FELIX STANDS TALL

A sweet little story about the power of friendship and learning to stand up—to anyone!

Felix’s new best friend, bold and fearless Fiona, convinces him to dress up as a pixie and sing and dance with her for the Guinea Pig Jubilee talent show. When they win first prize, Felix “swells with pride.” But the bullies at school are ready to pounce! “Here comes Twinkletoes!” they tease. “Dimples made fun of Felix’s Texas slide step.” And Minkie puts a Slime Creeper down his shirt. Felix runs home to his mama, and she tells him he has to stand tall. But Felix doesn’t know how. Fortunately, Fiona comes to the rescue with her Magic Protection Suit. Clad in the “light as a feather but strong” suit, Felix discovers newfound bravery. He glares at the bullies through his invisible visor and pounds his invisible lance on the sidewalk with a Clang! and “the troublemakers melt away like snow.” However, the real test comes when Fiona suggests twin cupcake costumes for Halloween. The details in Wells’ illustrations showcase Felix’s and Fiona’s different personalities brilliantly and cleverly stretch the story out to the endpapers.

Concise and kid-appropriate language combines with darling drawings (who can resist cute little guinea pigs?) for another feather in Wells’ literary cap. (Picture book. 5-8)