Poppleton

Poppleton. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1997. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton used to be a city pig. He did city things. He took taxis. He joggined in the park. He went to museums.

Premise/plot: Poppleton is an early chapter series book by Cynthia Rylant. This is the first book in the series. There are three stories. In the first, readers get a proper introduction to Poppleton. Poppleton is new in town. One of the first friends he makes is his next door neighbor, Cherry Sue. In the second, readers learn a little bit about Poppleton's routine. Monday IS library day. In the third, readers meet another friend of Poppleton, a goat named Fillmore. In this last story, Poppleton has come to take care of his sick friend, but is Fillmore an easy patient?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one SO MUCH. I loved, loved, LOVED it. I loved the humor. I loved the characters. I loved the writing. I loved the illustrations. I loved it all.

Cherry Sue was very friendly. In the mornings she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like some oatmeal?" So Poppleton had oatmeal with Cherry Sue. In the afternoon she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like a toasted cheese?" So Poppleton had toasted cheese with Cherry Sue. At night she called out, "Yoo hoo! Poppleton! Would you like spaghetti?" So Poppleton had spaghetti with Cherry Sue. This went on day after day. At first it was fun. But not for long.

Poppleton took library day very seriously. At the library Poppleton always got a table all to himself. He spread out each of his things on the table: his eyeglasses, his tissues, his lip balm, his pocket watch, his book marker, and his duffel.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton Forever

Poppleton Forever. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1998. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton planted a new little tree in his yard.

Premise/plot: Poppleton Forever is an early chapter book with three stories. In the first story, Poppleton is puzzled by how to take care of his tree. What does it NEED? Each of his friends have a suggestion, but not all suggestions are of equal value! In the second story, Poppleton has a cold. His llama friend, Cherry Sue, tries her best to help. But are her solutions worth the trouble?! In the third story, Poppleton decides to hang some wallpaper. Which of his friends should help?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of stories starring Poppleton and friends. I did. But my absolute favorite story was the third one, "Wallpaper." It was a HOOT. If you enjoy funny stories, it really is a must read.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton Everyday

Poppleton Everyday. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1998. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton's friend Hudson was visiting one night.

Premise/plot: Poppleton Everyday is an early chapter book with three stories. In the first story, Poppleton and his friend (his mouse friend) go stargazing. In the second story, Poppleton goes shopping for a NEW bed. (How will he know which bed is the right bed?!) In the third story, Poppleton is talked into going sailing by a friend.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Poppleton continues to delight. I can't believe I'm only now discovering this gem of a character. My favorite story in this one is "The New Bed."

He lay on his back. He lay on his side. He lay with one leg over the edge. He lay with both legs over the edge. He lay on his head with his bottom in the air. "How many different ways do you sleep?" asked the saleslady. "About twenty," said Poppleton.
"Do you have any books?" he asked.
The saleslady brought Poppleton a book. Poppleton propped up some pillows and read a few pages. The saleslady looked at her watch. "Do you want to buy the bed?" she asked Poppleton.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton in Winter

Poppleton in Winter. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2001. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton's house grew very long icicles in winter.

Premise/plot: This early chapter book starring Poppleton and friends features three stories: "Icicles," "The Bust," and "The Sleigh Ride." In the first story, Poppleton may love his icicles a little too much. What will happen when they fall?! In the second story, Poppleton decides to make something. Winter is his best time for making. This year, what he decides upon is making a bust of his friend Cherry Sue's head. If only he could remember what she looks like! In the third story, Poppleton's disappointment turns to joy as his friends surprise him on his birthday.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed Poppleton in Winter. I want to read all the Poppleton books now. I enjoy spending time with him and his friends. The stories are delightful and charming. My favorite in this collection was "The Sleigh Ride."

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Poppleton and Friends

Poppleton and Friends. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 1997. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Poppleton was tired of being landlocked. He wanted to go to the shore.

Premise/plot: Poppleton and Friends is the second book in the series by Cynthia Rylant. It is an early chapter book series. This one has three stories: "The Shore Day," "Dry Skin," and "Grapefruit." In the first story, Poppleton goes to the beach for the day. In the second story, Poppleton thinks he's suffering from dry skin. His friend, Cherry Sue, has plenty of advice for him. Can she solve the mystery of what is causing Poppleton's problem?! In the third story, Poppleton decides he wants to live a LONG, LONG life. Will eating grapefruit help him out?!

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED meeting Poppleton. I now want to read all the books in the series. I also loved meeting his friends. I would definitely recommend this one! 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers