Waber's (Courage
) sprightly story introduces two amiable, inseparable young hippos who promise each other that they will always be best friends—even when they become famous actors. They get a chance to jump-start that dream when their class is tapped to present the school play—Cinderella
—and both girls decide to try out for the title role. " 'But deep down I'll want you to get it, said Margie. 'And deep down I'll want you,' said Evie." Waber masters the dialogue of best-friend dynamics as the inevitable outcome unfolds. Margie gives Evie a lesson on crying crocodile tears (in preparation for the scene in which Cinderella must stay home from the ball), but Evie has trouble mastering the technique. Panel and spot illustrations vary the pacing and chronicle Evie's misfired attempts to prepare for her audition. Not surprisingly, the quick-to-cry Margie lands the part and Evie is assigned the role of her understudy and
that of a tree in the forest that says "Whoosh!
" Waber brings the drama to a tidy finale: when Margie is sick on the day of the play, Evie performs splendidly—and appropriately tearfully—and the production is such a success that the class performs an encore, with a recovered Margie starring. An entertaining and subtly edifying portrait of a robust friendship. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
