Billie B Brown:The Copycat Kid

The Copycat Kid (Billie B Brown) by Sally Rippin (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $7.95

ISBN 978-174297141-4

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

Billie B Brown is a wonderfully strong honest character. We meet her dressed to impress and excited about having a new student in her class. The new girl has come from Japan and Billie has been assigned the important role of being the new girl’s buddy. She is excited and enjoys her first day of being a special friend. The second day brings a new and upsetting challenge for Billie – the new girl is copying everything she does. We follow Billie as she tries to deal with the situation.

Billie B Brown is an exciting, active and open little character. She loves colour (not just pink), has a boy as a best friend and serves as a positive role model. I recommend this story and series. The language throughout is age appropriate with new or difficult words printed in bold, encouraging readers to pay attention and determine their meaning. New concepts, such as writing in Japanese, are introduced and reinforced with graphics and an appropriate amount of repetition within the story. The narrator also speaks directly to the reader asking questions and encouraging thought and interaction.

Billie B Brown books have sold over 220,000 since their launch only 12 months ago. This story was a good read, encouraging and interesting. It is also accompanied by a colourful and easy to use website – www.BillieBBrown.com