
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the green-eyed monster of jealousy or feeling 'less than' compared to a new friend. It perfectly captures the social anxiety that arises when a newcomer seems to outshine us in every category, from fashion to feline companions. Dolores is a wonderfully relatable, slightly messier-than-average girl who meets Hillary, a neighbor who appears perfect. The story follows Dolores as she tries to compete with Hillary's sophisticated cat and polished demeanor, leading to a series of humorous but poignant social blunders. It is a fantastic choice for the 4 to 8 age range because it validates the sting of comparison while gently guiding children toward a more authentic sense of self-worth. Parents will appreciate the way it models the messy, non-linear path of making friends and learning that 'different' doesn't mean 'better.'
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with social hierarchy and exclusion. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is realistic, it doesn't suggest the girls become best friends instantly, but rather that they find a way to coexist and appreciate one another's unique traits.
An elementary schooler who prides themselves on being 'the best' at something and is currently struggling because a new classmate or neighbor has challenged that status.
This book can be read cold. Parents may want to pay attention to the facial expressions in the illustrations, which do a lot of the emotional heavy lifting. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say, 'I hate [New Friend] because she thinks she's so great,' or witnessing their child try to change their personality to impress someone new.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the funny cat antics and the physical humor. Older children (7-8) will deeply resonate with the social politics and the internal sting of Hillary's 'perfection.'
Unlike many books that force a 'everyone is a winner' ending, this one acknowledges that competition is a real part of childhood and focuses on finding personal confidence amidst that competition.
Dolores is a confident, quirky young girl with a beloved cat named Duncan. Her world is upended when Hillary moves in nearby. Hillary is 'perfect' in every way: she has a fancy cat named Fifi, wears sophisticated clothes, and seems to do everything better than Dolores. The story chronicles Dolores's attempts to outdo Hillary, leading to a competition between their cats and a series of social mishaps. Ultimately, the girls find a common ground that allows for a realistic, if slightly competitive, friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.