cover image I Believe in Genevieve

I Believe in Genevieve

Jenny Craig, illus. by Wendy Edelson. Regnery Kids, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-62157-085-1

Craig, founder of the weight-loss program that bears her name, evangelizes for the benefits of healthy eating and exercise in this autobiographical story. Young horse lover Genevieve (Jenny for short) volunteers to work in the local stables for a chance to ride one of the horses in a training camp and summer horse show. When she observes the best rider at camp drinking water instead of soda, as well as feeding her horse healthy grains rather than sugar cubes, Jenny wants to emulate that behavior. These adopted good habits and a solid dose of support from her sister, Trudy, pay off for Jenny on the big day of competition. At times, the text strains to include information about eating and activity amid the horse show scenario, and, ironically, the sisters’ interactions tend to be sugary (“Blueberries and strawberries are what make it oh-so-good for you,” Trudy boasts of a smoothie she creates). In somewhat posed scenes, Edelson’s (Pobble’s Way) paintings depict a suburban/rural background for the proceedings. Several pages of recipes and activity tips are included. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)