Winner of the 2016 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Here Alemagna stakes herself on the idea that the adventures children make for themselves are by far the very best! Eddie is five and a half, and thinks she is the only one in her family who isn’t really good at something.  So when she hears her little sister say “birthday—Mommy—fluffy—little—squishy,” it’s extra important for her to find this amazing present before anyone else does.  So, gregarious, charming, clever little Eddie goes all around the neighborhood to all her fabulous friends—the florist, the chic boutique owner, the antiques dealer, and even the intimidating butcher—to find one.  It’s a magical adventure that draws on Eddie’s special gifts, ones that she herself learns to appreciate. PreS-Gr 2—After overhearing her sister say the words birthday, Mommy, fuzzy, little, and squishy, five-year-old Eddie traipses all over town alone, looking for the perfect present for her mother. She visits the baker, the florist, the clothing shop, the antique dealer, and the butcher. Everyone except the butcher gives her something that is neither fluffy/fuzzy nor squishy. The butcher tells her he's busy and frightens her away while waving a bloody knife. When she finally finds a "FLUFFY LITTLE SQUISHY," it looks like a cross between a pink poodle and a rodent. Eddie cuddles it as if it is alive and takes it home to Mom, who wears the best present ever…as a hat? The cartoon illustrations are done in colored pencil with watercolor backgrounds, and the style is reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans's art. The colors are muted except for Eddie's bright pink coat and the bright pink creature. VERDICT This French import is an interesting mix of realism and fantasy about one child finding her special talent. A general purchase for larger libraries.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA Winner of the 2016 Mildred L. Batchelder Award "Young Edith--Eddie to her friends--goes looking for the perfect birthday present for her mother. Fortunately she has lots of friends. [...] An irrepressible heroine in an effervescent book." -- Kirkus Reviews "Picture books can serve many purposes. They can inform and soothe the very young, as well as the considerably older. They can offer lively text and open a child's eyes to art. They can also simply entertain -- and, in the process, create characters that stay with the reader (and listener) long after the book is closed. Think Eloise, in the Plaza Hotel. Or Max, on that island with the Wild Things. And now, think Eddie, in France. [...] And in Alemagna's detailed images, children will find something new to admire every time they look at the book." --Bernie Goedhart, Montreal Gazette "This story is satisfying--from whimsical start to gratifying, unexpected finish." --Nell Beram, The Horn Book "Gorgeously illustrated with a charming and gregarious protagonist, this is a new classic." --Sally Morgan, The Curious Reader (Glen Rock, NJ) "Alemagna excels in depicting enticing shop windows and displays, bursting with scrumptious pastries, delicate flowers, intriguing antiques, and a fold-out triple spread butcher shop. Her illustrations incorporate bursts of energy and action that draw the eye across the page, from steaming cup to falling snow and gushing fountains. Even little Squishy looks as though he might have been zapped by an electrical socket, shocking his fur into uncontrollable chaos. Excellent depictions of winding cobblestone streets, crowded village shops and slate roofed homes will help children appreciate the European sensibilities of this magical adventure story. And they will certainly find Eddie an irrepressible and appealing heroine whose quest is as quirky as it is delightful." --Cathy Ballou Mealey, Good Reads With Ronna "There's a lot to like here. [...] Eddie leaps off the page in her neon pink jacket, and she brims with character." --Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast "...this book has a lot of electric pink heart!" --Danielle Davis, This Picture Book Life "I enjoyed The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy for so many reasons. First, the overheard conversation paired with a child wanting to find his or her special talent. Its always easier to see what other people may excel after over understanding our own gifts. I think many families, kids and adults, can relate to that. Second, little Eddie's attempt to find something special for her mom's birthday by enlisting help from her neighbourhood (adult) friends. The respect shown between the various shop owners and Eddie reminds us that kids aren't just a nuisance. Mutual respect in manner and dialog goes a long way in creating great humans in all of us (something Theo the butcher could learn a thing or two about). It was interesting to see each adult's interpretation of Eddie's request. Although the items she receives from her friends aren't quiet what Eddie has in mind for her gift, they do contribute quite surprisingly