Incognito by Shelley Johannes
Beatrice Zinker upside down thinker series. Lothian, 2018,
ISBN 9780734417312
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Individuality. Friendship. School
life. Problem solving. Shelley Johannes has created a unique and fun
character, a creative thinker whose best ideas come when she's
upside down. While the rest of the girls in her class love to play
vet clinic at break time, Beatrice Zinker and her best friend Lenny
can be found hanging upside down in the maple tree. Their Operation
Upside plan involves leaving special certificates hidden around
school rewarding those kids who need a boost, a reward for their
special talents.
Beatrice is ready to shake things up in third grade at William
Charles Elementary School.
While Beatrice's enthusiasm is heartfelt, her impulsivity causes
problems. The duo has a list of who they're going to give the
certificates to, unfortunately Beatrice's decision to give their
authoritarian teacher Mrs. Tamarack a certificate for being the Most
Strict Teacher causes unexpected issues. The teacher has her
suspicions about the student who put the award in her bag, but
nobody owns up. Beatrice decides to go incognito to school: no more
ninja gear, it's pink dresses to blend in with the other girls.
In the week that follows, Beatrice learns Morse Code, becomes
friends with mysterious Sam Darzi, uses her ninja skills for secret
rooftop meetings and manages to sort out her problems.
Shelley Johannes lively illustrations add fun and drama to
Beatrice's exploits and daily school life. She encourages young
readers to think positively and celebrate their different styles and
personalities. Her creative language uses alliteration, humour and
sensory experiences to build a picture of Beatrice's journey. Incognito
is a delightful junior novel just right for sharing with younger
students in Years 2-4. The author explore themes of emotional
wellbeing, friendship, self-perception and anti-bullying.
Rhyllis Bignell