Violet Bing and The Grand House

by: Jennifer Paros

Published by: Viking Juvenile

Reviewed by Linda Lee

Violet Bing is seven, almost eight. She has said no to the family vacation this year and will spend the time with the unknown Great Aunt Astrid in the Grand House. She announces to her great aunt that she hasn’t the time to do any of the things Astrid has planned for her. She doesn’t want to leave the house, not even for a picnic. She prefers to spend her days in her room, sitting on the large yellow chair she has pushed to the window.

It is from her perch in the chair that she first sees the dog, and the girl chasing it. She catches the dog and becomes friendly with Magnolia Greene Gold who has a completely different outlook on life than Violet.

Through exploring the house, Violet comes to realize she isn’t the only one who has ever been uncomfortable with the way things are. Old notes and journal entries let Violet know Aunt Astrid had some questions of her own when she was young.

Line drawings of the triangle shaped girl with a few wisps of hair are charming. Written in an original sweet, humorous style, this book will surely be a favorite.

Armchair Interviews says: Hopefully Violet Bing will be back in another story soon.