MRS. NOBODY

A young girl asserts herself when her wayward imaginary friend refuses to listen.

Alice loves playing with Mrs. Nobody, who has the best ideas. Mrs. Nobody draws on the walls, gobbles toothpaste, and makes confetti out of “some old paper that was just lying around in a wallet.” But Mrs. Nobody isn’t always the best listener. When Alice points out that it’s her turn to take on a coveted role during a game of make-believe, Mrs. Nobody screams in anger before disappearing. Alice feels lonely, but Mrs. Nobody returns the next day. Alice is overjoyed, but when she again refuses to acquiesce to her friend, the furious Mrs. Nobody takes the form of a fiery dragon. “I have to be the boss,” Mrs. Nobody says. “My ideas are the best.” The two reach a compromise as Alice points out that she has good ideas, too, which leads to more imaginative play. Lee’s understated prose pairs well with Lafrance’s whimsical, dreamy art. Mrs. Nobody’s free-flowing tresses and gown are artfully rendered with soft textures and nature motifs, dotted with pops of color. She transforms with her moods—her hair becomes tornadolike when she rages, while she resembles a delicate pink flower when she’s in a more relaxed state of mind. The result is a tale told with a light touch that will nevertheless empower readers to stand up for themselves. Alice and Mrs. Nobody present East Asian.

Infused with a fantastical flair, a doorway to helping kids learn to establish boundaries.