Review: Work It Out (Besties) Kayla Miller, Jeffrey Canino and Kristina Luu

The Click series is such a winner that it is no wonder that there is now a spin-off series. Jointly written by Click creator Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino and illustrated by Kristina Luu, the focus shifts from Olive to her classmates, best friends Chandra and Beth. Chandra wants to prove to her parents that she can be responsible in the hope of one, moving out of the shadow of her talented older sister and two, so that she can adopt a kitten from the shelter. Beth, meanwhile, wants to raise some money to take her mum to a day spa. The opportunity for the pair to work together to make both things happen comes along when they are asked to pet sit and look after the house of a wealthy neighbour. Unfortunately things go wrong when the pair get a little bit too excited about the house and invite a few kids around who aren't real friends. Fortunately, through friendship, innovation and a little help things soon turn right again.

This was a fun and well-written spin off. There are a few differences between this book and the ones in the Click series, though that is to be expected. I still get a lot of nostalgic vibes from the series and I found it entertaining--it's not difficult to recall my own struggles of wanting to be accepted by other kids, making mistakes and realising that not everyone was a real friend. I liked the way the characters worked on their problems and the story's focus on friendship and responsibility. 

Recommended.

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