Clementine Rose and the perfect present by Jacqueline Harvey

Random House, 2013. ISBN 9781742755458
Recommended. Children's fiction. Fresh and original. Clementine Rose is a 7 year old girl and is extremely curious about everything. So when an immense tent appears in her backyard she just has to know why it is there. When she finds out that there is going to be a wedding, Clemmie is thrilled because a wedding is just the thing her mother needs to help pay for a much needed roof for their house. She wants to help the workers but she is not allowed, so she goes and watches them, she even sings to them! But amidst the excitement, her Uncle Digby falls ill and an invitation goes astray. To everyone's horror (especially Clemmie's), Aunt Violet is left in charge. All the presents gave Clemmie an idea, but will she find the perfect present in time?
Clementine Rose and the Perfect Present is a finely written story. Jacqueline Harvey's fable illustrates Clementine and her pet pig Lavender as two lively friends always on the lookout for mysteries. Clemmie's Aunt Violet does not approve of such excitement, but when Uncle Digby falls ill and an invitation goes astray Aunt Violet simply gives in and lets Clemmie figure out the puzzling mystery. Over all I think that Clementine Rose and the Perfect Present is a fantastic story and every school in South Australia should have a copy of this book in their library.
Amelie Meinel (student)