The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page

K-Gr 2–In a metafictional twist on what it means to inhabit a book, Sheila has literally spent her entire life living among the pages. As a toddler, she learned to walk within the book. As a kindergartner, she went to school and made new friends, still in the book. Year after year, Sheila grew up on the page like any other character. But when she returns for fourth grade, something’s wrong: she doesn’t fit anymore. No matter what new room she goes in or what position she tries, Sheila’s just too big for the story. However, with some advice from her best friend, Sheila starts to see that she might not be too big, but that she needs a bigger page. The premise has potential for imaginative exploration, and the folksy, conversational tone is bolstered by comical illustrations that echo the text’s playful spirit. Unfortunately, the story leans on its central message until it becomes heavy-handed. Driven by the lesson, both character and plot are underdeveloped, lacking the complexity to make meaningful connections for readers.