Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
In the third of the series, Annabel gets a great part in an interactive theater mystery as the butler's daughter. But she will have to manage a big and drooly dog who's a part of the production, too. In addition, she has to learn to think on her feet, whatever that means. And she soon finds out when her obnoxious classmate Lowell Boxer shows up in the audience even though kids are not supposed to be at this benefit performance. Lowell creates some havoc of his own, but Annabel uses the techniques of the stage, avoids slipping out of character, and has the last laugh--and a personal triumph as well. The play's characters have punny names, Annabel's nervousness is real but so is her confidence, and her belief in preparing for all possibilities, at least the ones she can think of, is a strength of the book. As in the two other "Annabel the Actress" books, Andriani's line drawings lighten the page and contribute to the humor in this strong entry for middle elementary would-be thespians. 2002, Simon & Schuster, $15.00. Ages 8 to 12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 10))
Cute and lightly amusing though not as funny as its predecessor (Starring in Just a Little Extra, 2000, etc.), this time Annabel, Conford's can-do budding actress heroine, is offered a part in an interactive mystery play. Annabel, who lives by the motto "no part too big or too small," is thrilled at the opportunity, but when she arrives at her first rehearsal, isn't happy to discover that she'll be sharing the stage with Binky, a gigantic dog who drools by the bucketful. Ever game, Annabel comforts herself with the notion that her favorite star, Winona McCall, had to deal with wild rhinoceroses and leopards in her last movie, while she just has "to work with a huge dog the size of a Jeep." Aptly illustrated by Andriani's droll black-and-white drawings, the humor in this series is fueled by Annabel's comic obsession to perform no matter what obstacles are thrown her way. And Conford piles them on, having her young heroine cope not only with Binky, but a ridiculous bunny costume and finally, on the night of the performance, heckling from her hateful classmate Lowell Boxer. But Annabel, who is intelligent and resourceful, proves to be a "real trooper," and her quick thinking saves the day. Particularly good is that Annabel's idea is both credible and childlike, the kind of save that an actual kid could come up with. Sadly, despite the fact that the Conford's production is smooth and professional, it's also rather hollow, technically on point but lacking her special brand of energized sparkle. 2002, Simon & Schuster, $15.00. Category: Fiction. Ages 7 to 10. © 2002 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elaine A. Bearden (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, October 2002 (Vol. 56, No. 2))
Ready for another adventure, the intrepid Annabel is cast as a servant’s child in a fund-raising production called Hound of the Barkervilles. She’s seriously dedicated to honing her craft (she had her lines memorized by the second rehearsal), but her role as chief dog-handler for a Newfoundland and the demand that she play her dignified part in a pair of bunny pajamas, complete with ears and tail, bring unexpected challenges. A bigger challenge awaits her when her arch enemy shows up in the play’s audience. Conford’s beginning chapter book has a light and breezy tone, and the constant action will keep novice readers turning the pages. Sentences are crisp and dialogue well-paced, making room for lots of humor; interspersed line drawings help bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books. Fans of Conford’s other Annabel the Actress titles (such as Annabel the Actress in Gorilla My Dreams, BCCB 7/99) will be happy to see her again, and newcomers will enjoy their first encounter with this entertaining young thespian. Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2002, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2002, Simon, 83p, $15.00. Grades 2-4.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2003)
In her third adventure, Annabel is thrilled to be offered a part in a play for adults--even if it means wearing a pink bunny costume and overcoming her fear of a big dog. What she hadn't counted on was Lowell, her "lifelong enemy," and his rude comments. Annabel's spunk and the book's slapstick humor will make readers cheer Lowell's final comeuppance. Expressive line drawings are scattered throughout the book. Category: Younger Fiction. 2002, Simon, 83pp, $15.00. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Sharon Dollins (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 15, No. 3))
When Annabel decides she is going to be an actress, she has to learn how to handle a big dog, her costume burning in the dryer, and a rude classmate sitting in the audience during the play. This book is easy reading and quite humorous. It is a good illustration of how determination can help a person succeed in anything attempted. (Annabel the Actress) Fiction. Grades 3-5. 2002, Simon & Schuster, 83p., $15.00. Ages 8 to 11.