133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories

133. Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories (Bear and Bird #3) Jarvis. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [early chapter book; animal fantasy; friendship]

First sentence: It was Tuesday. And every Tuesday, Bear and Bird would spend the morning cloud-watching. But not this Tuesday. Because Bird wasn't feeling very well.

My thoughts preview: Bear and Bird have to be my DELIGHTFUL find of the year. This duo has won me over and I can't stop gushing about how much I love and adore these two.

Premise/plot: Bear and Bird are back for their THIRD adventure. This is an early chapter illustrated story book for young readers. It has four inter-connected stories. This one has "The Nothing," "The Hole," "The Mole," and "The Adventure." 

My thoughts: I LOVED this one so much. I don't love it more, mind you, than the first two. But I love it just as much or as equally. My favorite story of this one is "The Nothing." Bear has gone to Bird's house to be supportive of his best, best friend. Bear tries and tries and tries and tries....to no avail. ALL of the things Bear tries...fall flat and go unappreciated. What does Bird want from Bear?????? A companionable nothing. 

I would definitely recommend all three chapter books.  

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

132. We Are Up A Tree

132. We Are Up A Tree (The Dog and Pony Show #2) Jeff Mack. 2024. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [early reader, graphic novel]

First sentence: Look, Pony, a tree!
Yes, I see that.
Can I climb it?
You can try.

Premise/plot: Dog has his heart set on climbing a tree. Will it go well? Maybe. Maybe not. Pony is a super supportive friend....for better or worse. But these two undoubtedly have a LOT of fun in this adventure.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, love, love the first book in this series. These two characters won my heart in that book. I was so pleased to read this second book in the series. For me it isn't quite as magical as the first book. But it was still SO much fun. I love the expressiveness of the illustrations. I love the characters. I enjoyed the story. It still packed in plenty of silliness.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

131. Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!

131. Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever! (Pizza and Taco #8). Stephen Shaskan. 2024. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] [graphic novel, early reader, series book]

First sentence: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: It may just be September, but Pizza and Taco are ready for Christmas. They must prepare their letters to Santa Slaw early so they both have time to get on his nice list. The two friends write letters listing everything--and I do mean everything--they want for Christmas. But writing it on a list is no guarantee that you'll get it! (As these two ultimately learn). 

My thoughts: Their eagerness for Christmas is certainly relatable. This one is a fun enough read for young readers who enjoy this graphic novel series for early readers. This is the eighth book. Some have been great. Some have been good. Some have been meh. However, I always enjoy spending time with these two even if the plots here and there get weak in places.

 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers