Clara and Annabelle are soulmates, complete in their friendship. Then along comes Juliette. Heartbroken, Clara watches Annabelle and Juliette’s friendship blossom as she tags along, feeling on the outer; life can be so unfair! This is such a common experience in childhood and yet feels singularly isolating and will resonate with many a child and adult.

The illustrator, Iris, is a graphic novel artist and the pictures have a simple sensibility. Along with Danielle Chaperon’s candid text, they make for a standout picture-book for children aged 3+.

Alexa Dretzke is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn.