FANNY & ANNABELLE

Hobbie’s newest characters, the irrepressible Fanny and her homemade doll, Annabelle, return for another adventure (Fanny, 2008). On a rainy afternoon, Fanny decides to create a picture book starring Annabelle. With wry humor, the text explores the writing process as Fanny is alternately struck by inspiration and stifled by writer’s block. Fanny’s experiences and Annabelle’s tale—complete with Fanny’s accompanying illustrations—are interwoven throughout the story. Readers learn that art sometimes does imitate life as Fanny makes an amazing discovery of money and incorporates it into her writing. How Fanny and Annabelle handle their unexpected bounty makes for a charming adventure that is bound to please fans. The pen-and-ink–and-watercolor illustrations are characteristically sweet and show off the author’s expert ability to capture the essence of childlike drawings without trying too hard. This lighthearted endeavor is a welcome addition to her repertoire. (Picture book. 3-6)