The Lime Green Secret. Georgia Graham. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2009. 32 pp., hardcover, $21.99. ISBN 978-0-88776-841-5. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 4-7. Review by Reesa Cohen. *** /4 Reviewed from Uncorrected First Pages.

Gloria's excitement and enthusiasm at being chosen as a flower girl for her big sister's wedding is apparent right from the beginning of this tale. Her sheer delight is enhanced when she sees the beautiful dress, the lovely gloves, the sparkling tiara and especially her shiny white shoes, all waiting safely on the hook of her bedroom door.

Gloria couldn't take her eyes off it. At night the dress glowed like a radiant angel, hovering in the air.

She rested the pristine white shoes on her pillow. Gloria couldn't wait.

     It isn't long before this irrepressible joy spills over, and Gloria is tempted to try out this wedding finery and eventually to show off to her friends. This course of action and a tea party with her stuffed animals and dolls ends in a disastrous spill of lime green soda pop. A little ingenuity and an understanding sister, much like Gloria herself, save the day.

     Georgia Graham's lively and colourful illustrations have won over many readers in her two books featuring Wanda, another spunky and irrepressible character: Wanda and the Wild Hair and Wanda and the Frogs. Graham's medium is once again chalk pastels on sanded paper, and her drawings feature many details, like peculiar glasses and hair styles, reminiscent of a time long passed. The exaggerated long skinny limbs lend a comic touch, suitable to this story.

     This time in the dual role of author and illustrator, Graham shows strength in her vivid descriptions and her style.

The stain loomed over Gloria like a hideous green monster. She would see it at night, when she tried to sleep.

Claws splayed, hair wild, it had dozens of crazy toes going in every direction.

     Although the story line is somewhat predictable, it is still charming and will have a special place in the hearts of little girls.

Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is a retired Instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB.

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