This lighthearted chapter book for newly independent readers features upbeat second-grader Bernie, his spirited little sister, Eloise, and their family and friends. Over the course of a weekend, Bertie loses a tooth, gains a black eye, and is given a creative haircut courtesy of Eloise, who wants to be a hairstylist. Monday is picture day at school, and Bertie dons his red polka-dot bow-tie and smiles confidently for the camera, shiner, strange hair, and all. “Pretty spiffy, don’t you think?” he asks his grandparents when he sends them a copy of the photo. Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the appealing text. (Ages 5-7)