Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Everyone saw when Fiona had an accident. She should have gone to the bathroom sooner. Will her entire class laugh at her for the next 50 years?Searching the topic of toilet "accidents" in children's picture books, the cupboards seem bare in addressing the embarrassment of older children in a compassionate way. The shelves overflow with toddler books on potty training, giving up diapers, and the subject of poop. Wells' Felix and Fiona series has taken on bullying and lying and now tackles bladder issues. Show-and-tell is, of course, the most exciting day of the elementary school year. Fiona and Felix cannot wait to present the volcano they have built themselves. On every page, Fiona is given the opportunity to use the bathroom, which she declines time after time. The tension slowly builds until the volcano literally explodes. The mortified Fiona quarantines herself in shame. Felix finds her. With the steady and sympathetic hand that brought Max and Ruby to life, Wells imbues these guinea pigs with the complex human emotion of embarrassment and provides the kind and gentle response that brings relief. Children will hear the message that accidents will soon be forgotten. Compassion is also shown with the depiction of both boy and girl (guinea pig) symbols on the gender-neutral bathroom's door. In multiple ways, this is a refreshing representation of a nearly universal experience. (Picture book. 5-8.)

ALA Booklist

Eager to demonstrate the homemade volcano that she and BFF Felix have built for show-and-tell, Fiona forgoes a trip to the washroom before leaving for school. Unfortunately, the bus is late, the school lavatory is occupied, and the pair is called up last to share. Just as the lava erupts, Fiona's bladder discharges, resulting in major humiliation. Luckily, Felix is there to reassure her ("Accidents have happened to everyone in the world! Even the president. Even the first lady!"); Mama drops off a pair of clean, dry undies; and Fiona's 15 minutes of infamy eventually end. As with the earlier series titles, Wells introduces a common childhood predicament and handles it with aplomb and grace. Both Fiona and Felix are believable, appealing characters whose friendship and kindness to each other make both stronger. Wells' watercolor-and-pencil illustrations give the story a comforting feel, particularly in the expressive faces. With endpaper directions for making a volcano, this should be a hit on many levels.

Horn Book

Guinea pig Fiona (Fiona's Little Lie) can't wait for the volcano she built with bestie Felix to "erupt big-time at show-and-tell." Unfortunately, she waits too long to go to the bathroom, causing her own embarrassing natural disaster. Usually confident Fiona is mortified; it's sensitive Felix's turn to offer friendly encouragement. Wells's comforting watercolor and pencil illustrations focus on the positive (not puddles).

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Everyone saw when Fiona had an accident. She should have gone to the bathroom sooner. Will her entire class laugh at her for the next 50 years?Searching the topic of toilet "accidents" in children's picture books, the cupboards seem bare in addressing the embarrassment of older children in a compassionate way. The shelves overflow with toddler books on potty training, giving up diapers, and the subject of poop. Wells' Felix and Fiona series has taken on bullying and lying and now tackles bladder issues. Show-and-tell is, of course, the most exciting day of the elementary school year. Fiona and Felix cannot wait to present the volcano they have built themselves. On every page, Fiona is given the opportunity to use the bathroom, which she declines time after time. The tension slowly builds until the volcano literally explodes. The mortified Fiona quarantines herself in shame. Felix finds her. With the steady and sympathetic hand that brought Max and Ruby to life, Wells imbues these guinea pigs with the complex human emotion of embarrassment and provides the kind and gentle response that brings relief. Children will hear the message that accidents will soon be forgotten. Compassion is also shown with the depiction of both boy and girl (guinea pig) symbols on the gender-neutral bathroom's door. In multiple ways, this is a refreshing representation of a nearly universal experience. (Picture book. 5-8.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1 A child's excitement comes alive in the latest installment in Wells's series. Fiona and best friend, Felix, built a volcano to share during show-and-tell at school. While eating breakfast, all Fiona could talk about was their volcano. Before departing for school, her mother asks her one question, "Did you use the bathroom, dear?" Fiona answers, "Yes, yes, Mama!" Readers soon learn that Fiona did not tell the truth. She did not use the bathroom. Instead, she planned on using the bathroom when she arrived at school. However, circumstances beyond her control make it impossible to do so before their teacher, Miss B calls on them to make their presentation. As their volcano erupts, Fiona has an accident in front of the class. Embarrassed, she runs off to hide in the Harmony Corner, where Felix finds her. He and Miss B reassure her that accidents happen and no one will remember. This title offers an important and easily accessible message. However, the watercolor illustrations and use of mostly primary and secondary colors appear dated and unremarkable. VERDICT Young readers will connect with Fiona's situation and appreciate the reminder of not delaying a trip to the bathroom. A purposeful addition. Maegen Rose, Collegiate School Library, New York City