Penelope Perfect: Project Best Friend by Chrissie Perry

Hardie Grant Egmont, 2015. ISBN 9781760120245
This junior novel is recommended for girls from 7-9 years. Chrissie Perry introduces the reader to perfectionist Penelope Kingston in this book sampler. Penelope - never call her Penny - is a good, sensible and mostly calm, young girl. Her room is totally organised from her library to her stationery, even the pens have their nibs facing up. She is obsessive about order and structure however, her Mum, stepsister Siena and brother Harry don't meet her high standards. Penelope's one wish is to have a best friend and the new girl at school Brittany O'Brien may fit her requirements.
This is a novel of discovery about self-identity and perceptions, about family and school life.
The vignettes included show Penelope's thoughts and a range of emotions - a steam kettle illustrates the angry thoughts boiling up inside.
Rhyllis Bignell