• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

Beatrice More is no average third-grader.

Beatrice is a list-making, hyperorganized perfectionist whose laid-back parents and messy little sister consistently frustrate her high standards. And when a new house, a new neighborhood and new friends are thrown into the mix, Beatrice sends the family into a comic tailspin, all in the name of “professionalism.” Despite her most feverish organizational efforts, Beatrice ultimately discovers that some of the best experiences are the ones you can’t control.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Alison Hughes writes for children of all ages, and her books have been nominated for numerous awards. Alison also volunteers at the Centre for Family Literacy and does frequent presentations at schools, libraries and young-writer conferences. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband and three children. For more information, visit www.alisonhughesbooks.com.

Alison Hughes' profile page

Helen Flook was born and grew up in the beautiful countryside of Wales. She always loved to draw, but never imagined that one day she would be drawing for a living - what a great job! Art was always her favourite subject at school. She went on to do an Art Foundation Course and then a Degree in Graphic Design at Norwich School of Art and absolutely loved it!
Over the next few years, Helen worked as an excavator and illustrator on a number of archaeological digs in Britain, France and Germany. She also worked for The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - another great job, satisfying her interest in nature and wildlife.
In 1995, she moved with her husband and son to Canada. They lived in Guelph, Ontario for ten years learning all about hockey, real winters and what it was like to live somewhere completely different. She was published in a number of national newspapers and magazines in Canada, but eventually returned to her greatest love--children's books. She has been fortunate enough to be asked to illustrate books by some tremendous children's authors, both in North America and Britain.
In 2005, Helen and her family returned to Wales and she now lives and works from a beautiful village called Abergwyngregyn. Most of her work is produced using acrylic inks, which have lovely bright strong colours. Though she does occasionally try out watercolours and coloured pencils, pen and ink drawing is her favourite.
Ten Things You didn't know about Helen Flook~
1 - I love Tin Tin and Asterix books and collect old Rupert Bear annuals.
2 - I cannot exist without tea (preferably Ceylon)
3 - I was once a frog in a school play
4 -I have a cat with no name (he was the stray who came in from the cold)
5- I have met Paul Hendersen and seen the Queen
6- I once lived in a haunted manor house with a moat
7 - I have been up in a glider plane once - it made me airsick especially when we looped the loop.
8 - I think my favourite colour is red, though I quite like blue too.
9 - I love Christmas - except the cooking bit
10 - I have walked to the top of Snowdon (the highest mountain in England and Wales) four times

Helen Flook's profile page

"Readers may enjoy watching [Beatrice] assume the adult role to her parents' childishness... Frequent, equally exaggerated illustrations add to the fun...[An] amusing tale."

Kirkus Reviews

"A pleasant story...The humorous b&w drawings are a perfect complement...A good early chapter book for many young readers. Recommended."

School Library Connection

"Beatrice’s parents scramble to make their home presentable while, at the same time, teaching Beatrice that perfection isn’t possible...[She] realizes that sometimes being on a schedule is no fun and you don't have to be in a hurry all the time. Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials