41-42. Two Henry Chapter books

41. Henry's Picture-Perfect Day. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, school, friendship]

First sentence: Classroom Ten was buzzing. Everyone was excited for Picture Day. Almost everyone. Henry tugged at his new shirt. The collar was too close to his ears. The cuffs were too tight on his wrists. The buttons went on forever. And the shirt had stripes.

Premise/plot: Henry is not excited for Picture Day. It is not regular. He is not dressed regular. He has all the thoughts and opinions. But with the help of some friends, Henry may just survive Picture Day.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love HENRY. He is so very relatable. Because he is so relatable to me, I find so many quotes to love. Like, "Henry had never practiced smiling. Maybe that was why he never looked like he thought he should in pictures."

I definitely recommend all the Henry books!

42. Henry Upside Down. Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2026. 52 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book, 5 stars, school, friendship]

First sentence: Henry could hardly wait. It was finally Garden Time for Classroom Ten. Each week, someone from their class would take care of the school garden.

Premise/plot: Henry wants to be the one to take care of the garden. He wants his best, best, best friend, Katie, to be his helper. The week will be perfect. Henry has thought everything out--and made a list. But when Katie invites her new friend, Ivy, to help too, well, that is NOT regular. Henry does not like the intrusion of Ivy into his friendship with Katie. Is there room in this garden for three???

My thoughts: Henry has some adjustments to make in this fourth early chapter book in the series. I love, love, love, love Henry. He is a GREAT character. I love and adore him. Not only that I understand him. Highly recommend the whole series.

Quotes: Henry liked lists. Lists meant not guessing. Guesses could be wrong. Lists meant not forgetting. Unless you forgot the list.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98-99. Two Magical Map Early Chapter Books

98. Magical Map #1: Pirates of the Caribbean. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Down an alley that was easily missed, there hung a wooden sign.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this first one, Gemma and Torin must 'save' their mom's job by fixing the Pirates of the Caribbean. The story has been changed!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Could a different story had been told if it was for older readers? Yes. Is this story good for younger readers? Yes. Gemma and Torin work together to brainstorm solutions for fixing the magic that has gone wrong. I liked this one well enough. I did.

99. Magical Map #2: Jungle Cruise. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Uh-oh, trouble was brewing! Friday afternoon, the week follwoing spring break, kids at school were buzzing about the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom park having suddenly been close.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this second one, Gemma and Torin try to puzzle out WHY there are real animals--monkeys--causing a great deal of trouble on the Jungle Cruise attraction. Can they fix Jungle Cruise?

My thoughts: I liked this one less than the Pirates of the Caribbean. Though if you like mischievous monkeys this one might still be appealing. I like the idea of liking this series. But there's just not much substance. 



© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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

73-74. A biography and "biography"

73. The Story of Jim Henson. Stacia Deutsch. 2021. 70 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jim Henson was 13 years old when he saw his first television show.

A early chapter book biography of the legendary Jim Henson. It is a biography that covers his whole life focusing mostly on his career and legacy. It isn't just the story of Sesame Street or the Muppet Show. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the illustrations. It was great for nostalgia. I don't know that I learned anything as an adult reader. (I grew up watching many though not all of Henson's works). I think for the target audience it would be a good--though basic--introduction. I do love the inclusion of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Though it would have been awesome to see the inclusion of the BEST Christmas production that he did--The Muppet Family Christmas (1987). 

74. What is the Story of Captain Picard? David Stabler. 2023. 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the evening of September 28, 1987, Star Trek fans all over the world turned on their TV sets with great anticipation.

Is it a biography? Not really. Only a little. It is the story of Star Trek's Captain Picard. It explains a little bit about Star Trek and the fandom, the restart of the series in the "next generation," and provides a fictional biography of Captain Picard. But it also does give a tiny biography of the actor who played Picard, Patrick Stewart, as well as the tiniest biography of Star Trek's creator, Gene Roddenberry. 

My thoughts: Is this one necessary? Probably not. Is it fun? A little. I do remember watching Star Trek the Next Generation as it aired [for the first time.] I have very fond memories of watching the show. I did read Patrick Stewart's memoir earlier this year.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

66. Orris and Timble: The Beginning

Orris and Timble #1: Orris and Timble the Beginning. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Carmen Mok. 2024. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book, animal fantasy, friendship, storytelling]

First sentence: Orris the rat had made a nest for himself in a hole in the wall and papered it with pages from a box of discarded books. In the rat's nest were his treasures: a red velvet slipper, a yellow marble, and a sardine can. Sometimes if the light shone into the rat's nest at just the right angle, the king on the sardine can looked Orris in the eye.

Premise/plot: Orris and Timble are unlikely friends: one is a rat and the other is an owl. But when Timble (the owl) finds himself TRAPPED in a mouse trap (in the hayloft), Orris faces a hard decision. Should he make a good and noble choice and save the owl??? Or should he leave things well enough alone??? The owl, after all, might eat him anyway after he has been freed. True, it's distressing to hear him screech and cry out, but, is it truly his problem to solve? Maybe. Maybe not. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love Kate DiCamillo. I do. I expect great things and am rarely disappointed. (Though there are a handful of books that I don't particularly like. But when you consider the vastness of her body of work, then it's clear that she's absolutely fabulous.) I love, love, love the focus on STORYTELLING, the way stories can bring two people together despite the differences in their backgrounds. I enjoyed the characterization and the narrative itself. Beautiful writing. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

43. The Great Puptective

The Great Puptective. Alina Tysoe. 2024. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day, Sasha the human came home with a strange box. I think it's about time that Truffles got a friend.

Premise/plot: Early chapter book in "graphic novel" format. (In other words, an illustrated chapter book with plenty of speech bubbles showing the dialogue). Truffles is not thrilled that his new "friend" is an enthusiastic puppy named Poppy. Poppy considers herself an amateur detective always on the case. Cases seem to find her most of the time, even if they aren't really proper cases. Truffles may just have enough of Poppy one of these days....

My thoughts: I really LOVED the characters Poppy and Truffles. The book is silly, cute, fun. I loved how the story unfolded throughout the book. Definitely reminded me of old school Garfield and Friends episodes in the best way possible. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

313. Mercy Watson Is Missing

Mercy Watson Is Missing (Tales from Deckawoo Drive #7) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2023. [December] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from prologue: The office of Percival Smidgely, PI, was situated on the third floor of the historic Blinkhopp Building in downtown Gizzford.

First sentence from chapter one: On a bright morning in early autumn, Mercy Watson went missing. 

Premise/plot: Mercy Watson, everyone's MOST FAVORITE PIG, is completely missing. Can the community come together--with or without the help of the 'official' private investigator'--to find Mercy? What could this butter-loving pig be up to? 

My thoughts: I love Kate DiCamillo. Some I love, love, love. Some I merely love. A few I've merely liked. But without a doubt she can create memorable characters and craft great narratives that are engaging for readers of varied ages. I enjoyed this one so much. It is possible I would have loved it even more if I'd taken the time to reread ALL the Mercy Watson books and the Tales of Deckawoo Drive. She has brought all the characters from previous books into this one and it is a true celebration of the community she has created/crafted.

I love the writing. For example, "Mrs. Watson returned to 54 Deckawoo Drive with dread in her heart. What had started as a pebble of worry was turning into a boulder of despair."

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

282. Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You (#6)

Dory Fantasmagory #6: Can't Live Without You. Abby Hanlon. 2023. [September] 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: My name is Dory but everyone calls me Rainbow. "Nobody calls you Rainbow," says my big brother, Luke. "Remember?" I whisper. "I'm a teenager named Rainbow." "It's hard to remember you're a teenager when you have syrup all over your face," says my big sister, Violet. I feel my face. It is very sticky.

Premise/plot: Dory returns for her sixth adventure. In this one she becomes extremely clingy to her mother. Not that that keeps her from imagining her best life ever. OR from making great friends with the new babysitter. This one, like previous titles, features MANY adventures and misadventures--a blending of real and imaginary play. This one continues on the stories of her imaginary friends and enemies. 

My thoughts: This one was so funny. It has been a while since I read one of these books. I loved the writing/narrative voice. For example, we learn that Saturday is NIGHTGOWN day and naturally Dory doesn't want to leave the house to go to Creative Dance. I also love the line where Dory offers both the pennies and the PIG to her mother in an effort to persuade her to keep on being a stay at home mom. 

 I do wish my library had the fifth book. I've read the first four and the sixth.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

224-227. Some Early Chapter Books

224. Fox Has a Problem. Corey R. Tabor. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader] 

First sentence: Fox has a problem. It is not a new problem. But Fox has an idea. A big idea. 

Premise/plot: Fox's problem changes throughout this new early reader by Corey R. Tabor. His problem? His kite--one of many kites--is stuck in a tree. A problem sure enough, but is his solution a true solution? Maybe. Maybe not. Is Fox smart enough to find a true solution? Maybe. Maybe not. But with a little help from his friends, all of his problems might find solutions...

My thoughts: I laughed out loud. I'm not lying. I laughed so hard when reading this one. It was such a DELIGHT. There are more in the series that I am excited to read now. I loved, loved, loved it.

225. Mindy Kim and the Summer Musical. Lyla Lee. Illustrated by Dung Ho. 2023. [July] 96 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book; series book]

First sentence: My name is Mindy Kim. It's finally summer, and my best friend, Sally, and I have really fun plans.

I've read the first book and the ninth book--none of the books in between. I normally don't read books out of sequence, but, I was intrigued with the 'summer musical' story. I love, love, love musicals. And this one is Cinderella--one of my favorites.

Mindy Kim, our heroine, is trying out for the summer musical (it is a children's production). The book shows her life at home and 'on set.' Plenty going on behind the scenes as well, and not just about the musical itself. 

I may have enjoyed this one even more if I was familiar with all of the characters--family, friends, etc. But I enjoyed plenty. I would recommend this series.

226. Bad Luck Lola (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book]

First sentence: The delicious smell of bacon and waffles woke me up in the morning. I knew what that meant--Sunday!

Premise/plot: Lola breaks a mirror her grandmother gave her. She's convinced for almost the entire book that bad luck is coming and is already starting to ruin everything.

MY thoughts: I wanted to like this one because of the Texas setting. But her superstitious woes irritated me so much. I wish I'd started with any other book in the series but this one.

227. Dance of the Feather (Hola, Lola) Keka Novales. Illustrated by Gloria Felix. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book]

First sentence: Happy birthday to you.

Premise/plot: Lola is given tickets to the ballet for her birthday (by her grandparents). Lola then has a sudden desire to dance, dance, dance. But when she doesn't immediately--a few lessons in--get a big role in Swan Lake (like why is she in the production at all???) she finds a way to be cheerful as a chicken.

My thoughts: This book irritated me too. I don't understand how someone who has only taken a few lessons, at best, and mid-course at that. (Just randomly showing up to ballet class and joining in) has been given any part no matter how small. There's a LOT of time between dance class number one and recital number one. And this isn't even a recital, but a production of a ballet--Swan Lake. I do have a tendency to overthink things.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

216. See the Ghost

See the Ghost: Three Stories about Things You Cannot See. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2023. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [early chapter book] [early reader]

 First sentence: See the ghost.

Premise/plot: This is the third book in the series. The first two are See the Cat and See the Dog. All the books have the narrator speaking directly to the characters and directing the story. The characters interact with the narrator and amuse the audience--usually. The first story is about a ghost (invisible to readers and characters). The second story is about the wind (again invisible to readers and characters). The third story is about a fairy (again invisible to readers and characters). Though some characters are invisible, plenty of action happens.

My thoughts: I don't love, love, love this one as much as the first two books. The first two books are super-special to me. I just love and adore them. I do care about the characters. This one, like the first two, offer plenty of giggles and laughs. I still "really like" this one. I'm reminded that even books I merely "really like" can sound like gushing when I'm in the right mood. I do recommend all three books. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

185. Space Cat Visits Venus

Space Cat #2: Space Cat Visits Venus. Ruthven Todd. Illustrated by Paul Galdone. 1955. 87 pages. [Source: Library] [Chapter book; Vintage; Classic]

First sentence: Flyball was the only cat in Luna Port, the first city built on the Moon. He was the only cat on the whole Moon. And he was a famous cat, for with his friend Captain Fred Stone, now Colonel Stone, he had travelled on the first rocket ever to go from Earth to the Moon.

Premise/plot:  Flyball (the cat) and Colonel Fred Stone (the human) are the first to travel to Venus in this early chapter book originally published in 1955. In the first book, these two become the first to travel to the Moon. In fact, these two now live on the Moon--at least part time. But now in this second book, they are getting ready for more firsts. The rocket that will send them to Venus is being built on the Moon. And soon these two will be on their way. What will they find?

My thoughts: I was so disappointed in this second book. I found the first book charming enough. I did. This second one was slightly duller than I'd prefer. What they find on Venus is plants, plants, and more plants. Granted some of these plants are highly evolved and communicative. There's one that can read thoughts, for example. But at the end of the day, the two are just essentially looking at a lot of exotic space plants. Flyball also seems less cat-like in this one. Perhaps because the first book started with him being just a normal, super-curious cat that happened to wander into Fred Stone's life and just happened to become a space-travelling kitty. The origin story works for me better than this.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

145. Pizza and Taco: Dare To Be Scared

Pizza and Taco #6, Pizza and Taco: Dare To Be Scared. Stephen Shaskan. 2023. [June] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [Graphic novel, early chapter book]

First sentence: Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: Pizza and Taco are two friends who spend the entire book trying to scare each other. Trying to 'properly' scare one another. Taco scares a bit easier than Pizza. The running gag is one likes dressing up as a "ghost pepper" and scaring the other. After the initial scare, they dare each other to scare each other.

My thoughts: I really enjoy this series for the most part. I like Pizza and Taco as characters. The first three or four titles in the series were absolutely great. I haven't been as big a fan of the later titles. But I still like the characters. Still interested in keeping up with these two friends. 

This one would be good for those looking for Halloween titles but not too Halloween. Definitely more silly than scary.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

128. Have A Slice Day

The Great Mathemachicken #2 Have A Slice Day. Nancy Krulik. 2023. [April] 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Eggs-cuse me, please," Chirpy said. The little chick was hungry. But she could not reach the feeder. Clucky was blocking Chirpy's path. Clucky was blocking everyone's path.

Premise/plot: Clucky is a Greedy Gus. (I jest). Seriously though, Chirpy and the other chicks are having a BIG problem with one not-so-little chicken named Clucky. Can Chirpy (and a new friend, a duck) find a solution at school??? Perhaps! The school children are learning all about fractions and Chirpy has an idea that maybe just maybe she can apply her new knowledge to the coop.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Both books in this series are fun. I do enjoy books about chickens. I don't love, love, love math (or science), but put it into a fun, illustrated story, and I'll give it a chance. I would recommend this one to elementary readers.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125. Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish

Audrey L. and Audrey W. Best Friends-ish (Book 1) Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. 2021. 184 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: At the beginning of the school year, Audrey had been super-duper-duper sure that second grade would be twice as fun as first. She was ready.

Premise/plot: Audrey L is having a harder time than she'd like adjusting to second grade. When Audrey W joins the class--and is assigned to her table/group--things get interesting. Audrey is her official welcome ambassador. Are the two Audrey's more similar than different? Do they have potential to be best friends? This is a situational school drama-comedy. Audrey L definitely is having a time of it. (I believe the book spans a week or possibly two. Not much longer.) 

My thoughts: I LOVED the narration in this one. Audrey L is given quite the unique voice and I absolutely loved getting to know HER. I thought it was super-relatable; it had humor and heart. I look forward to reading book two.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Dazzle Makes a Wish

Dazzle Makes a Wish (Book Buddies #3) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2023. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: For weeks the unicorn waited on the toy store shelf. Families came and went, but no one bought the snow-white unicorn with a twisty horn and a sparkly pink tail. On his tag, it said his name was Dazzle. It also said that unicorns can grant wishes, but only for someone with a good heart. Dazzle didn’t know if he could grant a wish for himself. But he thought it was worth a try. So every night, he made the same wish. I wish for a home and a child of my own.

Premise/plot: Dazzle (the unicorn) has one wish--to belong to one child and be LOVED. Unfortunately, Dazzle's wish is unlikely to come true--at least in the traditional sense. Dazzle is purchased, but, not for one child. He is instead purchased for many children. He is "rescued in the wild" (if you will) by Anne the Librarian. (Or is it Ann the librarian?) Dazzle becomes a book buddy. Children (with library cards) can check out a toy--a book buddy--in addition to checking out books. Dazzle goes home with Maya as a book buddy...and adventures are had....

My thoughts: I absolutely love the Book Buddies series. I've read all three books. I highly recommend the series. It is everything I would have LOVED as a kid growing up. Let's be honest, it is everything I love now as an adult. Books and toys just go well together. I love the fantasy of it as well. Each book introduces us readers to a new toy, a new child, and new adventures. The toy sections very much read like Toy Story (minus the scary/creepy elements). While Dazzle is the toy selected by Maya; Maya's brother chooses a garden gnome whom he pretends is a wizard. It's just silly goodness. 

To be honest, Dazzle would not be my first choice of toy to bring home. I definitely discriminate against glitter. I just have a zero tolerance level for shedding glitter. This book might help me feel guilty about that. But still. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

75. Henry, Like Always

Henry, Like Always (Henry #1) Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2023. [January] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Henry always liked Classroom Ten. His friends were there. Gilly was there. And Mrs. Tanaka was there.

Premise/plot: Henry is starring in a new early chapter book series. He first appeared in A Friend for Henry, a picture book. Henry--who decidedly, definitely does NOT like change--is upset that 'share day' is being moved from Friday to Thursday to make way for a [loud, noisy, bothersome] parade. He does not like it one little bit. Parades ARE not regular. The book chronicles one school week--Monday through Friday.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love and adore Henry. I absolutely do. Henry and I are like peas in a pod. I found this book to be a delight. I loved the narrative, the story, the characters. Everything was perfect. I want MORE, MORE, MORE. 

I have not read the picture book yet, but I will soon.

Quotes:

Tuesday was Art Day, just like always. Henry wore his orange shirt on Art Day.
“Why?” asked Katie.
“Because Art Day is messy,” said Henry. “And I do not like orange.”

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

73. The Summer We Found the Baby

The Summer We Found The Baby. Amy Hest. 2020. 192 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I'm the one who found her. A real, live baby girl and I saw her first. I saw the basket. Right over there, on the steps of the new children's library. A tiny little baby! All by herself in that basket! She was so brave, though. She wasn't even crying. I just wanted to hold her awhile. I didn't mean to take the baby.

Premise/plot: This children's book is set during the Second World War. It opens on a summer day--August 31. Three children (Julie and Martha Sweet, and their neighbor, Bruno Ben-Eli) find a baby in a basket on the steps of the [new] children's library. Each chapter features narration by all three--Julie, Martha, Bruno. Each chapter reveals details fleshing out their story. Everything leads to the big day--August 31. As you might have guessed, this one is not a linear or chronological story. Readers learn about the characters, the story, the setting--slowly but surely. 

My thoughts: I really loved this one! I did. There were a few [subtle] moments of sadness. But nothing overwhelming or heavy. Observant readers can read behind the lines as to how the characters might be feeling. It has a great premise--children finding an 'abandoned' baby on the steps to the public library. It has dimensional characters--I really loved getting to know all three protagonists. I loved the complex relationships. Readers learn relatively early on that Bruno and Julie have fallen out; they were friends once, but no more. I love how human all these characters are. I felt empathy for all three.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

28. Roscoe Riley Rules #1: Never Glue Your Friends To Chairs

Never Glue Your Friends To Chairs (Roscoe Riley Rules #1) Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by Brian Biggs. 2008. 79 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hey! Over here! It's me. Roscoe. Welcome to the Official Roscoe Riley Time-out Corner. Want to hang out with me? I have to warn you, though. We're going to be here for a while.

Premise/plot: Roscoe Riley has GLUE, but not just any glue, it is Super-Mega-Gonzo Glue. It is PERMANENT. Of course, how and why he uses this super-permanent glue is an interesting, humorous story. (He's only got the best intentions, right????) 

My thoughts: This is my first introduction to Roscoe Riley. Apparently there's a series! This one strongly reminds me (in the best way) of Junie B. Jones. It also reminds me of Robert Munsch's humor. I like this early chapter book very much. I could see how it could hook young readers and make them want to read more, more, more.

I am so glad I revisited Katherine Applegate's earlier works. I'm definitely going to see if the library has more of this series.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

211. Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey. Erin Entrada Kelly. 2021. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is a magnolia tree in Marisol Rainey's backyard. The tree is named Peppina. It is perfect for climbing. The branches are practically made for human feet. It's as if Peppina wanted to say: Step here, and here, and here. 

Premise/plot: Marisol Rainey stars in a new early chapter book series. In this one, Marisol slowly but surely--with plenty of struggles along the way--works to overcome her fear of climbing trees. Marisol struggles with [little] fears and [little] anxieties that add up day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love Marisol. I think she's a GREAT heroine. I'm so glad to have met her. This book has all the feels. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sure I'd have read this a million times as a child. It was so awesome.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

205. The Giant Panda Plan

The Giant Panda Plan (Teeny Houdini #3). Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Zoe Si. 2022. [June] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Roar! Roar!" I call to the lions. I stand on my tippy-toes to get as close as I can to them. "Why won't they roar back, Mom?" I ask.

Premise/plot: Bessie Lee and her classmates--both her close friends, friends, and frenemies--take it upon themselves [to single-handedly] save pandas. This comes about as a result of a zoo field trip. The students brainstorm "a way" to "save" pandas. This involves the students working together as groups and doing presentations. A bit of an elevated show-and-tell of sorts. But the show that was going to SAVE the pandas goes all wrong with egos get in the way.

My thoughts: I didn't like this one. Not really. I thought it was odd. Perhaps it was just too much to sit down and read books two and three back to back. Perhaps the plot of the third book is just weaker. I don't mind the let's-all-be-activist perspective in small doses. But I don't know how a bunch of first graders are going to do anything on a big enough scale to "save" the pandas. True, in this book, the first graders are miraculously able to raise a thousand dollars. But I don't think that's realistic. [Or perhaps Bessie Lee is just in a really high-class, super-wealthy school district].

It also seemed a little odd--though I could be wrong--that Bessie Lee (and presumably) others are getting to hold/handle an actual baby panda from the zoo.  

This book is more about sabotaging other students' work than anything else. [This is my opinion].

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers