98-102. Early Chapter Books (Mostly)

98. Roger Takes a Chance. (Book Buddies #4) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Roger was a toy chick that lived with his mother, Olive, on a shelf in Farmer Bickford's barn. Olive the hen liked the quiet of the barn. She was happy on the shelf watching the real pigs, chickens, and cows. "Just cozy up to me, my little chick," Olive would say to Roger. "The shelf is a safe home. And safe is best." Roger thought safe was boring. He wanted to do fun things. He wanted to go to new places.

Premise/plot: Olive and Roger become the newest pair of book buddies at the local library. Children can check out "book buddies" (Olive and Roger come as a pair--a velcroed pair) along with their books. Olive and Roger are checked out by kids whose family is going to the airport to pick up the grandpa. Roger is EXCITED. Airports could be VERY exciting indeed. Especially if he can get the velcro loose enough to escape from under the wing of Olive. But does he take his independence a little too far? 

My thoughts: I really LOVE the Book Buddies series by Cynthia Lord. I could not relate as much to Roger, however, I do with Olive! The book has a LOT of adventure. Seeing Roger on his own at the airport was very entertaining. I do like all the twists and turns this one takes. Highly recommend this series.

99. Monti and Leo: A Newcome in Pocketville. Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:  There were four things Monti Mole loved to do in the morning. One, he welcomed the day. Two, he stopped by the Pocketville Bakery. Three, he visited the Pocketville Library. And four, before heading home for lunch, Monti settled on his favorite rock by the river and gazed peacefully at the water. It was a perfect routine! Until one day...

Premise/plot: Monti Mole's perfect life--perfect routine--is disrupted when Leo Lizard moves to town. But can change actually be a great thing? Is his life actually improved by Leo's arrival? Could Leo be the BEST BEST BEST friend Monti never knew he needed? Not everyone in town is thrilled with the newcomer. Some people are giving him the cold shoulder (if you will), can Monti help the others in town welcome Leo? 

This is an early chapter book, the first in a new series. It is told partly in graphic novel form. In other words, highly illustrated chapter book where the narrative is mostly (though not exclusively) told in dialogue--speech bubbles. The panels are well spaced and not confusing. I enjoyed this one very much. I would definitely be interested in reading more in the series. The book celebrates friendship--going above and beyond for a friend.

 

100. Dog Gets a Pet (Dog and Pony Show #1). Jeff Mack (Ready to Read Graphics Level 1). 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Look, Dog. I got you a pet. What is it Pony?

Premise/pot: Dog and Pony are friends. Pony surprises Dog with a pet. What kind of pet? The one Dog has always wanted? No. Not exactly. It is a rock. A pet rock. Will Dog be grateful? Maybe. Maybe not. Can he make the most of the situation? Perhaps with a little imagination. 

My thoughts: I loved this one so much because there is a certain exuberance to it. These characters leap off the pages. There is humor and liveliness. It is an early graphic novel. All of Pony's speech bubbles have an orange background. All of Dog's speech bubbles have a yellow background. It is a full story. I think it would be easy to identify the problem (and solution) and also identify character traits and track character growth. Plenty of places to stop and pause and ask what do you think will happen next.

101. Cornbread and Poppy for the Win (Cornbread and Poppy #4). Matthew Cordell. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was almost time! The annual Small Rodents Competitive Cycling Championship Classic--the SRCCCC--was tomorrow. Cornbread and Poppy had been training for months. Cornbread arrived at Poppy's house. He checked his watch.

Premise/plot: Poppy and Cornbread and excited about the upcoming bike race. Poppy is a LOT more excited than Cornbread. Perhaps competitive is the better description. But both are ready to participate and have been diligent in training. What will happen on race day? Can their friendship survive? Perhaps even thrive?

My thoughts: This one was SO funny. I have always enjoyed Poppy and Cornbread as characters. Most of the books at least. The one about the museum was a little dull. But this one had me laughing. It also has its sweeter moments between the two. There is a CARS moment, if you will.

102. Slice of Mallow (Slice of Mallow #1) Adam Foreman. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hi, I'm Mallow the Marshmallow. I can stretch! I can squish! I'm loveable! I'm excitable! Who are you talking to Mallow? The reader. The reader? Where? There!

Premise/plot: Slice of Mallow is a graphic novel early chapter book. It stars Mallow and friends--all foods, mostly except for the ghost). Is there a plot? Is having no plot a plot? 

My thoughts: I am NOT the target audience for this one. Notice how I didn't *have* to say that about the other early chapter books I reviewed today. Because though I am not the target age of the target audience, I thoroughly ENJOYED the books. This one offers little plot, little characterization, and overloads on the ridiculous silliness. Which may prove appealing to some readers--young readers. I just wanted my time back. And that is rare for me to say that about a book with so few pages.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

86-97. Picture Book Reviews

86. Finding Things. Kevin Henkes. Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If you found a little ball on the grass and it was there for days, you could take it home. You could play with it. 

Premise/plot: A picture book about finding things. "You" find a series of things leading up to a homeless street kitten. Magically, all previous findings help "you" out when it comes to homing the kitten.

My thoughts: I am not being sarcastic with "you." The book is written in second person. It is a slower picture book, it has its own pace. It isn't a story with a lot of thrills--which is fine. Previous love with Henkes might help "sell" this one to readers. 

87. The Wolf in Underpants Gets Some Pants. Wilfrid Lupano. Translated by Nathan Sacks. Illustrated by Mayana Itoiz. 2020/2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In the forest, when you've been dragging your butt from grove to grove for ages...it's good to drag it somewhere else for a while.

Premise/plot: The Wolf in Underpants returns from vacation to learn that EVERYONE (literally) is wearing *his* underpants. To clarify, someone has "stolen" his style/design for striped underpants. These "Wundies" are everywhere, selling cheaply. The Wolf is outraged. Though the quality is sorely lacking, everyone has copied him. He is no longer unique. So what is a Wolf to do? Get some pants?! Yes. But is the Wolf happy being Wolf in Pants instead of Wolf in Underpants? 

My thoughts: This is the fifth book in the series, though not all the books have been translated into English and published in the United States. If you have a little one who is so enraptured by the premise of seeing a Wolf in Underpants on every single page--along with dozens of other animals in underpants--then this one might appeal. I am not as hooked as I would need to be to read all the books in the series. Though I do remember enjoying the first book in the series. For the right reader, this one could be funny.

 

88. You're Going to Love This Book. Jory John. Illustrated by Olivier Tallec. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Attention, reader. Ahem. Let's try that again. ATTENTION, READERS!!! You're going to LOVE this book. Really. Truly. Seriously. No joke. Get ready.

Premise/plot: Another picture book that I am reviewing written in second person directly to readers. The narrator makes a lot of promises, a lot of boasts. But is the narrator reliable or unreliable?

My thoughts: This one is mostly gimmicky. That might be the wrong word. The premise is that the book has all the stereotypical things that a kid traditionally hates or dislikes. The writing style is exaggerated. I think some readers might think it funny or amusing. I do think Jory John might have enough of a following that some readers would literally follow him anywhere and buy anything. I haven't decided if this one is showcasing unreliable narrators (it might not be) or irony. The more I think about it, the more I think it is irony. I was not amused. But I'm not the target audience.

 

89. Not a Smiley Guy. Polly Horvath. Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When baby Ernest was born his parents stared down at him. They smiled. He enjoyed it. Nice people, he thought. What a good family to be born into. The only thing that would make it better would be some elephants.

Premise/plot: Baby Ernest doesn't smile. Neither does Toddler Ernest. Or Kid Ernest. Ernest just does not smile. Though he does think about elephants a lot. Will his parents ever stop expecting Ernest to smile?

My thoughts: Some picture books are taste specific and naturally have a smaller audience. There were definitely things I enjoyed about this one. Ernest is a hoot. I do enjoy the over-the-top elements like the ELEPHANT. But it is decidedly an ODD, QUIRKY book. The message seems to be that facial expressions don't always line up with what people are feeling on the inside.  

90. Proper Badger Would Never. Lauren Glattly. Illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Badger has been invited to a party. He has always wanted to go to a party. Badger doesn't know Claire, but he's sure she'll be excited to meet him. He is quite pleased. He will wear his bow tie and his little jacket with the buttons down the front. He thinks this will make him look like a proper badger. He is very proper.

Premise/plot: What would happen if a mail carrier DROPS a letter--an invitation--and that is subsequently found by a badger???? The badger--especially this oh-so-proper badger--might get all dressed up in his finest to attend a young girl's fifth birthday party. But does Badger belong????? 

My thoughts: This book takes quirky to a whole new level. You may not be prepared for just how odd, quirky, different this one is. I think that will help in the appeal for some readers. I do think reading it twice would help. I think having it read aloud by a skilled person who has read and practiced would help even more. After all, there is a PERFORMANCE element in reading aloud picture books especially in a group setting. 

The book could be potentially useful in TWO things. First, the book could help showcase the idea of unreliable narrators and subsequently teach the importance to paying attention to the details in the illustrations. The art of reading between the lines. Second, the book is great at showcasing circumstantial evidence. Perhaps my law nerd is showing, but the "evidence" is shown in the illustrations. It is up to the reader presumably whether or not you believe Badger's protestations or proclamations of innocence. Readers can be the jury, the fact-finders.

91. Oh, Are You Awake? Bob Shea. Illustrated by Jarvis. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Tell me a story, Penguin.

Premise/plot: Lion and Penguin are friends. But will they stay friends? Lion is demanding--repeatedly--a story before bed. Penguin has a one track mind--he wants to SLEEP. Sleep so he can dream, but still. Will Lion ever go to sleep? Will Penguin ever get to sleep?

My thoughts: I wasn't feeling this one. It is whimsical. Some people love and adore whimsical. I am not immune to whimsy. This one has a LOT of dream sequences maybe? One thing going for it perhaps--besides the fact that Bob Shea has a fan base that really love his work--is that it is written for two readers. Lion's dialogue is in blue. Penguin's dialogue is in black. 

92. The Red Fruit. Lee Gi-eun. 2023. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Baby bear got up early, by himself. I am hungry. 

Premise/plot: Baby bear has an adventure in a tree as he pursues a mysterious red fruit. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love the illustrations. The story is super simple. What goes up must come down. There's something sweet and wonderful about the story. Yet it is not an exuberant story with over the top, exaggerated humor. It is more of a quiet adventure story.

93. Gravity is Bringing Me Down. Wendelin Van Draanen. Illustrated by Cornelia Li. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Leda knew the minute she fell out of bed--gravity was in a bad mood. Again.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. Leda has a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day all thanks to gravity. The two are normally friends. Leda is a science lover. Can these two make up before bedtime?

My thoughts: The book has a lot of descriptive language. Especially when it comes to verbs. But it also packs in a lot of un-subtle science-y facts. Which could be good or bad depending on if you want a funny story or a science-themed slightly less funny story. It's not bad. It's not. It has some good elements to it. But it is like when broccoli is hidden in a cookie. I am rating three stars, but it is closer to three and a half stars.

94. Don't Trust Cats. (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) Dev Petty. Illustrated by Mike Boldt. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Chip here. I have been described as very smart and also a dog.

Premise/plot: Chip has plenty of advice for others--mainly dogs--wanting to be their best dog selves. But his number one piece of advice is: don't trust cats. 

My thoughts: What you see is exactly what you get. A humorous dog doesn't like cats story with everything you are probably expecting. Readers can ask themselves plenty of questions like IS CHIP A SMART DOG????? Is he reliable in his advice? Is it good? smart? wise? Or are there flaws in his logic. The book is GREAT at capturing dog point of view in a humorous, amusing way. But be sure to read between the lines!

95. Bunny Should Be Sleeping. Amy Hest. Illustrated by Renata Liwska. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It is a cold winter night. Bunny should be sleeping. But he is listening instead. Listening to the quiet. It is very, very quiet.

Premise/plot: Sometimes a Bunny needs his Dad and a Dad needs his Bunny. 

My thoughts: Could this book BE any more precious? Of course precious isn't the only word: adorable, sweet, lovely. All these words describe this super adorable story of a little bunny waiting for his dad to check on him in bed...and how he decides to check on his dad instead. 

Will every reader love it? Probably not. Some people hate sugary-sweet, precious stories.

96.  No Cats in the Library. Lauren Emmons. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Clarisse was a stray cat who loved books. She couldn't understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she loved looking at the pictures. One day she stumbled upon a magical building where people walked in empty-handed and came back out with books! She had to get inside.

Premise/plot: Will Clarisse gain access to the library and all its many books????? 

My thoughts: I love books. I love reading. I crazy love and adore cats. This one has a written just for me feel to it. Loved the story, the characters, the illustrations.

97. I See a Rat. Paul Meisel. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What is that? It is fast. It is gone. 

Premise/plot: A dog befriends a Rat.

My thoughts: This one is a GUIDED READING LEVEL C. For a guided reading book, it isn't bad. You can definitely tell it is an early reader for very young readers just starting out.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers