Even though this is #19 in the Mallory series, it is my first time reading one. I found it quite enjoyable because it is so naturally believable and full of energy. This one begins, ” My favorite TV show, hosted by my favorite TV hostess, Fashion Fran, is about to have a fashion design contest for kids.”

( p. 7)   Both Mallory and her best friend Mary Ann enter, they always do everything together. Mallory wins the contest. How will she keep her pinky swear promise to take Mary Ann to the TV show in New York? Mallory and Mary Ann convince their mothers to make this trip for 4 into a trip for 2 mothers and 2 daughters. WOW! [This trip is pretty amazing, because on two different pages the word “WOW! is repeated 10 times.]  BUT rules are rules, so Fashion Fran’s assistant says only Mallory can be on the show.  Now Mary Ann is mad and not talking to Mallory while they tour New York’s Statue of Liberty, Time Square, Central Park, and Johnny’s Famous Pizza. It’s the day of the Fashion Fran Show. Mallory whispers to Mary Ann how they can both be on the show. First Mallory will model and then Mary Ann will after the commercial break, by exchanging clothes in the restroom. They look so much alike, no one will notice. The difference between a right-handed wave by Mallory and a left-handed wave by Mary Ann at the end of the runway tips off Fran to the switch.  ” ‘I don’t like being fooled,’ says Fran.’ But I understand the situation, and applaud you both for finding such a creative solution.. ‘.”  ( 129)