The Blue Ribbon Day

Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole, characters in Katie Couric's The Brand New Kid return in The Blue Ribbon Day. This time, both Ellie and Carrie want to be on the soccer team, but only Ellie makes the grade.

Carrie is disappointed and sad, but her mother tries to cheer her up by explaining that everyone has to find their own place to shine. Carrie's turn comes when she and Lazlo enter the science fair and win a blue ribbon. Everyone is happy - even Ellie scores the winning goal in the soccer game.

Marjorie Priceman's illustrations are engaging and colorful and lend nice movement to the book. I was a bit disappointed with the rhymes - some were a bit of a stretch - and with how the subject matter was treated. It's a great message (be your own person, shine in your own way, etc.) but Ms. Couric really didn't cover any new ground with how she covered it. Even their science project was a well-worn classic (colored sugar water crystals).

Still, it's a quick and easy read and if you've got a youngster who needs a pep talk, this could be the book for you. Recommended for ages 4 and up.