Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker #1

by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice does her best thinking upside down.

Hanging from trees by her knees, doing handstands . . . for Beatrice Zinker, upside down works every time. She was definitely upside down when she and her best friend, Lenny, agreed to wear matching ninja suits on the first day of third grade. But when Beatrice shows up at school dressed in black, Lenny arrives with a cool new outfit and a cool new friend. Even worse, she seems to have forgotten all about the top-secret operation they planned!

Can Beatrice use her topsy-turvy way of thinking to save the mission, mend their friendship, and flip things sunny-side up?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Childrens, Chapter Books, Fiction, Juvenile

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 2017

About the author

Shelley Johannes is the author/illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker chapter book series. Her buoyant debut picture book, MORE THAN SUNNY, released in May. BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER was named a Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award Nominee, a Junior Library Guild Selection, an Amazon Best Book of 2017 (Ages 6-8), a Brightly’s Best Children’s Book of 2017—According to Kids, and is a Sunshine State Young Readers Award list book in 2020.

Shelley spent ten years in architecture, where she fell in love with tracing paper, felt-tip pens, and the greatness of black turtlenecks. She and her family live in Metro Detroit with three hilarious birds. Find out more at shelleyjohannes.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @shelleyjohannes.

Reviews

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Click here to watch a video review of this book on my channel, From Beginning to Bookend.



Beatrice Zinker deserves a spot alongside other memorable characters like Clementine and Ramona the Pest.

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more Picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

Beatrice Zinker does everything better upside down! Over summer break she's missing her best friend, Lenny, but they have a top secret plan once school is back in session! Only Lenny doesn't come in a matching ninja suit on the first day of third grade... no! She's totally different with not only a cool new look but also a cool new friend... and there doesn't seem to be a place for Beatrice.

I saw this on netgalley and it is the right reading age for my nephew so I thought we'd give it a go. My nephew really enjoyed reading a "bigger book" and said he liked it because it was funny. He didn't enjoy it the entire time we read though and struggled with making it to the end. The mass of words were too much for him and I had to switch and read one page and let him read a page, back and forth. It became less of a chore for him this way! If you have a child transitioning up from picture books this story is fun and zany and makes for a story that holds the interest of both parent and child.

The illustrations were wonderful and helped me hold my nephew's interest in the beginning! They really gave Beatrice tons of personality!! I honestly didn't find Beatrice believable as a character. Her entire motivation didn't seem to come from her as a person so much as an outside agenda. And Beatrice is so out there that I sympathized with Lenny! Once I went along with this other agenda I struggled less to get along with Beatrice. Don't get me wrong I liked WHO Beatrice was as a person, her insistence on doing things differently and her enjoyment in focusing on the individual. This disconnect for me probably stems from me being an adult and not a child!

"Just because I'm upside down doesn't mean everyone has to be. Isn't that the whole point?"

While I found Beatrice's conclusions a stretch her idea to befriend Chloe or lose Lenny teaches a great lesson, especially for girls who naturally have interpersonal problems. Different is okay and why not all be friends! Be accepting of everyone's differences... ALL worthy messages. These can cause a discussion (especially with a girl) as they are all ideals that can be applied to a child's life.

We both struggled in the beginning as there seemed to be 3 chapters about breakfast! It just took a long time to setup who Beatrice is... but once we got to school it got much better. For the most part I was taken with the story as I wondered what this top secret mission was all about! Once you learn Beatrice's plan and see how she wins over Lenny again you are totally invested in the story.

The friendship between Beatrice and Lenny seemed real to how girls are as far as how they grow distant from one another and fall out of their relationship. It really struck home to me even as an adult that there could be a different way for things to turn out!

Beatrice's family is a strong presence in her life. She makes strides with her totally opposite sister due to what she learns with Lenny. And her dad was super cute! He has the idea to have dessert first ala Beatrice upside down due to her bad day! They got pineapple upside down cake!

"Almost as good as bacon."

That is a dad! Knows just what you need when life gets you down, not overprotective but sympathetic.

BOTTOM LINE: A super upside down GIRL story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker is an Upside Down Thinker. She has a best friend, Lenny who loves her just the way she is. Things are great until the girls come back from summer break as third graders. While Beatrice is ready for fun and spy games, Lenny seems to have changed over the summer.

This book is a must have for any 2nd-4th grade library. Kids will relate to Beatrice and her friendship woes. Let's hope kids remain as cool and calm and ready to problem-solve as our friend, Beatrice!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved books that focus more on character than plot, and this book has that in spades. Beatrice Zinker always sees the upside to life... because she spends so much time upside down.

This is an absolutely darling early chapter book to transition 2nd-4th graders into longer novels. I can't wait to read Beatrice's next upside down adventure.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fabulous for that beginning chapter book reader. Cute story, fun character, and a plot that embraces humor and uniqueness. A great addition to any mid-elementary grades series collection.

[Amber Kuehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Beatrice! What a fun character!!! Fans of Ramona Quimby or Gertie's Leap to Greatness will love this!

[La La · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful and the illustrations are fun. The story is fast paced and a pretty quick read at 167 pages with a lot of illustrations. It is perfect for the reluctant Middle Grade aged reader, and would also be a fabulous chapter, or two, a night bedtime story for the younger crowd. It has themes of finding your place in family and peer groups, with friendship in the spotlight.

I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new early chapter book series full of wordplay and crazy antics. Things I loved about it:

1. It features a Filipino character.
2. The plan that doesn't end up happening becomes something else which becomes the driving plot for the entire series. I won't spoil it for you but it's about kindness.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some losses were worse than others. A secret base was replaceable. Lenny Santos was not."

A delightful story about friendship and change with a uniquely charming character at its (upside down) heart.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Clementine, Judy Moody and Pippi Longstocking! Beatrice Zinker is here to join you in giving elementary readers entertaining tales. Beatrice is going into 3rd grade and determined to keep up her upside down thinking ways. Neither a teacher who wants none of it in the classroom or a friend who returns from summer break with a new buddy can stop Beatrice. She is a dear soul. I loved the story and the illustrations!

[Jarrett Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant writing, dazzling wordplay, sly humor -- and an important story about individuality, optimism, and the shifting shapes of friendships. Top all this off with clever, pitch-perfect, and downright delightful illustrations, and you have one of the best all-around books I've read in years. Simply wonderful.

[Josie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Love Shelley Johannes' writing style! This book has a great message and is accessible to younger readers. The main character is in 3rd grade and I can see primary children loving this book!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding transitional chapter books that get everything right is hard, but this one nails it! Looking forward to a lot more Beatrice in the future!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was utterly delightful! The illustrations were gorgeous and full of character. I loved the story and can’t wait to share with the young readers in my life.

[Yaritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice was such a fun, adventures character. She spent most of her time upside down. She loved playing games, climbing trees and had the quirky idea of becoming a detective. She created a top secret operation on the first day of third grade with her friend Lenny. Unfortunately, her day turned upside down and her mission didn't go as planned. Great illustrations throughout the book. A fun book with some monkey business.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since first grade, Beatrice's best friend has been Lenny. They've had some of the best of times climbing trees, dressing in costumes for Halloween and acting like pirates and ninjas. Then the Summer before third grade everything began to change. Lenny went to the Philippines to visit family and Beatrice spent her vacation working on the secret operation that she and Lenny had agreed upon before she left on her trip. They even had plans to wear their favorite matching ninja suits for the first day back to school. But then Lenny apparently broke her promise about wearing her ninja suit to school and shows up with a new look entirely. Now she's even hanging out with a new girl, Chloe, asking about Beatrice's older sister's foreign language club and making plans to play "veterinarian" with Chloe in their favorite spot for recess. Lenny doesn't even seem interested in Operation Upside or Beatrice anymore, so Beatrice has a new mission to win back her best friend.

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker was a book I heard about during #MGbooktober, one of the organizers, Jarrett Lerner also raved about it and I love when authors celebrate other authors. I also happened to get lucky enough to find it at my library. Beatrice reminded me a bit of Clementine or maybe even Ramona Quimby or Pippi Longstocking. While they have similar personalities like following their own path, Beatrice doesn't get into nearly as many predicaments as the other three. Beatrice is a pretty determined girl who tries really hard to be on her best behavior at school and follow her teacher, Mrs. Tamarack's rules, partially because she doesn't want to risk missing out on her recess and because she wouldn't be able to play with her best friend. Johannes has written and illustrated a truly adorable and humorous book and I loved Beatrice's upside down thinking. How she doesn't use the box lid as a guide when putting together her puzzles and prefers to eat dessert before starting her meal. Beatrice is also tenacious in trying to be a part of Lenny and Chloe's game of "veterinarian, " despite Lenny making all of these new changes in her appearance and seeming to cut her out of their games. It makes me sad to think that sometimes kids feel like they have to re-invent themselves to fit it, especially when they leave their friends behind in the process. But, Beatrice does nicely illustrate how you shouldn't give up on your friends, how it's important to be who you are, and she also finds a way to show Lenny that you can like many different things at the same time while still being willing to try something new. One of my favorite parts is Beatrice's family and how they adjusted their thinking, with her older sister making room for Beatrice in her foreign language club and her parents have a night of eating dessert before dinner. Overall, a very sweet and encouraging chapter book which I'm excited to see already has a sequel, Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker, The Flipside coming out in March 2018.

[Margaret]

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
Henry David Thoreau

It takes great courage to be an original, especially for children. The way you dress and wear your hair, the manner in which you voice your opinions, and how you choose to act all set you apart from everyone else. Even if there are those who admire your outlook on the world in general and specifically how you live each day, they may keep silent. The "box" has thick and tall walls.

What we all need to remember is those who dress, speak or act outside what is considered normal don't do so necessarily for the sake of being different but because this is who they are. Beatrice Zinker: Upside Down Thinker (Disney Hyperion, September 19, 2017) written and illustrated by Shelley Johannes, her debut offering, gives us a character to cherish, for her individuality, her indomitable spirit and generous heart. You will finish this title knowing if Beatrice Zinker were to be your friend, it would be an honor.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and I am truly impressed! On the back cover of the book it says "There are infinite upsides to being yourself." and that truly embraces the heart/message of the story! Beatrice Zinker is definitely her own person and has embraced her uniqueness (I'm not sure that's even the right description, maybe she just 'is who she is' would be more accurate?!). Regardless, I feel that Beatrice's character reminds of Ramona Quimby in some ways and I love BOTH characters! I think this is a great story that can remind young people to always remain true to themselves. I will be reading this to my class of 4th graders and I look forward to see what themes/messages the students will discover. I fully anticipate an exciting discussion. This is a definite MUST READ for children in early (2nd-4th grade) elementary school. I also look forward to reading more of Beatrice's adventures!!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice is that girl who sets her own path, usually in a different direction from the rest of the class, especially the teacher. Beatrice dresses in a a black turtleneck and jeans for her spying Ninja activities anticipating a fun first spying day in third grade with her best friend Lenny. Things don't go as expected since Lenny has found a new friend over the summer. Resilient Beatrice who prefers to pose and contemplate life upside down, ponders and executes some solutions to her new Lenny challenge. . Illustrated with fun black and white illustrations on almost every double spread page, kids will recognize themselves or classmates in this wacky friendship tale.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book since meeting Shelley Johannes at a summer conference 2 years ago! This is a great book club book to read with 3rd graders at the beginning of the school year or 2nd graders at the end of the school year. It would also be a book that I would recommend to a school counselor to use with a small group of girls that are working through friendship issues (new friends, accepting differences, etc.). I am looking forward to reading more books in the future by Shelley Johannes!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker is bound for greatness! She's so irreverent and reflective, so wry and creative. I love her mind! Johannes writes and draws Beatrice in smart ways that nod to new readers' abilities to interpret and intuit. This would make a great read aloud for 2nd/3rd grade and is a great independent novel for new and confident readers. My 2nd grader loved it.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start of this book to the end, I could not stop smiling (well...except for the slightly sad part in the middle). Beatrice Zinker is a fun character who just sees the world in a different way. Perfect book for 2nd or 3rd graders. The world needs more Beatrice Zinkers right now!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice is starting third grade. She is unique, different, quirky, and her own person. When her best friend Lenny arrives after summer break with a new friend, life gets even more upside down for Beatrice!

[Caitlin Zonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this charming book. So many kids will be able to relate to this book! Cannot wait to hear more from Beatrice!

[Sarah Krajewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Krajewskis are big fans of Beatrice Zinker! One young lady in particular is an upside down thinker too. 😉

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some girls are happy wearing pink dresses with ruffles. Others are ninjas who climb trees and are cofounders of top-secret organisations. Beatrice Zinker definitely isn't a fan of pink dresses with ruffles.

Beatrice is a middle child. Her older sister, Kate, is just like her Mum. Her younger brother, Henry, is just like her Dad. Beatrice does all of her best thinking upside down and finds it difficult being the only upside down daughter in a right side up family. Even Oliver, the Zinker's cat, is right side up!

Beatrice meets her friend Lenny on Halloween night in first grade. They were alike and enjoyed playing pirates, ninjas, zombies and knights. Beatrice is now starting third grade at William Charles Elementary and is ready to start Operation Upside with Lenny, a plan Beatrice has been working on all summer.

Everything changes for Beatrice when Lenny walks into the first day of third grade, not wearing her ninja suit, but pink! With sparkles, no less! And Lenny's made a new friend! Is Operation Upside doomed for failure before it even begins?

This is such a heartwarming story. You feel better about yourself and the world after you finish reading it. Beatrice teaches us the importance of being yourself. She learns that you can turn a confusing day into a good one if you look at it the right way and that there are always things you can do to make a bad day better.

There are plenty of adorable illustrations that add to the story and bring Beatrice's upside down thinking to life. The quirkiness of the illustrations remind me of Quentin Blake's illustrations in Roald Dahl's children's books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Books, Australia for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback. Beatrice is funny and spunky, and is soon to make friends with young girls all over the world. She will resonate with so many girls that feel different and she'll teach them that their differences are special and deserve to be celebrated. I can't wait until the second Beatrice Zinker book is released!

[Christine H · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s never too early to learn how to handle the quagmire that friendships can be. I’m glad books like Beatrice Zinker, Upside-Down Thinker exist.

1. Shelley Johannes deals with a really tough issue that I don’t find tackled much in books for really young children. Maybe I’m not getting the right books for my little ones, but I am happy to have this one on the shelf. It’s hard whenever friends change, and you’re not sure if they’re your friends anymore.

2. I like that Beatrice makes a friend in Lenny. It must be difficult to think differently from others, though Beatrice seems to be of strong character. It’s so great for her to meet someone who will let her be herself.

3. All the trouble starts when Lenny comes back from summer vacation without remembering any of her and Beatrice’s plans for the new school year. Do I really like her? Well, I don’t not not like her. But I know exactly how Beatrice feels when she realizes that Lenny is not Lenny anymore. I don’t think I ever really warm up to her.

4. The good thing about Lenny, though, is that she doesn’t seem cruel. Although she hangs out with the new girl, Chloe, instead of Beatrice, she does feel genuinely scared for Beatrice when the latter hurts herself. It’s interesting to see things from Lenny’s perspective (but I’m still not sure I like her).

5. I wasn’t a fan of the whole action of the story happening in one day. I’m not sure why the author thought all of Beatrice’s plans would be better executed on the first day of school, but the story is short enough, so maybe there will be follow-up stories that explore the rest of the school year. I think I would have found it better if it had taken a while for Beatrice and Lenny to have their important conversation.

6. Johannes’ writing is fun, and I think all kids would enjoy Beatrice Zinker’s story. The rhymes bounce off the tongue really well, but since the story is a mix of both prose and poetry, you won’t get tired of the rhymes after a while either. The illustrations are also wonderful.

[Bari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.

Beatrice Zinker, age 8, is unique and doesn't fit in with the other kids. She does however have one best friend, Lenny. They do everything together. One summer, Lenny goes on a summer long family vacation, only to return different than when she left. After all, the girls are starting 3rd grade. Beatrice struggles on how to handle the changes in Lenny and what this means for their friendship.

While this book is charmingly written, witty and Beatrice will win your heart, it does deal with a very real issue. What happens when you and your best friend have growing pains. Do you remain friends or do you each go your seperate ways?

No spoilers here. To find out if Lenny and Beatrice remain friends and work things out, you'll have to read the book.

[Janie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice's best friend Lenny has been away all summer, so Beatrice has spent all summer break planning their secret organization for the beginning of the new school year. But when Lenny comes to school on the first day back she looks and acts different, and worst of all, she's not dressed in her ninja costume like the two had agreed. Beatrice must get to the bottom of it. Beatrice investigates and remains steadfast in her own self understanding and identity. Beatrice doesn't feel threatened by Lenny's new friend, Beatrice is understanding and even supportive of Lenny as she explores other identities and interests. Best of all Beatrice builds bridges that nurture and encourage new friendships rather than starting battles that perpetuate catty female relationships.

The narrative voice is adorable and fits perfectly with Beatrice's personality. This was fun to read aloud. The cute illustrations added a lot to the narrative, they flowed well with the story and were fun to look at.

Parents and kids will have fun with this story if they read it together, but the positive message will easily impart itself to youngsters if they read on their own.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. But I'll be picking up a copy for my youngster when it comes out. Loved this one.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/16/2017 ** Beatrice Zinker is a character who will become a classic, and I look forward to reading more about her in future books in this early chapter book series. Many children will relate to Beatrice's difficulties with being misunderstood in class. I loved the twist at the end as we found out the purpose of Beatrice's secret club - what a great way to foster empathy in school.

Johannes' writing has a rhythm and selective use of rhyme that beg to be read aloud. Her quirky illustrations fit perfectly with Beatrice's character. I know this book will rarely be on the shelf in my elementary library.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher at the Heartland Fall Forum, a trade show for independent booksellers.