Mortimor has permission from his science teacher to care for Plantzilla for the summer. Plantzilla thrives and develops a carnivorous appetite. The pet Chihuahua is missing.  Mother suspects that Plantzilla is that culprit. Has Plantzilla the plant eaten the pet Chihuahua?           

Jerdine Nolen writes an endearing story of an unusual plant that enjoys cooked meat and the dedicated love of his young master.   Nolen’s use of correspondence between the Mortimer's and young Mortimer’s science teacher to unfold this story is unique. Using letters add intimacy and intrigue to this story that may compel young readers to grab their pen and paper. Nolen’s plot and tone are not scary but pleasant with ample tension. Readers experience Mortimer’s fear that his parents may return his plant, and his mother’s concern that this plant is carnivorous and what will it do next? Plantzilla is not a grim story. Plantzilla becomes a permanent member of this family and readers see love being shared between the plant and Mortimor’s family. Readers may wonder whether the missing Chihuahua was not seeking respite from Mortimer’s mother. David Catrow’s gaudy illustrations are vital in this story.  They add wonder and suspense and transport readers into the mystical world of a mysterious plant. Catrow’s vivid, exaggerated illustrations are humorous. His fantastical scenes sprawl engagingly across each page aiding the story and grabbing readers’ attention.  Plantzilla no doubt propels readers into an imaginary scientific world. Nolen’s story is perfect for young readers with scientific and horticultural inclinations. 

Lucy told her family that wolves were in the walls. Her family did not believe her, but her pig puppet did. When the elephants came Lucy told her puppet. She did not tell her family.

Mirette, the daughter of a boardinghouse widow, is enchanted with a wirewalker who comes to lodge. Mirette promptly decides to become a wirewalker. She hears that the lodger is Bellini and becomes disappointed when Bellini is afraid to perform. Bellini is afraid of heights. The shamed Bellini must conquer his trepidation and resume performing. With Mirette’s encouragement, Bellini walks across the wire. The two become a captivating duo act.

Emily Arnold McCully's picture book, MIRETTE ON THE HIGH WIRE is entertaining and aesthetically and logically profound. McCully conjures up a thrilling tale of a young gymnast taking the lead. She stages her fiction in Paris with a premise that overtly suggests overcoming fear. McCully’s plot of a young girl inspiring a famous wirewalker is fresh and pleasant. This plot may evoke appreciation for the collaboration of young prodigy and old artists. The protagonist, Mirette is spunky and adorable. She lives in a single parent setting with her widowed mother. The conflict in this story is engaging, reasonable, and believable, and it transpires between a young girl and a famous adult prompting the question of who is in charge. Mirette’s assertiveness is not insolent but provocatively charming. Readers will enjoy a child’s optimistic attitude towards overcoming inhibitions. Using a young girl and a man as main characters enriches the plot with an avuncular flare and renders a more intriguing story. McCully’s watercolor illustrations are slightly abstract, but full of tone and vigor. Use of rich pastels thrills the eyes. Shadows are distinguishable and the contrast between ground and height is easily differentiated. Lavish illustrations change consistently covering two thirds of each page and propagating new dimensions of the plot.

MIRETTE ON THE HIGH WIRE may be an ideal book for classroom discussions because of its aesthetics, lucidity, and the courage and optimism its young protagonist exhibits. Young and old readers may question whether it is appropriate for adults to display their weaknesses before children. This picture book is a Caldecott Medal Award winner.