Starring Jules (as herself) (Starring Jules #1)

“Ain gives Jules a truly funny narrative voice; her personality, misunderstandings, and tendency to overthink things are the driving force behind the story, though Jules’ relationship with her parents and brother is also a standout. Fans of Judy Moody, Clementine, and other iconoclastic heroines will love getting to know Jules and look forward to the next book in this planned series.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Readers who can’t wait for the next Clementine, Gooney Bird, or Judy Moody will be pleased to meet feisty seven-year-old Jules Bloom…The child’s lively voice will hold the attention of young readers.” —School Library Journal

“Jules is a bouncy-enough heroine, and readers will respond to both the friendship issues always in play as well as the possibility of stardom on the horizon. And the horizon, of course, is the upcoming sequel.” —Booklist

“Debut author Ain introduces a new chapter-book darling with pizzazz and quite a stage presence…The audition provides great tension with a hilarious outcome that leads to real emotion and a satisfying end…[with] a vulnerable and likable heroine.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Jules is a funny and spunky chapter-book character. Eager readers in primary grades will enjoy her adventures, laugh at her antics, and anticipate the second book in the Starring Jules series.” —Children’s Literature

“Narrator Cassandra Morris is perfect as ‘pizzazzy’ second-grader Jules Bloom. Her cadence and voice are light and girlish yet strong, an excellent characterization for a girl who would rather dig worms than play beauty makeover. But Jules isn’t a tomboy either. She’s Jules. She wants to be a star and is willing to audition even if she’s in danger of throwing up. Morris paces the drama, both internal and external, superbly. There’s plenty of both, as Jules needs a new best friend, and the perfect candidate, a girl from England, has just joined her class. Morris’ youthful-sounding timbre and British accent are charming. The exuberance of this production is endearing and entertaining.” —AudioFile