Martha is tired of being in the middle until a frog points out its benefits in a funny story sure to have middle siblings feeling on top of the world. Being in the middle is no fun for Martha. She gets squashed between her siblings when they argue. She never gets called "big and sensible" or "cutesy-wootsy." Sometimes she even feels invisible. One day she gets so fed up, she decides to run away. Luckily, Martha meets a wise frog who points out that the middle is the best bit the tasty seeds in the sunflower, the sweet peas in the pod, the juiciest part of a watermelon. With beguiling warmth and humor, Jan Fearnley reassures children that being in the middle of things is a choice spot after all. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Fearnley (Watch Out!) may not break any new ground with this story about a middle child finding that she can be special, too, and yet the character is so insouciant and the artwork animated by so much humor that this oversize book should find an audience. Martha, a mouse, runs away from home ("They won't even care that I'm gone," she tells herself) and, predictably, experiences an epiphany about her role in the family--an epiphany prompted by a frog. Demonstrating his points like a motivational speaker, the frog reminds Martha that the best or sweetest part of most things are found at their centers. Fearnley's nimble use of line and uncluttered watercolors focus on character and plenty of action (Martha reclines in the middle of a watermelon slice, in the space created by a large bite; bees frolic as they collect nectar from the centers of flowers). Witty details, like maracas made of acorns, ramp up the fun on repeat readings. Ages 3-up. (June) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information