This is a cute story with a big message. The big idea of this story is friendship. Cherry felt ostracized from her classmates and other kids her age but was able to find a friend through a puppy. Even when the dog was being picked on (like she normally is) she was able to stand up for him. For example, “Cherry knows just how sad Olive feels. She sticks her tongue out at them to stand up for her friend.” I really enjoyed this book because the plot and characters are very believable. This situation could happen to any child. The book really pushes readers to think about this common problem of feeling left out or unwanted, but later reveals that not all of her classmates are so bad, and Cherry is able to form a friendship at the end of the story. ( )

I liked this story of the main idea, which is that friendship can come from anywhere and even when you least expect it. Cherry is bullied in school, something a lot of people can relate to. She also does not have any friends until she finds Olive, a dog who lost its owner. Olive is Cherry's only friend. I really like that because sometimes animals are the best friends. I also liked how in the end, Olive belonged to the popular boy in school that Cherry did not think she would ever be friends with. However, her friendship with Olive lead to her friendship with the boy. ( )

My daughters and I fell in love with this book. The story is sweet, but the illustrations are the real stand out. ( )

Cerise is an overweight little girl who gets bullied at school. We know she must be a good person though, because she's an avid reader. Her father owns a dog pound and when a Shar-pei is brought in, she begs him to keep the wrinkly dog as her own pet. Her father agrees on the condition that she take care of the dog for a month, after which she can have him if he is not claimed by his owners. This is the first project that got Lacombe noticed, and it's good, but I can't say I was enthralled by the story or the illustrations. One of the few books by Lacombe available in translation for English readers. ( )

beautiful illustrations of a chubby shy girl ( )