Felix Powell, Boy Dog review

 

In this funny, young middle-grade novel about friendship, family, and animals, Felix Powell is magically transformed from a boy into a dog.(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

 

Felix is excited to spend his $5 at the local thrift store that his Nan gave him.  When he spies a special blue blanket, he knows exactly what he wants to spend that money on.  Felix isn't like other 8 year olds.  When he grows up he wants to be a Wildlife Biologist who studies primates.  He also enjoys spending time with his dog Mary Puppins and has a special talent speaking to her.  But when he and Puppins play a game with his newly purchased blanket, it magically transforms him into a dog!   At first he enjoys being a dog and hanging out all day with Puppins. But soon he remembers all the things he likes best about being a boy and worries that he won't turn back in time for his Bean Fest plans with Nan.

 

This a unique story for the older elementary reader about family, friendship and imagination. After turning into a dog, Felix has an adventurous day with Mary Puppins smelling, playing and experiencing everything about being a dog. When Felix and Puppins run into the neighborhood cat with an aloof attitude, the interactions give Felix mixed emotions about some negative feelings he is experiencing. There is nice conflict resolution easy for young readers to understand expressing empathy. Felix and Puppins show problem solving and teamwork to help Gumbo the cat out of a predicament they caused.  It has short chapters and is fast paced keeping readers attention to the end and finding out whether he is successful in returning back to a boy.   There are also lively black and white illustrations to break up the pages giving great visuals along with the story. This is the first book in a series for Felix with more curiosity and adventures to come.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8 - 9.~

 

Title:  Felix Powell, Boy Dog

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly

Pub. date: July 2024, Greenwillow Books

Genre: Middle Grade

Hardcover, 149 pgs.

 

The Great Puptective review

A set-in-his-ways housecat has his routine upended by an enthusiastic new puppy with a nose for solving mysteries(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truffles the Cat has his quiet life turned upside down after Poppy arrives.  Like all puppies, Poppy is energetic, loud and full of excitement.  She thinks she is a Puptective who has the eyes and nose to solve crime and mysteries. Her first crime solving mystery is to find the owner of dirty paw prints left on the floor. But when Truffles gets in trouble for being the perpetrator, he is determined to trap Poppy so he can send her away for good. 

 

This funny graphic novel will be a hit with early readers.   It is has a short introduction, four quick chapters, epilogue and even bonus pages on how to draw Poppy and Truffles at the end.  The illustrations are vibrant and full of silliness that will have kids giggling.  When Truffles is caught trying to get Poppy in trouble, he sets traps to catch her and ships her off to the North Pole.  Kids will play along with the clues and no doubt figure things out for themselves before young Poppy does. There are plenty of mishaps and misunderstandings throughout that are humorous adding to the characters personalities. But after guilt sets in for Truffles, he decides to rescue Poppy and becomes a Cattective himself.  In the end, Truffles finds that he likes Poppy and the two will make a great pair for crime solving.  All in all, this is a fun graphic novel chapter book for kids that like animal characters, humor and fun reads.  The story is age appropriate for young elementary readers and there is a second one coming soon called The Great Puptective - Paranormal Activity which I am looking forward to reading when it comes out.   I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-9.~

 

Title: The Great Puptective 

Author: Alina Tysoe

Pub. date: March 2024, Simon & Schuster

Genre: graphic novel

Hardcover, 128 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tig and Lily - Tiger Trouble review

Lions, Tigers, and . . . a house cat?! Oh my! Life at the zoo gets complicated when a tiger finds out she as a new roommate.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes a tiger a tiger and a cat a cat?  Tig and Lily are about to find out in this cute and funny graphic chapter book.  Tig looks like a house cat and sounds like a house cat but thinks he is a tiger.  He has dreamed of living in the zoo and takes over Lily's tiger enclosure. Lily on the other hand knows she is a tiger and does not like Tig's intrusion and move in on her home.  But Tig is very insistent that he is a Tiger and even gets Lily to question her own identity about being one. The banter back and forth is comical and gave me a few chuckles.  Being the brave tiger that he is, Tig wanders off to explore his new surroundings.  But when he doesn't return, Lily becomes concerned and sets out looking for him only to find him crying.  Two tigers have upset Tig when they tell him he is not a tiger and Lily comes to his rescue to defend him in a sweet and thoughtful way.

 

This graphic-novel style is simple and great for the younger elementary grade readers. The pictures are large, colorful and the character's expressions match perfectly with the story being told.  It is easy to follow along and has plenty of humorous moments, friendship and standing up for others.  At the end of the book, there are fun facts about tigers and cats. Also included are instructions on how to draw Tig and Lily hopefully getting kids interested about the cartooning process.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

 

Title: Tig and Lily - Tiger Trouble

Author: Dan Thompson

Pub. date:  May 2023, Random House Graphic

Genre: junior graphic  novel

Hardcover, 96 pgs. 

Nixie Ness Cooking Star review

 

Best friends Nixie and Grace spend every afternoon together . . . until Nixie's mom gets a new job and Nixie must attend the after-school program, without Grace.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Third grade best friends Nixie and Grace spend every afternoon together after school at Nixie's house.  Nixie's mom tells the girls she has taken a new job and she will have to attend the after school cooking camp program while Grace will be staying with another classmate, Elyse.  Nixie dreads going to the cooking camp without Grace and begins to worry that she is loosing her best friend to someone else.  While tying to come up with plan after plan to win her over, each one fails and Nixie ends up turning things into a big mess!  She may even loose Grace's friendship forever. 

This is a wonderful chapter book for elementary aged kids about friendships, feelings and everyday school life. They will find the story relatable to their own daily situations as the author does a nice job writing from a young child's perspective.  Nixie is so fixated on Grace and Elyse's bonding that she ignores any opportunity of new friendships for herself with her cooking camp group.  There are several new and nice classmates but she is so jealous of Grace and Elyse that she cannot enjoy the camp for all it has to offer her.  She is having a difficult time with the sudden changes coming all at once which kids can struggle with at this age group. With her "Get Your Best Friend Back" plan, each one backfires on Nixie making her feel sadder and alone.  Nixie even ends up saying something very mean to Grace that may end their friendship but learns the meaning of  giving a sincere apology.  There are illustrations throughout the chapters giving visuals of the cooking camp, Nixie's feelings and of the many diverse characters which adds nicely to the story.   Included at the end is a recipe of Nixie's favorite Morning Glory Muffins that kids might be inspired to bake after reading how much fun cooking can be.  This is the first in the After-School Superstars series with other characters from this story branching out having books about their own after school activity experiences.  There are a total of four books so far and I hope more characters will follow. These stories can also teach younger readers about new ideas, social mistakes, consequences, empathy and problem solving.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

Title:  Nixie Ness Cooking Star

Author: Claudia Mills, illustrated by Grace Zong

Publisher date: June 2019, Margaret Ferguson Books

Genre: chapter book

Hardcover, 118 pgs.

 

 

 

 

Rocket's Leaf Pile review

Rocket, Bella, and Owl are busy gathering colorful fall leaves until a strong breeze blows the leaves away!(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

A nice story for fall about Rocket and his friends in search of colorful leaves. As the leaves fall from the trees, Rocket and Bella the squirrel make a beautiful collection.  Owl adds a few yellow leaves to the pile but a strong wind blows them away.   They decide it will be fun to find more leaves and as they do admire the shapes, various sizes and differences in each one.  Soon more friends arrive to add to the pile.  Colors are vibrant throughout the story and the many friends are shown working together to make a beautiful leaf pile for Rocket.  The illustrated animals are always sweet and cute just like in the many other Rocket  stories.  This is a short but fun board book getting ready for the autumn season.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-5.~

 

Title: Rocket's Leaf Pile

Author: Tad Hills

 Pub. date:  July 2021,  Random House for Young Readers

Genre:  board book

Hardcover,  22 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

Judy Moody and Stink: The Wishbone Wish review

The town’s annual Turkey Trot race and festival is coming up, and Judy and Stink are training to win. Judy has decided that she is going to take home the big prize: a fat, juicy turkey. (goodreads summary)






Every year Judy's family celebrates Thanksgiving Day going to Grandma Lou's house for dinner and misses their town's annual festivities. But this year, her parents work it out so they will be able to attend both! For the big event Judy finds her best costume; Sarah Josepha Hale, whom I learned was the inventor of Thanksgiving. She is also very determined to win the Turkey Trot Race and has been training hard for weeks. That's because the winner brings home a "for-real" Thanksgiving turkey. Judy is so confident about winning the race that she asks Grandma Lou to promise her she will not buy one for their dinner. When the day finally arrives, Judy and Stink are excited for the upcoming events and bringing home that big prize!

After reading this funny and cute story, Judy's enthusiastic nature will have everyone inspired about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  Her commitment to the special day and dedication to winning the big turkey for her family dinner is an important part of the storyline. This easy-to-read chapter book was not only fun and entertaining but it also included Thanksgiving facts.  When Judy shared her wealth of knowledge about Sarah Jospeha Hale, I eagerly found myself wanting to look up more information on this interesting historical figure. I also liked the strong sense of family and bringing the community together for a celebration as well. The full colored illustrations throughout the book are vivid and bold.  The fall palette of colors added to the wonderful Thanksgiving theme.  The text flows easily making this a quick story to read just in time for the holiday break.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 7-9.~

Title: Judy Moody & Stink: The Wishbone Wish
Author: Megan McDonald
Pub. Date: September 2015, Candlewick Press
Genre: chapter book
Hardcover, 128 pgs.

The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate! review

Did you know that for thousands of years, chocolate was a beverage and not a solid candy? Or that soldiers in the Revolutionary War received a monthly ration of chocolate for drinking? Learn all about the history of America's favorite wintertime treat in this fun, fact-filled Level 3 Ready-to-Read!(goodreads summary)




Nothing warms you better on a cold winter's day than a cup of hot chocolate!  I didn't realize though that there was an actual history to this delicious beverage. This fun and fact-filled nonfiction book will make an expert out of any hot chocolate lover.

Learning the origins that the cacao bean was first considered to be medicinal by the Olmec people of Central America and how it eventually travelled to Spain, was just the first of many history lessons. The Spanish thought the drink tasted terrible and experimented with sugar and cinnamon, which made a very tasty treat that they kept secret for 100 years.  Eventually, it made its way to France and then over the English Channel. It found its way to the British Colonists in America and Thomas Jefferson helped spread the word about hot chocolate since he was fond of good food and drink. I read many more fascinating things as well from this informative chapter book.  I also liked that at the end of the story there is a quick quiz to help readers recall what they learned.  Kids will walk away with so much knowledge about the past that they will be excited to share what they know the next time they take a sip from a big mug of hot chocolate.  Of course, with whip cream or marshmallows included..... I think this is a "just right book" for level 3 readers in 2nd-3rd grade.~


Title:  The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate!
Author:  Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Rob McClurkan
Pub. date:  October 2014,, Simon Spotlight
Genre: nonfiction - Level 3 chapter book
Hardcover, 48 pgs.

Emily's Blue Period review

Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up.Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing.“When Picasso was sad for a while,” says Emily, “he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period.”It might last quite some time.(goodreads summary)



In school, Emily is learning about Pablo Picasso. She would like to be an artist herself someday but at the moment her life is a little out of sorts. Her parents are getting divorced and Emily feels that everything is mixed up and is sad on the inside.  When Picasso was sad he only would paint in shades of blue. Emily feels that she is having one of those blue periods and that it might last for a long time.  

This is a wonderful book told from a child's point-of-view about the feelings and emotions they have when parents divorce. Usually the topic is covered more at the middle grade level, so it is nice to find one geared towards the younger age group. Many will find themselves connecting with Emily and her brother on some feelings and changes they could be facing with their own family. In Art Class, Emily has a collage project to make about her house but it raises questions about her home since she now will have two. This book depicts many emotions such as sadness, anger and confusion not only from a child's perspective in words but illustrated wonderfully that I felt Emily's blueness.  Her brother Jack's insightful take on where home is was heart warming. This would work well opening up discussion about how kids are feeling on a new situation. Although a picture book, the story is written in a chapter-like style. I also liked that it teaches a little about Pablo Picasso.  This may be  suited for an older picture book reader independently or to be read-aloud to younger ones.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

Title: Emily's Blue Period
Author: Cathleen Daly
Pub. Date: June 2014, Roaring Brook Press
Genre: picture book, chapter book
Hardcover, 56 pgs.

Marty McGuire Digs Worms review

Marty McGuire's third-grade class has a special assignment: Save the Earth! Even more exciting, the best project wins a special award. Marty's pretty sure her classmates' ideas won't stand a chance against her plan to turn the garbage from the school cafeteria into fertilizer. All she needs is a little help from her teammate and best friend, Annie--and the worms in her grandma's garden.

When Marty arrives at school, there are three terrific things on the "Third-Grade Stars Today" list. First, it's Monday!  Next, Marty is the classroom helper for the week and lastly, a special assembly is scheduled before lunch. The students learn that the interesting person presenting is Amelia Ranidae, a woman who devotes her life to keeping the planet green. She has a special challenge for the school she calls the "Save the Earth Project". She encourages the students to each come up with a way to help the environment and will return in a few weeks to present an award for the best plan. Marty knows that she will have the best idea when she and Annie come up with a way to help reduce the amount of garbage thrown away in the cafeteria.  They set up a composting bin, with worms included, for the students food scraps. By observing daily, they will journal the progress they find. Unfortunately, it is turning out to be a longer process than Marty thought. She is trying hard to be patient but when a few things don't go as planned, Marty finds herself discouraged and wonders if this was the best idea for a project after all.

Marty Mcguire is a great character who doesn't mind rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty in this book! This was a wonderful story that has a lot of learning potential for its' readers. I liked that it teaches young kids about the importance of taking care of our environment and inspiring awareness to keep our planet green. It offered a wide variety of vocabulary words pertaining to nature such as; habitat, indigenous,inhospitable, observation and environment, just to name a few. It also instructs the reader about building a composting bin and how worms play an important role in the fertilization process. All the kids in Marty's classroom came up with some very creative and funny ways to help the planet that stays true to a third grade classroom experience.  I also like that Marty makes mistakes and she learns and grows from them. There are also some wonderful adult characters where each one adds wisdom, guidance and encouragement, something kids really need in their everyday life. This is a nice chapter book series where the author really captures the spirit of the character giving her a believable voice that kids will not only find likable but learn something new as well. There is an introductory book called Marty Mcguire that kids may want to read first. I am looking forward to a third book someday hoping Marty's adventures keep going strong.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-9 .~

Title: Marty Mcguire digs worms!
Author: Kate Messner
Pub. Date: April 2012,  Scholastic
Genre: realistic fiction, chapter book
Paperback, 161 pgs.

Junie B., First Grader Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten review

It's Thanksgiving time and Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There's even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie! Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. (But Junie B. is thankful for yummy cranberry sauce that's shaped like a can. And biscuits that explode from their can. And nipsy doodles!) Will Room 1 win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?(goodreads summary)

Junie B. Jones is back once again and this time preparing for a holiday feast during the week of Thanksgiving. Her classmates are also putting together a "thankful list" and the classroom with the best one will win a pumpkin pie! Making a list of thankful things is harder than they thought and with each one having to find two things to be grateful for stumps the whole class.  As told from the voice of a six year old, it definitely makes for a funny and unpredictable story.  Junie B.'s high energy level, poor grammar skills and social awkwardness are all part of her unique character that makes this series so special.  I liked that her teacher did not change what the kids in the classroom thought they were thankful for (like nipsy doodles or biscuits exploding from a can) but instead, eventually accepting their ideas as actual viewpoints from children. This quick story is filled with the usual Junie B. Jones and her Classroom One antics. For fans who enjoy her many other books, they may once again laugh at the silliness. It will also open up an opportunity for kids to think about what they are thankful for this holiday season. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-7.~

Title: Junie B., First Grader Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten
Author: Barbara Park
Pub. Date: August 2012, Random House
Genre: chapter book
Hardcover, 144 pgs.

Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth review

 

  

Nancy has all the right stuff to be a good detective.  She has her notebook, floppy hat, sunglasses, a fabulous pink trench coat, rhinestone magnifying glass and she loves to snoop.... Her friend Bree has great code-breaking skills and the two have the best Sleuth Headquarters located in Nancy's backyard.  The only thing missing is a mystery to solve.  During their classroom mystery memento assignment, a special item of their teacher's turns up missing and the two finally have a case on their hands.  Using their keen sense of detective skills, Nancy and Bree are determined to crack the case and expose the real thief.

 

Being a fan of the Fancy Nancy picture books, I was happy to learn that she is now branching out into her own chapter book series.  It still has Fancy Nancy's unique style and her flair for everything posh but in a way that older readers ready for chapter books will enjoy and have a favorite character to grow with. I especially love that it stays true to building vocabulary for its' reader and encourages descriptive writing. While Nancy is working on her creative writing assignment in class, her teacher asks her to read it out loud and then praises her on the vivid word choices. The chapters are short and easy to read with illustrations throughout the book adding to the story. Nancy and Bree piece together many clues in this who dunnit mystery that it makes pretending to be a detective sound like fun. Readers will be introduced to code-breaking and how a super sleuth works. There are even references to Nancy Drew which may spark interest for more mystery reading in the future.  I think this is a "just right book" for grades 2-4.~

 

Title: Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth

Author: Jane O'Connor, Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Genre: mystery, chapter book

Pub. Date: April 2012, Harper Collins

Hardcover, 124 pgs.