Clementine-Rose and the Surprise Visitor (Jacqueline Harvey, Random House)

Clementine Rose is just a baby when she is delivered to Lady Clarissa Appleby of Penberthy House in a breadbasket full of warm buns. Welcomed with delight by Lady Clarissa, Clemmie has grown up happy and content, with a snappy sense of style and a teacup pig called Lavender. Penberthy House is a little run down, but the visitors don’t complain much, and Clemmie is happy to entertain them with her well-intended shenanigans. So when bossy Aunt Violet comes to stay, demanding the best rooms, making a fuss, and acting quite suspiciously about the house, everyone hopes she won’t be staying long. Clementine Rose and the Surprise Visitor is the first book in a new series by children’s author Jacqueline Harvey, author of the ‘Alice Miranda’ series. Clementine is delightfully sweet, pretty and feminine, with just the right amount of curiosity and a Dennis the Menace sense of mischief (but perhaps a tad more innocence). The premise of the book is charming, and the cast of characters lovable. I wonder if the lack of conflict will stop readers from picking up the next book. However, if they love Clemmie’s world, that may be enough.

Rebecca Butterworth is a freelance writer and book reviewer living in Melbourne

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Category: Reviews