Cabot is no stranger to eight-year-old girls, thanks to the enormous success of her Princess Diaries, which not only made the author a household name but created the vehicle that launched Anne Hathaway's film career. But those books were meant for readers aged 12 and up and trickled down. Here the author launches a series intended for eight-year-olds, and they will in no way feel "talked down" to--on the contrary. They will feel that Cabot knows the troubles they have seen: managing overly sensitive best friends, bursting at the seams to tell a secret they've promised not to, struggling with the idea of moving to a new, possibly haunted house, and, perhaps worst of all, not knowing the rules. These are the challenges facing Allie Finkle, a credible, intelligent, funny nine-year-old heroine whom readers and parents alike can embrace. "I like rules," Allie's first-person narrative begins. "The reason why is, rules help make our lives easier. For instance, the rule about not killing people. Obviously, this is a good rule." Allie's own rule #1: "Don't stick a spatula down your best friend's throat." Cabot's brilliant stroke is that Allie's best friend, Mary Kay, is one of those childhood friends who's your best friend because she lives within walking distance. Mary Kay is a crybaby and most readers will feel she deserves the spatula (though Allie apologizes, responsible gal that she is). This is a well-rounded heroine who has flaws but also comes to the rescue of the captive turtle in the local Chinese restaurant, and, at her peril, saves a show cat from the abuse of the horrid popular girl (Brittany, naturally)--all good practice for her career as a vet. For Allie, the prospect of moving has pros and cons, and she examines them all in a perfectly nine-year-old way, including anger at her five- and seven-year-old brothers for their positive glee at the chance to move (each will get his own room). For readers, there are only positives at the prospect of more adventures from this full-blooded heroine.--Jennifer M. Brown
