26. Bad Banana

26. Bad Banana. Michael Rex. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, beginning reader, early reader, humor]

First sentence: I'm a baaaaaaad banana! I didn't start out this way, you know. I used to be yellow! I had friends! I was part of the bunch! There was me, Lou, Debbie, and Cool Pete! We were BFFs! Banana Friends Forever. When that nice family took us home from the supermarket, we were living the dream!

Premise/plot: This early reader is narrated by a BAD banana. He's in despair since he's turning so bad. His hopes and dreams are fading hour by hour, day by day. Will he ever be eaten?????

My thoughts: This book is definitely decidedly odd. But is it funny? Yes, in a way. I think it ALL depends on how it's read aloud. In the hands of a good reader, a reader who can do voices, who can get characters just right, this one would easily entertain. It has great potential to appeal to young readers.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

96-97. Two Elvis & Romeo Early Readers

96. Elvis and Romeo Visit the Vet. David Soman. Illustrated by Jacky Davis. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [animal fantasy, early reader, ready to read level 1, three stars]

First sentence: Hi, Elvis! Hi, Romeo!

Premise/plot: Elvis does NOT want to be at the vet. Romeo is trying to convince his friend that the vet isn't that bad because the vet gives treats after the visit. Will Elvis be convinced?

My thoughts: The illustrations of Elvis and Romeo are CUTE and adorable and lovely. The story itself is super-simple. Two dogs at the vet. Speech bubbles reveal their dialogue/conversation.

I liked this one well enough. It is a ready-to-read reader, level 1. At this level usually any plot you get is a treat. So this DOES have a plot and it DOES have characters. So for being a level one reader, it's good. That being said, leveled readers are never going to be super incredible most amazing thing ever reads. So recommended for the target audience for sure.

97. Elvis and Romeo Go To Dog School. David Soman. Illustrated by Jacky Davis. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library]  [animal fantasy, early reader, ready to read level 1, four stars]

First sentence: Elvis and Romeo were at their first day of dog school. Are you ready to learn new things, Romeo? I know a lot of things already. I know how to stay. Do you know how to do that, Elvis?

Premise/plot: Elvis and Romeo are attending dog school. Both dogs have a chance to playfully show off to one another. Elvis teaches Romeo how to catch a ball.

My thoughts: I read both Elvis and Romeo Visit the Vet and Elvis and Romeo Go to Dog School in one sitting. The dog school book has a bit more plot. There are more moments for humor. I liked both books well enough. I do think the illustrations of Elvis and Romeo are cute and adorable. I think for young dog lovers, these two books will be quite appealing. They are level one ready-to-read early readers. There is some plot, but, keep in mind they are early readers.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

72. Owlets and Tarts (Mouse and Spoon #2)

72. Mouse and Spoon: Owlets and Tarts. (Ready to Read Level 2) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, early readers, children's books]

First sentence: On Littleton Street in a little town, three little mice had a bakery. Ginger was the oldest, Tom was the youngest, and Piper was right in the middle. Their shop was called the Mouse and Spoon bakery.

Premise/plot: Owl parents are desperate for some sleep--they have three owlets at home. The mice at Mouse and Spoon know just what to do to solve the problem....

My thoughts: Could this book be any more precious? any more adorable? I absolutely love, love, love the illustrations. ADORABLE and delightful. The story is good, pleasant, enjoyable. But it's the illustrations that make this one so joyful. This is the second book, I believe, in a new series by Cynthia Rylant. I've LOVED some of her books in the past. Though this is the second book in the series, it was the first my library had available.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. Sketty and Meatball

Sketty and Meatball. Sarah Weeks. Illustrated by Alex Willmore. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [I Can Read Level 1] [5/5 Stars]

First sentence: Sketty and Meatball do everything together. They play together. They bark together. 

Premise/plot: Sketty and Meatball are the super cute, adorable stars of this I Can Read Level 1 early reader. These two dogs love to do everything together. They are always asking one another, Are you thinking the same thing I'm thinking??? The answer is almost always yes. In this adventure, these two are looking for something "new" to do. They end up at a DOG SHOW. 

My thoughts: This one was SUPER fun and enjoyable. It was a great early reader. I liked the repetitiveness of the catch phrases, the predictability of the plot, the fun characters. There is a balancing that must be done in early readers--the balance between being simple, basic, structured, written with the intent to be read by a certain age and skill level WHILE being entertaining and appealing enough that young readers WANT to keep turning the pages. 

I read the digital library book of this one that came with audio. I did read it on my own without turning the audio on. I did reread the story with the audio on so I could listen to it as well. The audio added some nice touches in regards to special effects.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

83-84. Pet Books

83. How to Love a Kitten. Michelle Meadows. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the farm, we run and play. I kick the ball. It rolls away. Under the porch, I bend down low. No ball in sight. Where did it go? A broken toy. A silver pail. Then something moves. Is that a tail? I call out, "Hey--Look what I found! Four kittens and a cat curled around."

Premise/plot: A young girl [and her family] finds a mama cat with new kittens. The family "rescue" her and help care for the mama cat and all the kittens. They are hopeful that they will find the owner of the mama cat since she has a collar and is super-friendly (as opposed to feral). Will all the cats find homes? 

My thoughts: This is an enjoyable beginning reader. This is an "I Can Read It All By Myself" beginning book. It stars plenty of ADORABLE, SWEET, LOVABLE kitties. This would be a good fit for anyone who enjoys cat or kitten stories. 

84. Dalmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Ruth Cummins. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The visitor's came to Stephen's yard one otherwise ordinary summer night. Quietly and carefully, they went about their work, collecting, bagging, and tagging specimens. Then very suddenly, they had company. The visitors raced to reboard their ship. One of the visitors wasn't quite quick enough. So one was left behind.

Premise/plot: What happens when an alien dog--a Dalmartian--is left behind on earth? Dalmartian chronicles his adventures as he adapts to life on a strange planet and becomes bonded with a human boy. 

My thoughts: I never thought this was a story I "needed," however I thoroughly enjoyed it! I enjoyed the narration. I really loved the illustrations. It is an unusual, strange but lovely twist on the familiar boy gets a dog story. I absolutely loved some of the spreads such as when the Dalmartian discovers bacon for the first time!!! 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

81-82. Beach Reads

81. A Fox, a Pig, and a Dig. Jonathan Fenske. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Fox. I am Pig. I like to nap! I like to dig! We like the sand. We like the sun. We think the beach is so much fun.

Premise/plot: A Fox, a Pig, and a Dig is an early reader starring two friends, a Fox and a Pig. This duo has appeared in other early readers. This one is set at the beach in three parts or stories. Fox is trying to be sneaky and prank Pig. But Pig isn't falling for any of it.

My thoughts: Fox and Pig are very silly characters. I have a vague memory of reading a previous title in this series. I am more familiar with Jonathan Fenske's other children's titles. I enjoyed this one. It was summer-y. It was fun. I think it would be a fun read aloud to share with kids. If you have an emerging reader or new reader, you could even take turns reading. 

82. The Squish. Breanna Carzoo. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello, world! Here I am! What's that? What just happened to me?! That felt awful. I can't ever let that happen again! I've gotta...pick myself up, dust myself off, and be on the lookout! Nothing will get me now!

Premise/plot: Life isn't easy when you are a sand castle on the beach. Life is full of repeated squishes. This book chronicles the mental/emotional health of a sand castle. It is definitely a unique perspective or point of view. Can Sandcastle learn to overcome all of life's obstacles?

My thoughts: This is definitely a unique read. I'd never really considered the point of view of a sand castle. I hadn't thought of using it as imagery or allegory adjacent story of how to cope with life's ups or downs--or squishes as the case may be. The story can definitely be viewed more abstractly with older readers. But it doesn't necessarily lack accessibility for younger readers. It could at its most basic be a cute and silly story. Emotional coping skills are very important no matter your age. 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

342-343. Two Early Readers (Last Reviews of the Year)

342. Frog Can Hop (Ready to Read, Ready to Go) Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Fred Blunt. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Frog can hop. Pig can flop. Frog can mop. Pig can flop. Frog can shop. Pig can flop.

Premise/plot: Frog and Pig are friends....mostly. However, Frog does tend to carry the load while Pig, well, Pig mainly just flops, and flops, and flops. But when Frog drops....well, Pig may just have the opportunity to do more than flop.

My thoughts: This is an early reader for those just beginning to learn to read. The illustrations do some of the heavy lifting in terms of storytelling. The plot moves forward mainly because the illustrations clearly convey the action and characters. The simple text is focusing on the '-op' family. (Bop, chop, drop, flop, hop, mop, plop, pop, shop, stop) It also includes two basic sight words: "and" and "can." 

I do think this one has a plot. It is more than just practicing sounding out op words. I enjoyed the humor.

343. Monkey Cam (Critter Cam) Margie Palatini. Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. 2023. [December] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Yawn.

Premise/plot: This year there have been a whole line of books in the Critter Cam series. This one stars a monkey wearing a camera in an helmet. The plot is super simple. Readers observe the world from two perspective--third person perspective and first person perspective. Monkey is having quite a day.

My thoughts: I liked this one okay. Not my favorite in the series. Not my least favorite in the series. It does feature "monkey speak" which some may enjoy. I certainly enjoyed monkey chatter as a kid.

 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

235-239. Five Fox Books on Parade

235. Fox and the Jumping Contest. Corey R. Tabor. 2016. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence:  The jumping contest was only a few days away, and Fox was determined to win first prize. He would put the trophy right there, just above the fireplace. 

Premise/plot: Fox is a schemer. He is scheming how to "win" the jumping contest. The scheme, of course, involves cheating. The cover clearly shows *how* he plans to cheat. How will his friends respond to his schemes?

My thoughts: I believe this is the first book starring Fox. It wasn't my first to read, however, but it was the first published. Having gotten to know this character--and the characters of his many friends--I can say I enjoyed this one. I'm not sure how I would have felt without some attachment already to Fox (and friends).

 236. Fox and the Bike Ride. Corey R. Tabor. 2017. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book]

First sentence: It was the morning of the bike ride--the Annual Tour de Tip-Top, Slow-and-Steady,There-and-Back bike ride (plus snacks). The other animals were very excited. Fox was not. 

Premise/plot: Fox is a schemer. This time he is scheming how to add ACTION and action-adventure and danger-action-adventure, etc., to the annual bike ride. His friends may like things boring, regular, or traditional. But Fox wants more. Can he get all the action he craves? Will his friends actually like it?

My thoughts: Fox is sneaky. I enjoyed this one. It is packed with silliness and action. I can imagine this would make a hilarious read aloud if you've got some performer in you. I definitely enjoyed this one more than Fox and the Jumping Contest.

237. Fox is Late (I Can Read) Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: Fox is late. Fox is late for lunch.

Premise/plot: Fox is late for lunch....but with a little help from a skateboard...Fox might make up his time after all. 

My thoughts: This one has a LOT of repetition which can be very fun. Go, Fox, Go! It was silly and playful. I loved seeing the expressions on all of the faces. His friends are certainly puzzled and possibly irritated by his latest antics. 

238. Fox the Tiger. Corey R. Tabor. 2018. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: "I wish I were a tiger," says Fox. "Tigers are big. Tigers are fast. Tigers are sneaky. Tigers are the best." Fox has an idea.

Premise/plot: Fox the Tiger won the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award for 2019. In this I Can Read early reader, Fox has an IDEA that becomes contagious. He wants to be a tiger...so he paints on some stripes. He then goes out to face the world as a tiger...or does he? Will his paint fool anyone?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It was FUN. I am glad that Fox's idea is so contagious. I loved seeing what would happen next. (For example, the turtle decides to become a RACE CAR and paints the number 4 on his shell.) I loved the text and story. I loved the illustrations. I loved the humor--and the heart.  

239. Fox at Night. Corey R. Tabor. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader]

First sentence: It is night, and Fox is scared. "The night is full of monsters," says Fox. Fox looks for monsters.

Premise/plot: Will Fox find monsters when he looks for them? Or will he find new friends?

My thoughts: This one does not feature the usual cast of characters in the Fox books. (Likely they are all asleep.) It was cute and fun. I enjoyed the funny twist ending.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

163. Arfy and the Stinky Smell

Arfy and the Stinky Smell. (Step Into Reading, Step 2, A Comic Reader) Troy Cummings. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library] [Early reader]

First sentence: My name is Arfy. Woof! I am a dog. And dogs love to smell. I smell lunch. I smell my bed. I smell my sweet person. I am so good at smelling! But today I smell a new smell. A stinky smell!

Premise/plot: Arfy smells a stinky smell. Can Arfy find out WHAT stinks so bad? 

My thoughts: This was a cute, funny early reader. It says it's a comic reader, but, really from what I can tell it just means that the dog's thoughts are in bubbles. I think this one would appeal to young readers who enjoy dogs, pets, and humor. It isn't too big a mystery to guess who is stinky!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. Fish and Worm

Fish and Worm. (I Can Read Comics, Level 1) Sergio Ruzzier. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Early Reader]

First sentence: It was lunchtime, but Fish didn't want to eat. 

Premise/plot: Fish doesn't want to his his dinner, a worm on a hook. Fish is pressured several pages. Eat the worm. Eat the worm. Eat the worm. He doesn't eat the worm. Instead, he plays with the worm and befriends it. Out of the blue, it's okay that Fish didn't eat the worm. Now it's fine to eat cake and to share that cake with Worm. 

My thoughts: This was a strange early reader. I do enjoy stories of unlikely friendships. But this one was truly odd. Like worms are used as bait to catch fish...so that humans can eat fish. You would think fish parents would be like WHATEVER YOU DO, don't eat a worm if you see a worm on a hook. Better safe than sorry, stay away from worms. This makes it seem like the fish parent(s) are not only are encouraging him to eat the worm, but had something to do with the worm being there and on the hook. I am definitely over-thinking this one. (I do that. The simpler the text, the more likely I am to overthink it.) Speaking of overthinking it, it would be a very WET and messy cake submerged in the water as it is. (The whole book, of course, is underwater.)

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. Nat the Cat Takes a Bath

Nat the Cat Takes a Bath (Ready to Read: Pre-Level One) Jarrett Lerner. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is Nat. Nat is a cat. Nat the Cat is going to take a bath. I said, Nat the Cat is going to take a bath. Why are you not taking a bath, Nat the Cat?

Premise/plot: Nat the Cat does NOT want to take a bath. Can the narrator of the book get Nat in the bath? (Hint: It might take most of the thirty-two pages!)

My thoughts: I love books where the narrator and the protagonist banter. I do. I also love, love, love, love cats. (And this one stars an adorable gray tabby cat named Nat). This was a fun early reader. It has more story to it than the early readers I grew up with!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

54. Nat the Cat Takes a Nap

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (Ready to Read, Pre-Level 1) Jarrett Lerner. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is Nat. Nat is a cat. Nat the Cat is taking a nap. 

Premise/plot: Nat the Cat is UNHAPPY that the narrator of Nat the Cat Takes a Nap is interrupting his [actual] nap. Dare I say that Nat the Cat is turning grumpy??? The narrator definitely has a plan for how this story should go, how it should unfold. But will Nat the Cat go with flow? go with the plan? Will Nat the Cat ever get back to sleep?

My thoughts: Do you love 'interactive' books where the narrator talks with the characters, and the characters talk back? Do you like cats? love cats? Want an early reader or a "pre-reader" with a big dose of humor?  I do recommend this one. I enjoyed the story. There isn't as much text as say in an Elephant and Piggie book. The text is fairly simple. Depending on how you define, simple, I suppose. It isn't one that a new reader could read cover to cover without help. It has words like "brother" and "hooray" etc. But new readers could read *some* words on their own, could "help" read the story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

25. Sabrina Sue Loves the Sky

Sabrina Sue Loves the Sky. Priscilla Burris. 2023. [January] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sabrina Sue lived on a farm. She loved being outside and looking up at the sky. She saw lots of birds flying around. They looked so happy and free! I am a bird, Sabrina Sue thought. I want to fly too! 

Premise/plot: Sabrina Sue is a chicken who wants to FLY. Will she get the chance to fly???

My thoughts: I expected a humorous book about a chicken who wanted to fly...and that's exactly what I got. I expected a twist by the end...and again I got that twist ending. Was it the twist ending I thought it would be? No. Since my guess was wrong, I'll share my wrong guess with you. I guessed that she would "fly" in an airplane to make her dreams come true. 

Looking back, my guess seems silly since the cover gives it away. But I guess that just shows how rarely I look to a cover for clues!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

183. Click, Clack, Rainy Day

Click, Clack Rainy Day. Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2022. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It is raining on the farm. The rain rolls off the roof of the house. The rain rolls off the roof of the barn. The rain rolls off the roof of the tractor shed. Farmer Brown stays in the house. Farmer Brown does not like to be wet. The rain makes a drip sound. The rain makes a drop sound. The rain makes a drip-drop sound on the window. 

Premise/plot: Level two reader in a popular children's book series. For young readers who are already familiar with these famous--or infamous--cows and their farmer [Farmer Brown] there is much to love. The cows are super contrary. While Farmer Brown and all the others HATE getting wet in the rain, these cows--the very same cows who wanted electric blankets to stay warm--love, love, love the wet, rainy weather.

My thoughts: The more you love the original series, the more I think you will probably appreciate this installment. I haven't read each and every book in the series, but there are certainly books in this series that I absolutely love, love, love and adore. I liked this one very much. I liked how contrary the cows were! The book was definitely on the silly side. I liked the rhythmic repetition.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

182. Hairy, Hairy Poodle

Hairy, Hairy Poodle. Marilyn Singer. Illustrated by Abigail Tompkins. 2022. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There is a dog
that you might meet
in the country,
on the street.
Her coat can simply not be beat.
No other canine
can compete.

Premise/plot: What you see is EXACTLY what you get. If you want to read a book about a HAIRY, HAIRY POODLE look no further than Marilyn Singer's Ready-to-Read early reader. This one stars a poodle whose hair keeps growing and growing and growing and growing and growing. The whole story is told in rhyme and written in verse.

My thoughts: Early readers don't get a lot of coverage on my blog. I tend to forget about this in-between. I love picture books and early chapter books so much that I almost forget about this important go-between stage in reading of being read aloud to and reading on one's own. This is a good early reader. I found it enjoyable, or enjoyable enough. I liked the repetition.

Poodle coming,
Poodle going.
Poodle's curly hair
is growing.
In sunlight, rain, or
big wind blowing,
Poodle's hair
is always growing.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

158. Ballet Bruce

Ballet Bruce (World of Reading, Level 1) Ryan T. Higgins. 2022. [July] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The geese want to do ballet today. But they need help. Will Bruce help them do ballet? The geese use sad geese eyes. 

I've lost count of how many Bruce books there are in the world, but, you should go out and read them one and all. 

In this early reader, Bruce is helping the geese "do ballet." It is very, very, very, very time consuming. Mostly it involves a lot of back and forth and back and forth as he buys everything they need. (I think my favorite part was when the store was out of fancy dance pants but had prancing dance pants on sale.) 

Bruce in all his grumpy glory has a heart of gold. I love and adore him so, so, so, so much. In this one--like so many--he is very relatable. I think parents will surely be able to relate to Bruce's ordeal! I do think the book offers plenty of giggles to younger readers as well.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

57. Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale

Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale (Crab & Snail #1) Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Jared Chapman. 2022. [March] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Huff. Huff. Huff. Hello! We'd introduce ourselves but we have a Code Red.

Premise/plot: Crab and Snail are best beach friends. These two friends are the narrators in a new graphic novel early reader series by Beth Ferry. 

My thoughts: I found this very meh. Unfortunately. It's not like I started this one wanting it to be dull as dirt. I am always on the look out for new early reader and early chapter book series to recommend. It's important to me to seek out books in these categories because they can be so important in growing young readers. 

The setting is the beach/ocean. The action is non-existent. Mostly. Two friends chatter back and forth about nothing. Until somehow or other they decide to make friends with an invisible whale. Then they go to chattering about that instead. Nothing much happens in terms of plot. As far as characters, well, very minimal depth to development. The humor is bare minimum. I think an attempt was made to be funny. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

40. Cornbread and Poppy

Cornbread and Poppy. Matthew Cordell. 2022. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was winter.

Premise/plot: Cornbread and Poppy is the first in a new early reader series by Matthew Cordell. This first book introduces the characters Cornbread and Poppy--two mice who are as different as different can be. The three stories are all set in the winter season. The three stories are "The First Snow," "Holler Mountain," and "The Food Problem." The stories are linked together--build upon one another. 

Essentially, long story short, Cornbread is WELL prepared for winter; Poppy is ill-prepared for winter. The three stories are about these two working together to help Poppy out of a situation.

My thoughts: The moment I saw the cover, I knew I needed to read this one! The cover just says READ ME, READ ME! Mice in fiction are always a thousand times cuter (and more appealing) than mice in real life. So reading about these mice friends sounded like a treat.

I wasn't disappointed. I'm not sure that I loved, loved, loved it so completely that I push it (literally) into the hands of every single person I know. But I did push it into my mom's hands. (And I'll recommend it to my sister as well.) I definitely liked it well enough that I want MORE in the series.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

38. Even Robots Aren't Perfect

Even Robots Aren't Perfect. Jan Thomas. 2022. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I sure do like to paint with you, Red Robot!

Premise/plot: Even Robots Aren't Perfect is a new early reader by Jan Thomas. There are three stories: "Magnificent Paintings," "Nobody Likes to Rust," "The Perfect Plan." Each story celebrates friendship all the while acknowledging that "even robots aren't perfect." In "Magnificent Paintings" Red and Blue Robot unintentionally hurt each other's feelings while complimenting each other's artwork. In "Nobody Likes to Rust," a present has unintentional side effects! In "The Perfect Plan," well, things don't go exactly according to plan.

My thoughts: I really love Jan Thomas. I do. I really LOVED the first two stories. I found both stories relatable AND funny. Especially the first story, "Magnificent Paintings." Some days are just like that! You find yourself in a situation where the more you say--no matter your intentions OR your phrasing--the other person keeps getting more upset and accusatory. This story explores how feelings are hurt and stresses the importance of reconciliation. "Nobody Likes to Rust" was perhaps a little less relatable, but, I found it funny. While it is the thought that counts when giving a gift, a little common sense can go a long way!
The third story I just found weird.

I definitely would recommend to fans of Jan Thomas.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

184. Motor Mouse and Valentino

Motor Mouse and Valentino. Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2021. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Motor Mouse was a very good driver and this was a good thing since he took deliveries all over town.

Motor Mouse and Valentino is the third in the new early reader series by Cynthia Rylant. (I reviewed a few weeks ago). There are three stories in this early reader: "The Flight of Uncertainty," "A Scooter of One's Own" and "Assorted Amusements and Prizes." 

In all three stories Motor Mouse is spending time with his brother, Valentino. In the first story, they go up in a hot air balloon. In the second story, Motor Mouse tries to convince his brother to get a car all the while Valentino is trying to interest Motor Mouse in a scooter! In the third story, the two go to a fair together. 

I liked this one. I did. But I didn't like it as much as the first book. Still am enjoying the characters though.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers