Review: Mallory and the Trouble With Twins by Arley Nopra and Ann M Martin

The BSC graphic novel adaptions are back and this time the focus is on oft-overlooked BSC character Mallory Pike. And it is one of the best instalments in the series to date. This one opens with a behind the scenes look at the Pikes, a nuclear family with eight kids. For Mallory, the oldest, this often means being expected to help her parents look after the younger kids, and also going without a lot of things that she secretly wants because her family cannot afford it. She's also fed up with being treated well ... like a kid. Mallory has the chance not only to prove herself as capable, but to earn some money to buy some of the things she wants when she is offered a regular baby-sitting job caring for eight-year-old identical twins Marilyn and Carolyn Arnold. There's just one catch. The twins are absolute terrors and just love to swap places. But with a little bit of ingenuity, Mallory just might be able to solve the problem and learn a thing or two about good communication.

I absolutely adored the original when I was a kid, and this adaption goes above and beyond in giving the story justice. I just love the cover--Marilyn and Carolyn remind me of the original Disney version of Snow White, but with a sinister twist. The story itself is handled well and I loved the subplot of Mallory, Jessi and Claudia getting their ears pierced--such a big deal at that age. And, of course, as is typical of a BSC novel there is a huge focus on responsibility and the kids finding a way to solve the problems for themselves.

Overall, an excellent addition to the series.

Highly recommended.

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