cover image Paris for Two

Paris for Two

Phoebe Stone. Scholastic/Levine, $16.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-545-44362-3

This confection of a story about scrappy 12-year-old Petunia "Pet" Beanly and her family while on sabbatical in Paris delivers a satisfying look at sibling rivalry and discovering true talents. Initially, Pet imagines writing a book on being a younger sister, peppered with advice culled from her experiences with her glamorous, much adored sibling, Ava. Pet also designs dresses, something her sister and mother criticize, but when she finds a mysterious doll dress in an armoire%E2%80%94one with connections to the elderly concierge in her building and a French family%E2%80%94Pet's sewing and design talents blossom. Drama ensues as Pet steals a letter from Ava's love interest, enters a fashion design contest, endures the aftermath of her first crush, and befriends the concierge. Stone (The Romeo and Juliet Code) builds believable betrayal and resolution between the two sisters, though Pet's complex relationship with her mother, who struggles with depression and favors Ava, is too tidily resolved. Regardless, readers will be charmed by Pet as she bonds with Ava and embraces her own strengths. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. (Apr.)