Unique Monique by Maria Rousaki, illustrated by Polina Papanikolaou Ages 4-8 28 pages Kane/Miller March 2008 Paperback     Monique doesn’t like her school uniform. She’s tired of looking like everyone else. This little trend-setter is determined to be different and stand out. But with each attempt, the school principal squashes her creativity. Eventually, Monique finally conforms and shows up for school dressed according to code. But don’t count her out yet; individuality has a way of smiling through even the thickest fog. Artwork by illustrator Polina Papanikolaou brings this spunky story to life with lots of energy, making it impossible to not fall in love with big-eyed Monique and friends. Papanikolaou is the illustrator of several children’s books and has worked in animation, publishing and the design fields. Author Maria Rousaki lives in Greece and originally published Unique Monique as Unique Melpo before it was translated into English and published in the U.S. Since then, she has sold the rights to Korea and Taiwan, where Monique will add her own brand of international flair.     web reviews   Niki Schoenfeldt/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)