Isabelle and Little Orphan

Isabelle, the plucky heroine of Isabelle Shows Her Stuff , is back to take a new look at herself and her gang. Sparring partner Herbie has grown confident, older brother Philip has discovered girls, and old Mrs. Stern has a gentleman suitor. To Isabelle, it's as if everyone else is leaving her behind. Her newest find is ``little orphan Frannie,'' a tough, irascible kid whose semi-abandoned state evokes instant sympathy from Isabelle's mother and other adults, and whose unpredictability drives Isabelle to distraction. Then she discovers Frannie's secretshe can't readand reluctant-reader Isabelle decides to do the teaching herself. Bright and funny, this is a terrific new adventure for Isabelle's many fans. While Frannie's plight, when explained, is quite believable, some readers may be disappointed that she disappears as quickly as she arrived. Ages 8-12. (July)