The Sweet family has no idea of the havoc the youngest of 14 children will create when they get so involved in their foot-stomping, rip-roaring reunion that they forget all about little Clementine’s sixth birthday. Clementine uses some real foot-stomping to get her own attention from the citizens of Lovett, Texas. When a man named Kyle and his band arrives, he’s able to avoid Clementine’s foot-stomping by using a few waltz steps. Being a sweet-stepping dancer brings Clementine a new brand of attention and subsequently Clementine uses her foot-stomping talents to save the town from a devastating twister. Round-faced characters populate the cheerily bright acrylic illustrations that contribute to the tale’s energy. Adults who notice the musical allusions and the too-silly names (Chili Pepper, Carmel, Coconut) will likely groan but young readers will simply read a tale that will make them smile. (Picture book. 4-7)
