This lighthearted chapter book for newly independent readers features upbeat second-grader Bernie, his spirited little sister, Eloise, and their family and friends. Over the course of a weekend, Bertie loses a tooth, gains a black eye, and is given a creative haircut courtesy of Eloise, who wants to be a hairstylist. Monday is picture day at school, and Bertie dons his red polka-dot bow-tie and smiles confidently for the camera, shiner, strange hair, and all. “Pretty spiffy, don’t you think?” he asks his grandparents when he sends them a copy of the photo. Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the appealing text. (Ages 5-7)

On Monday morning Bertie woke up bright and early.
He remembered that it was Picture Day.
He remembered that Mrs. Hughes
told them to look spiffy.

Bertie is determined to look his very best for his second grade school picture on Monday. In fact, he even plans to wear his red polka-dot bow tie. But before the weekend's over, Bertie loses a front tooth, gets a shiner, and receives a "terribly interesting" haircut from his little sister Eloise.

Bertie and Eloise, whom young readers met in Hot Fudge Hero, are back--and as charming as ever. In their smart and playful style, Pat Brisson and Diana Cain Bluthenthal capture these endearing characters in all of their trials and triumphs.