HERE'S HERMIONE

This spin-off of the popular Rosy Cole stories stars Rosy's friend Hermione Wong, who is sure that her boring life as a N.Y.C. fifth grader would be fabulous if only she were famous. Hermione decides to become a rock cellist, with Rosy as manager. Following rock-star Pomona's fan-mag advice, she seeks an original gimmick for her recital, a competition that offers the opportunity of playing with the finest musicians at Town Hall. Unfortunately, the swan costume that she creates unexpectedly prevents her from playing. Humiliated, Hermione leaves the reception to comfort herself by playing her solo; hearing it, world-famous cellist Joseph Pitkin decides to take her as a student. Hermione discovers that the feeling she imagined would come from fame is actually derived from the beauty of her music. As in Give Us a Great Big Smile, Rosy Cole (1981), Greenwald explores the various aspects of fame while portraying childhood's innocent optimism with a sure touch. Numerous pen sketches add to the fun; large type makes this a good choice for transitional readers or for older children still struggling with independent reading. (Fiction. 8-12)*justify no*