JoJo and Daddy bake a cake

First, I would like to give Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser credit for being commendable heirs to the legacy of Hilary Knight's illustrations and storytelling. The sweet, sweeping, lyrical style is immediately engaging and attractive.

Jojo is already established as little sister to the well-known Fancy Nancy. Unlike Nancy, JoJo is not fancy nor is her personality as outsized as her flamboyant sister. She has always been depicted as either an audience, sidekick or a nuisance. This book is all her own, and she takes the reigns as a determined, clever, and considerate heroine.

I love the positive relationship that the Clancys have. The parents allow their children to be quirky while providing responsible guidance and support. They let their children make mistakes and let them work through their hopes and disappointments. It is nice that there is a cohesive, positive, loving model for families today.

This is a perfect beginning reader for first graders