My COMPLICATED Week is the first in the Annabelle-Please-Don't-Tell! series of chapter books for children in the elementary grades. Annabelle Merriday, with her unruly, red hair and radiant personality, takes on perplexing -- and sometimes scary -- complications in a week when her best friend refuses to talk with her, she must master difficult skills to go to "Mars" and "Jupiter," her grandmother cuts up her little brother's favorite costume, Annabelle is caught doing something she shouldn't do in Grandma's kitchen, and she wants to give her dad a big, birthday surprise. She and her brother, Andrew, humorously notice (from their youthful perspectives) that grown-ups frequently say and do strange things. This series models excellent English language skills and provides information about many subjects such as math, science, nature, geography, health, cultural traditions, family relationships, and social dynamics. Children and adults are enabled to discuss interesting ideas, facts, and concepts embedded in the text and illustrations. The situations are engagingly familiar and personally evocative; the presentation is creative and elegant. The stories follow current research suggesting that children benefit from stories that address their secret worries, wishes, and wonderments. Annabelle has 156 secrets, by her last count; Andrew tries to uncover as many of them as possible. Each book in the series takes place throughout a week in Annabelle's life, developing deep understanding of an overarching concept. In My COMPLICATED Week, Annabelle and other characters learn helpful approaches to complex situations. The second book, My IMAGINARY Week, celebrates the exercise of imagination by children and adults. As the series progresses, Annabelle and Andrew slowly advance in age and face new challenges. The associated website offers free resources for parents and educators, as well as fun activities and items for children. The rich syntax, grammar, and vocabulary are presented in an exciting, clear, and manageable manner: with substantial support in text and illustrations, as well as repetition for retention. Memorable images add to the fun on nearly every page.
