Annie and Snowball and the Shining Star (Annie and Snowball Series) Book

Annie is excited for her school play. She gets to be a star and wear a costume that sparkles and shines! Annie practices and practices in front of her cousin, Henry, and his big dog, Mudge, to prepare. But when the big night comes, Annie is nervous and scared. Can Annie's family and pet bunny, Snowball, help to calm her before the show begins?

Children's Literature

Truth be told, I am not sure if my children or I more eagerly await Cynthia Rylant's new offerings, especially those that belong to her "Henry and Mudge," "Mr. Putter and Tabby," or "Annie and Snowball" series. So it was with great excitement that we welcomed the arrival of Rylant's latest, Christmas-themed book. In this story, loveable Annie is excited about her role as a star in the upcoming Christmas play. She is nervous, too, though; after all, this will be her first time on stage. Her cousin Henry suggests that she come over and practice. Afterwards, she feels better for a while. Unfortunately (but not unusually), her nervousness returns the night of the play. Luckily, Annie knows a trick for overcoming her stage fright. She thinks of something that makes her feel happy. Soon, she is singing and dancing with her star peers. The play is a success! Everyone loves a happy ending, which is probably a big part of this series' success. While this book is a good choice to share with any children who will be involved in winter performances, little about the story is specific to the holidays; the lesson, as such, is universal. If Rylant had written it with Annie in the role of a flower in a Spring Celebration, it would be much the same story. This does not detract from the book's charm. Rather, it means children might be reading it year-round—and that is not a bad thing at all. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green