Clementine Loves Red

Gr 3–5—Originally published in Poland in 1970, this comedic book tells the story of Mark, Annie, and Pudding (aka Derek), who are staying at the Holiday Hamlet. They are looking for one last adventure before their summer vacation ends, so they go into the woods, seeking the famed Frog King. Instead, they discover Macadamia, a little girl who is crying because she has lost someone or something named Clementine. The children are afraid to tell their caregiver about Macadamia because they will be in trouble for tracking mud into the house, so they hide the child and then begin "Operation Clementine." Hilarity ensues as the search party grows and now includes local twins Freddie and Eddie. Night falls fast and with a thunderstorm on the horizon, the kids set out with a fierce resolve to locate poor Clementine. Pretty soon Teddy, the son of a local constable, decides to take his dog Pickles out and join the search as well. Readers will be intrigued to find out exactly who or what Clementine is in this interesting and madcap tale.