Horn Book Review
Aspiring ten-year-old fashion designer Mallory wins a design contest--and an all-expenses-paid trip to NYC to appear on her favorite show. But Mallory pinky-promised Mary Ann they'd go on the show together. Satisfyingly (but unsurprisingly), Mallory figures out how to keep her word, and the friends have a blast exploring the Big Apple. The concerns in this nineteenth installment are relatable, as usual. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Mallory's friendship with Mary Ann is tested in this latest installment of the long-running series. The girls enter a fashion design contest, and Mallory wins both a trip for four to New York City and a chance to model her outfit on the TV program that sponsored the competition. She and Mary Ann pinky swear that they will find a way to share the glory. First Mallory's mother is persuaded to include Mary Ann and her mother in the foursome instead of Mallory's dad and brother. This accomplished, they enjoy the excitement of the big city, meeting Fashion Fran and preparing for the big TV event. Mallory seems unable to come up with a workable way for including Mary Ann, though, and a rift develops between them. Of course all is forgiven when Mallory's brilliant new idea allows her friend to have her own moment on the runway. Mallory, now 10 1/2, narrates her adventures in an easy, breezy manner. Kalis' black-and-white cartoon illustrations pleasantly complement the proceedings. Friedman aims her tale at an audience of middle graders, and this undemanding entry will please the series' fans. There is a disquieting acceptance and admiration of bratty behavior and manipulation in the girls' antics that will probably not be addressed or even noted by young readers. Slight and formulaic. (Fiction.7-10)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
After entering a kids' fashion design contest, Mallory wins a trip for four to New York City, where she will model her outfit on her favorite TV show. Yes, she is ecstatic, but she is also worried. How can she possibly keep her pinky swear promise to her best friend Mary Ann that they'll both appear on Fashion Fran? From the girls' success when they work together to their discord when one pressures the other, this high-energy chapter book hits both the high and the low notes of friendship. Many grayscale drawings illustrate the action in this lively addition to the Mallory McDonald series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
