Clementine and the Family Meeting

by Sara Pennypacker Narrated by Jessica Almasy

Overview

Critics and fans alike delight in the antics of rambunctious third grader Clementine. In Clementine and the Family Meeting, this fiery youngster takes on the age-old problem of sibling rivalry. A family meeting has been called, and Clementine figures she must be in trouble for something, but she's not sure what. Her fears of punishment are replaced by new ones, however, when her parents reveal they are trying to have another baby. Clementine's sure that four is the perfect family size-can she be convinced to make room for number five?

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 2–4—The irrepressible third grader, Clementine, is back in this installment (Hyperion, 2011) of Sara Pennypacker's series. Clementine sees the ominous "Family Meeting" sign on the refrigerator, she thinks that she is going to be in big trouble. The actual reason for the meeting is far worse than anything she could have imagined: her parents are expecting a baby, and they didn't even ask her if it was okay! To make matters worse, a key element in Clementine's science project has gone missing, her best friend Margaret is turning into a makeup fiend, and she lost her favorite winter hat. Dismayed at first, Clementine realizes that her worries have a solution: mostly, the love and warmth of her family, but having her own tool belt doesn't hurt, either. Jessica Almasy brings Clementine to life with a performance that is chock-full of sparkle and verve. The girlish pitch of her voice is perfectly suited to the character, and her enthusiastic delivery is spot-on. The slightly different voices she gives the adult characters serviceable but not memorable. But this isn't really a drawback, as it allows Clementine to be the star. A sweet story with pitch-perfect narration makes this audiobook a must-have.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

Kirkus Reviews

Clementine has had many not-so-good days. But this one just might be the worst.

She loses her favorite hat, her science project is ruined and the "family meeting!" sign is up on the refrigerator—that's never a good thing. Even though family meetings are supposed to be about family issues, Clementine usually ends up getting in trouble. But this one is different. Clementine's dad announces that their family is going to grow. Are they are getting a gorilla, like Clementine has always wanted?! No. It's a new baby. Clementine is N-O-T, not happy. They are a family of four. Four is a perfect number. In infallible Clementine reasoning: "Four can be two and two sometimes, and nobody is lonely. Two kids and two grown-ups. Two boys and two girls. There are four sides to the kitchen table, so we each get one." Five just doesn't work. Pennypacker tackles the oft-written new-baby theme from a refreshing, older perspective; jealousy is not the foremost emotion, it's vulnerability. Everything is changing too fast. Clementine and her dad have always had a unique bond, but in this venture, he especially shines. He picks up on unspoken feelings and knows just how to give the right amount of comfort.

Filled with familiar Clementine charm but, more importantly, a whole lot of heart, too. (Fiction. 7-10)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169331264
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	09/13/2011
Series:	Clementine Series , #5
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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