If the Hat Fits (Miss Bunsen's School for Brilliant Girls #1)

Gr 2-4--Three friends, Pearl, Millie, and Halinka, attend Miss Bunsen's School for Brilliant Girls, where girls are encouraged to invent. Unfortunately, the school building is falling apart and there is no funding for repairs or updates. When an invention competition with a significant monetary prize is announced, Miss Bunsen asks the girls to create something that will win. As they work to develop their Best of Yourself Hat, a hat designed to boost the confidence of its wearer, girls from the Atom Academy steal the idea. The girls of Miss Bunsen's are disqualified based on an accusation of cheating, but they realize the truth was recorded by the school's bionic cat's glass eye. After sharing the footage with the contest judges, the girls of Miss Bunsen's win the contest and save the school. The underlying message of this adventure is that confidence, honesty, and friendship are something every young person needs. Cartoon illustrations throughout are detailed and cheerful. VERDICT This enjoyable series debut depicts girls as inventors and emphasizes the benefits of teamwork.--Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa