The second chapter book in a series that began with three picture books, this story continues the first-person narrative of Clarice Bean. With fresh, childlike turns of phrase and a hyperawareness of words, the voice is reminiscent of Junie B. Jones' in the series for younger readers. In this volume, Clarice juggles concerns about her problems with spelling, her frequently changing roles in a school production of The Sound of Music, and her friend Karl's unhappiness at home, troubles at school, and hurtful rejection of Clarice. And, unlike most kids in modern children's books, she watches television. An avid fan of Ruby Redfort, a character in numerous books and a TV series, Clarice sometimes looks to her hero for wisdom, or at least wisecracks. With a sprinkling of small, childlike line drawings, a few other illustrations, and some creative typography, this entertaining chapter book will please readers who are ready to move up from Amelia or -Junie B. Jones, books which have a similar tone and accessibility.

Once again following the lead of fictional girl-spy Ruby Redfort, grade-school heroine Clarice Bean confronts spelling, her budding thespian abilities, and a friend's troubled home life in an amiably earnest narration adorned with quirkily scrawled line drawings, other mixed-media, and creative use of fonts and font sizes. Despite what sometimes comes off as faux-naivete, Clarice's genuine nature shines through.

As utterly herself as ever, Clarice Bean Tuesday returns, to chatter on while riding an emotional roller coaster to close out her school year. Along with wondering what's up with classmate Karl Wrenbury (who's acting out in response to family problems), and earning a suspension by taking the rap for one of his misdeeds, she has many more issues. She frets about an upcoming spelling bee; continues to dote on her book/TV heroine Ruby Redfort; ruminates on what it takes to be a good writer; gets and loses the role of Liesl in a class production of The Sound of Music ; and records typically droll doings in her extended family, along with encounters with teachers good and bad—her regular one, Mrs. Wilberton, being a painfully vivid example of the latter. Child kicks Clarice Bean's already vivacious narrative up a notch with lots of small, quick ink sketches, typeface changes and polysyllabic study words (some of them made up), then closes on a delirious high note as Clarice unexpectedly lands a bit part opposite Ruby Redfort herself. Judy Moody and Junie B. Jones fans will happily dive into the observations of this "exceptionordinarily" entertaining middle-grader. (Fiction. 8-10)

Gr 1-4-In this follow-up to Utterly Me, Clarice Bean (Candlewick, 2003), Clarice prepares for a spelling bee, hopes to land a good part in a play, tries to please a teacher, and is supportive of a friend. She continually employs the mind-set of her favorite book/TV detective, Ruby Redfort, to try to keep out of trouble and to help others. However, Clarice discovers that sometimes being a real friend is worth being in big trouble. The childish language and writing style will attract fans of Barbara Park's "Junie B. Jones" series (Random) and random sketches and font changes should help keep the interest of young readers. The novel begins well, slows down, and picks up again toward the end. Loose ends leave readers to assume that unanswered questions will be addressed in future books. While the story is somewhat disorganized and some readers may not be satisfied by its conclusion, overall it is appealing.-Amanda Rose Conover, St. John's County Public Library System, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.