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Summary
Summary
This charming, energetic story shows the power of friendship through the teamwork of a lovably mismatched pair. Confident Frannie convinces cautious Pepper to give skateboarding a try, but Pepper's attempts are not all smooth sailing. Luckily, she has a supportive and enthusiastic friend to cheer her on and help her realize her potential. This story is a relatable look at the ups and downs of trying something new, with an encouraging message about the importance of persevering. Sweet, lively illustrations complement this empowering tale about learning to fall and to get back up again.
Author Notes
Catherine Lazar Odell is a freelance illustrator and debut picture book author. She studied Industrial Design at Syracuse University and played cello in a touring band before returning to drawing. In her free time, she enjoys riding through the woods on her skateboard. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon, where she sells art at local street fairs.
Reviews (3)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Pepper the rabbit is "practical and prepared, and follows the rules." Frannie, her friend, is "fancy and free, and follows her own path." Frannie's headed to Wheels in the Woods, a skateboarding festival, but she misses her bus; Pepper, who was planning a photography jaunt, gives her a lift. "STAY! STAY! STAY!" Frannie pleads, and Pepper finds herself learning how to skateboard. Despite her scatterbrained temperament, Frannie proves a gifted teacher, encouraging Pepper to persist through tumbles ("TRY! TRY... TRY!"), captured by Odell in lively vignettes. Though the skateboarding jargon sounds shoehorned in ("They shred"), the triumph Pepper expresses registers as completely genuine. "If I can do this," she says, surveying the forest skateboard path the two have just conquered, "I can do anything!" Odell's artwork conveys the joy of skateboarding at speed, the rabbits' ears flying behind them as they lean into the curves. Rulefollower Pepper's the hero, but so is impulsive Frannie-the story, about the joy of friends supporting each other and the elation of taking risks, needs them both. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
The titular rabbits model tender, generous friendship in Odell's (I'm Done!, by Gretchen Brandenberg McClellan, 2018) authorial debut.Best friends Pepper, a white rabbit with one black ear, and Frannie, a flamboyantly outfitted brown rabbit, both girls, love having adventures. Pepper's idea of a good adventure, however, involves plans, maps, and precision, while Frannie revels in spontaneity. Refreshingly, each friend's outlook, interests, and impeccable personal style are presented as equally valid, showing (rather than telling) that there's no one right way to be a girl. When Frannie misses the bus to the Wheels in the Woods skateboarding festival, a helmeted Pepper saves the day with a ride on her motorcycle, then reveals that she's reluctant to try skateboarding herself. With Frannie's persistent encouragement, emphasized via faux hand-lettered speech bubbles, Pepper eventually doeswith pleasantly surprising results. Sparse lines of text give the mixed-media illustrations an equal role in the storytelling; despite the bold contrast of black text on bright white pages, the text and pacing maintain a sweet, playful tone alongside soft, painterly organic shapes dominated by shades of green and pink. Delightful details abound, from Pepper's expressions of concentration as she tries "again, and again" to Frannie's leopard-spotted skating outfit.This is the book about skateboarding female rabbits you didn't know you were missing. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Trying something new can be scary, but it helps to have someone else offering encouragement. Pepper and Frannie, depicted as plump rabbits, are best friends. Rule-following Pepper likes to make plans and photograph flowers, but she also rides a motorcycle and enjoys a good adventure. Frannie is freewheeling, more than willing to venture off the beaten path. When Frannie misses her bus, Pepper gives her a ride to a skateboarding festival. Intrigued by the action, Pepper starts taking pictures, but gradually Frannie coaxes her friend into try skating herself. Odell's bright mixed-media illustrations are full of movement. The images range from several spot pieces on one page to full-bleed pages, employing a variety of visual perspectives that draw the reader into the action. Although she falls repeatedly, Pepper perseveres and is thrilled to be able to join Frannie in the fun. Her confidence grows as she starts to consider other new things she could try. Numerous skateboarding terms are introduced in the context of this warm friendship story.--Lucinda Whitehurst Copyright 2019 Booklist