Well intentioned, but not always having her plans work out, is our Edie. She is that modern girl, with a modern take on life. The title Edie is Ever So Helpful is your first clue that Edie probably is not so helpful. And Sophy Henn in text and illustrations, follows our heroine throughout the story showing this in colors as vibrant as Edie herself. Some of the helpful things our Edie does is wake the family up… with a very loud song. She styles her grandfather’s hair… while he is asleep. She uses lots of colorful paint to brighten up the walls. And sometimes she needs reminding to not be so helpful.
Overall, this is not my typical type of story. However, with its modern language and modern take on dealing with children’s issues, the contemporary reader will most relate. She is for fans of Olivia, Fancy Nancy, and Eloise.
The illustrations I am still on the fence about. They are simple, not a lot of detail, but have the detail that is needed. (As when Edie is helping dad at the store you see the things a child thinks you need while shopping.) They are unrealistic, but that helps with the whimsy of the story. However, perhaps more detail would have helped. You do not see the home or neighborhood of the characters. Perhaps that is not needed, but because of these “not all there” images, I find something is lacking for me.
Sophy Henn has created a book that speaks to some and to others, not as much.