When Mallory wins Fashion Frans design contest, she and Mary Ann are headed to New York City! But as they share the sights, sounds, and tastes of New York, theres just one problem. Only Mallory gets to appear on the Fashion Fran show, even though she pinky-swore with Mary Ann that theyd both go on. Can Mallory find a way to share the spotlight with her best friend before the pinky-swear she made ruins the trip of a lifetimeand their friendship?
Laurie Friedman is the author and ghostwriter of over 300 award-winning picture books, easy readers, chapter books, and novels for young readers including the bestselling Mallory McDonald series, the Moose the Dog easy reader series, the Camp Creepy Lake and Wendy & Willow chapter books, and may picture books including Cows in the House and Love, Ruby Valentine.
I think that even though Mary Ann really wants a chance to be on Fashion Fran, she should understand that it's really hard for Mallory to try to get Mary Ann on the show with her because Fashion Fran's assistant already said no, and when Mallory asked, their moms apologized because they didn't think it was a good idea.
All of mallorys books are good but i think that mallory is a little selfish in the books she is in but my favorite part was when i saw fashion fran in the picture and i think it is amazing that she knew that they switched and i do not know how and why she knew them apart and fashion fran is really pretty.
Mary Ann is my lifelong best friend. We do everything together...
Best friends and neighbors Mary Ann and Mallory have been on the edge of their seats for weeks, awaiting news of the new contest that will be announced during their favorite television show -- Fashion Fran! Although the girls have no idea what they will be required to do, or what the mysterious prize might end up being, they know that they plan on entering -- and WINNING -- together!
The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for four to New York City ... AND a chance to appear on my show and model the winning design!
When the girls finally hear the details of the contest -- drawing their own special DREAM outfit and mailing it to the television show, they know this one will be a piece of cake! And, the winner gets to fly to New York City AND model on TV? What prize could be more perfect than that?
The girls make a sacred pinky promise that no matter which one of them wins, she will find a way to bring the other girl to NYC AND find a way to get her on television as well. So, when Mallory ends up having her design specially selected by Fashion Fran, Mary Ann is ready to redeem her pinky prize. After all, best friends never break a promise, right?
I'm sorry, but modeling on Fashion Fran is not something the two of you will be able to do together...
Maybe Mallory didn't really think this whole plan fully through, as she soon learns that it's harder than she expected to have two people redeem ONE prize. Will Mallory and Mary Ann's first big trip to New York City end up being the last day of their best friendship?
Although I don't have as much experience with middle grade novels, I must admit that they have a certain charm that is often absent from YA and adult stories. There is something just so magical and fun about the optimism of these two girls -- which of course did not end up being unfounded. I can easily imagine my 8 to 12 year old self adoring this novel and admiring the fun, girly illustrations that helped propel the story.
I didn't notice until after reading it that this is actually part of a series, but it worked perfectly fine as a stand alone novel. The additions at the end, like the vacation scrap book and the cookie pizza recipe, make a nice additional for younger minds and shorter attention spans.
Overall, MALLORY AND MARY ANN TAKE NEW YORK was a cute, fun little read that would be perfect for any younger middle aged girl. I would definitely read others in the series if given the opportunity.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this story for me to read for review purposes.
In Honestly, Mallory, book eight of her series, Mallory got into big trouble when she lied to her classmates about winning Fashion Fran's design contest. In this latest book, the nineteenth of Mallory's adventures, she wins that same contest - for real this time. Her prize includes a trip for four to New York City, and the opportunity to model the outfit she created for the audience at Fashion Fran's show. There is just one problem. Before winning the contest, Mallory made a pinky-swear with Mary Ann that if one of them won the contest, the other would come up with a way for both girls to be on the show. Though Mallory manages to convince her mother to bring Mary Ann and her mom on the trip to New York, she has more trouble than she imagined keeping the rest of her promise. And Mary Ann is very upset. Will they still be friends if Mallory can't live up to her pinky swear?
The storyline in this book is a refreshing departure from the trends of the last few books of the series, where Mallory is boy-crazy and obsessed with her brother's private life. It also represents a turning of the tables in Mallory's friendship with Mary Ann. In most of the books, Mallory is pouty and petulant, but this time Mary Ann takes on that role, and Mallory must cope with it. I also think a lot of elementary school girls can relate to the problems that are created by making promises that are too big to keep. I do wish the story taught a clearer lesson about the consequences of making those promises (the girls basically get their way in the end), but kids who read the story will probably like the happy ending better than any life lesson that could have been offered.
Suggest Mallory McDonald to readers who are outgrowing chapter books and ready to start moving onto middle grade titles.
Mallory and Mary Ann are back. This time they enter a fashion design contest, the winner of which will get a trip for four to New York City and a chance to appear on Fashion Fran's television show and model her winning outfit. They pinky swear that they will somehow share the spotlight if one of them wins. To her surprise, Mallory's design is the winner. The two friends and their mothers get to make the trip to NY. However, the girls’ friendship is threatened when they are told only Mallory can appear on the show. Mary Ann pouts, Mallory frets and the two friends end up in a shouting match Predictably, Mallory comes up with a plan that restores their friendship, and they spend the remainder of the trip sightseeing and taking pictures for their scrapbook. Fans of the series will most likely enjoy this New York adventure. Mallory’s cheery narrative is complemented by cute black-and-white cartoon illustrations. The result is a bit of innocuous fluff that tween girls will appreciate.
This is a super cute story about working hard for what you want and achieving your dreams. It is well written, entertaining, and will appeal to girls ages 8-12. The illustrations are cute and add a nice feel to the story.
My one complaint is that Mary Ann manipulates Mallory into breaking the rules by threatening to not be her friend anymore. I felt like Mallory was being bullied by her best friend. Other than that, I really liked the book.
I love all the Mallory books but this one is one of my favorites! I have been to NYC many times, therefore it was interesting reading about all the places in NYC. it is an easy read so i just read over the weekend! If you have read other Mallory books you feel the emotions the characters are feeling. And this book certainly has a lot of emotion in it. If you are looking for an easy read and want to be shocked by suprising events this is the book for you.
when mallory wins the dream outfit contest o fashion fran only she can go and model her outfit mary ann gets really mad and doesn't talk to mallory so mallory comes up with a plan to get her and mary ann on fashion fran.
I liked it because it is about friendship, and because I know where they have been the statue of Liberty, (I have been there) empire state building, (been there) Times square.(seen that) I just want to say I love it.