Published by Walker Books

Summary:  When Mama has to suddenly leave to cover a breaking news story, Frankie must cope with missing her mom.  Heading to her bedroom, she realizes that she has enough of her mother’s old equipment to start her own news program.  She gathers her doll and stuffed animal friends, assigning them different tasks, and they get to work.  When they hear someone crying in the house, they investigate and find Frankie’s teenage sister Raven, interviewing her to find out what’s wrong.  Frankie is proud to create her own news show and to help her big sister, and she knows Mama will be proud as well when she returns.  Includes several pages of information about the news and journalism.  80 pages; grades 1-4.

Pros:  A fun new early chapter book series that explores the process of gathering and sharing news and introduces a loving family with a hardworking young protagonist and her imaginary friends.

Cons:  Raven seemed unrealistically loving and upbeat for a young teenager interrupted from a crying session by her younger sister looking to broadcast a news story about it.