Around the World (Franny's Feet Series) Book

I really wanted to like this book. I love picture books with stand-out characters, and this was recommended as one that is really character-oriented. But, I ended up not wanting to hang out with Marigold! She is, for lack of a better word, a brat. And not even an endearing, amusing, somewhat forgivable brat like Eloise. I think we are meant to gather that her brat-nature has developed from a sense of insecurity or something. She doesn't want to get a new coat, because she is so attached to her old coat. Which is fine, that's cute, I get it--kids get attached to stuff, sometimes the oddest stuff, and I think it's insensitive for adults to rip it away. But, her solution is impractical and she does not seem thankful for getting something new. Later in the book, though (this is divided into very short "chapters"), she is upset because she doesn't have any new clothes. She feels bad because she wants to look pretty on the first day of school and she doesn't have any new clothes. There is a cute resolution to this, and it helps her mend the riff in her friendship, but, again, she seems so unaware of anything else going on and upsetting her mom in the process. The part that bothered me most was her dealings with her best friend. She is so rude and purposely vindictive and I don't feel that she ever fully apologizes for it or considers her friend's side of things. Of course, this could serve as a springboard for discussion with parents/teachers regarding how one OUGHT to behave to friends. I admit the story is told in an engaging way, and, yeah, Marigold made a strong impression as a character--but I just can't give this more than three stars.