Wednesday Wilson Connects the Dots

Wednesday Wilson, her brainy buddy Charlie and little brother Mister are thrilled when a school emergency results in an unexpected day off. They have time to plan a new business venture, but things become awkward when Ruby, an estranged friend, turns up. Later, they bump into the Emmas, a mean-spirited adversarial class group who taunt Charlie over his freckles. Ruby comes to his defense, citing her heartthrob brother, Raj, a trainee make-up artist, who says people are paying to add freckles as a beauty statement nowadays. This, of course, gives Wednesday an idea for a new business enterprise! They will provide freckles at 10 cents a freckle with half the money going to charity. But, as always, there is a hitch: the dots are permanent, and, worse, the next day is school photo day!!

Lively potential business entrepreneur Wednesday and her friends do not disappoint in this third book in the “Wednesday Wilson” series which features another promising business venture and, of course, a resultant major mishap! As usual, Wednesday’s enthusiasm is tempered by the quieter but able personalities of Charlie and Mister. This time, best friend Ruby is back, and misunderstandings of the past are sorted out, providing a lesson about not making assumptions in friendships.

With distinct characters, a supportive family in Wednesday’s same-sex parents and a close network of friends, the book carries a fun plot involving the usual disasters and humorous antics. Wednesday continues to mature and to enlighten readers with her newly acquired business terminology, and, though their freckle profits are eaten up by the cost of sorting out the problem, salutary lessons are learned all round.

The layout is clear and inviting, and the expressive black and white artwork is an integral part of the story showing a representative variety of multicultural children and great body language. With short chapters and easy plot line, and a heroine who has wormed her way into our affections, Wednesday Wilson Connects the Dots is a good choice for beginner readers.