Ella Josephine is the titular character in this book, but this story isn’t about her, not really. This book was the perfect introduction to all the characters who live in 1106 wildflower place, and to the apartment house itself too, of course.
It’s a three act story, each has its own storyline and chapters but with enough foreshadowing and story telling to keep young readers engaged and letting them tie the ends together. While it’s a story for children, Nina LaCour does not dumb down her writing. It still has all the things I love about her writing, pretty prose, showing instead of telling. Building unique and developed characters. It’s wonderfully told. 
Ella Josephine is not a perfect character. She stomps when she’s upset, she gets frustrated and impatient but she learns along the way and I think that’s more valuable to children than having an imposibley too perfect character. She reminds me of my favorite literary girls. She has the spunk and forwardness of Junie B Jones, she knows the ins and outs of the apartment house, just how Eloise knows The Plaza. But she’s unique in her own ways and I love that. I can’t wait to see what other adventures she gets up to. 
Oh the illustrations are wonderful, I loved seeing the details