MIMI POWER AND THE I-DON'T-KNOW-WHAT

Life is 10 times harder when you have a really annoying little sister. 

At the ripe old age of 9, Mimi Power has “bigger things going on” than having to freak out over squished vitamins or anything red. But younger sibling Lily June Power, aka “Waby,” can lose her cool over anything, frequently demanding to “DO IT THE SELF! THE SELF!” According to Mum, “She’s not crazy, she’s three.” As if that would make everything all right. Narrator Mimi is a likable, insightful and long-suffering heroine with her own challenges—including learning how to swim, making inspired art and deflecting the vortex that is Waby. Eventually, she incorporates the “je ne sais quoi” of Henri Matisse (and the title) and “paints” with scissors. Canadian writer Miles’ Power sisters are reminiscent of Judy Blume’s Peter Hatcher and his little brother, Fudge; Mongeau’s illustrations add a modern freshness to the story.

A humorous and affectionate look at the trials and tribulations of family life.