14 year-old Abigail Breslin, best known as the star of the 2006 sleeper hit Little Miss Sunshine, stepped out at a charity event on Tuesday looking all grown up! I love how Abigail is mature-looking but age appropriate in a tiered ruffled gown with a pink bow. Breslin was looking much younger just a few months ago, at an event in January. That photo is below. The difference could be partially due to the way she’s changed her makeup to be more adult without overdoing it.

Breslin’s transformation reminds me of a then 14 year-old Dakota Fanning, who emerged a couple of years ago looking like she’d grown up overnight. Fanning since went on to have a normal high school experience, complete with cheerleading duties and being crowned homecoming princess. She’s also had a solid career post child star with roles in The Runaways and New Moon.

Last year Breslin starred in My Sister’s Keeper and Zombieland and she has several films in the works. She had a turn on Broadway earlier this year in The Miracle Worker, which didn’t perform at the ticket office and closed early. Breslin would do well to follow Fanning’s lead and reach a healthy balance between a normal childhood and her career. She looks like she’s headed in that direction and it’s nice to see another teen star who isn’t trying to grow up too fast.

Thanks to TMZ for the tip