun and the depiction of Bubbles particularly apt, conveying the full impact of her lively personality. Another satisfying, sympathetic addition to Hobbie’s repertoire of slice-of-life tales. (Picture book. 4-8)