These little books absolutely fly off the shelves. Jack Frost has once again taken magic items from the fairies. This time, he stole the jewels from Q...moreThese little books absolutely fly off the shelves. Jack Frost has once again taken magic items from the fairies. This time, he stole the jewels from Queen Tatiana's crown. The jewel fairies can't do their job without those jewels. The jewels are hidden in the human world, and there are goblins guarding them. Thankfully, Rachel and Kirsty are good friends with the fairies and will help them get back their jewels. In this novel, they help Sophie, the Sapphire fairy, get back her sapphire that grants wishes.
The length of this book is good for young readers just beginning chapter books. The text in it is a little larger than normal, and there are still some illustrations included. However, these novels are very formulaic. In the entire series, Jack Frost always hides valuable magic items from the fairies, and the same two human girls help the fairies find and get those items back. While the repetitive format is comforting to young readers, and makes them feel good about being able to read this form, it stops challenging them after a while. If a new villain, or human characters were introduced, it would really revitalize the series. Boys will not enjoy reading this at all, because the only male characters are bad guys. As it stands, this is an okay series for young girls just beginning chapter books. It is recommended for purchase, but only because there is not much material in this particular category.(less)
Bad Kitty is quite an annoying cat, but, she is also just plain goofy. It is not her fault that she is scared of big, loud Uncle Murray, who is pet-si...moreBad Kitty is quite an annoying cat, but, she is also just plain goofy. It is not her fault that she is scared of big, loud Uncle Murray, who is pet-sitting her and Puppy while their people are away for a week. Even though he doesn't understand why she hides and screams at him, he still does his best to feed her. But, the line is crossed when she gets outside and a horde of cats chase him while he tries to catch her. Then, he leaves her by herself, which also causes her to be scared. However, he remembers his promises, and comes back. She is nicer to him, but still terrorizes puppy. When her people come back, finally, they give her the big surprise they promised when they left: A Baby. Bad Kitty's life is going to be quite different from now on.
This transitional chapter book will definitely amuse and please children who are scared of chapter books. The chapters are quite short, and most of the page is taken up by hilarious illustrations of Bad Kitty. Bad Kitty is drawn in an exaggerated manner, with spiky fur and big, expressive eyes. It is easy to tell how she if feeling based on body language and facial cues. This hold trues for the other characters in the novel, as well. The dialogue helps to convey sequences, and not emotions, so the pictures really need to be understood in order to get the entire story. This makes this a great novel to employ predictive questioning, and also help children learn how to analyze what a character says and does. The information between chapters about cats also helps the audience to know why Bad Kitty is acting the way she does. I wish there had been a bit more dialogue. This book is highly recommended for readers in grades 3-5. (less)
If you have ever wondered about what your dog's daily schedule is like, Bud and Zorro can tell you all about it. Bud was just fine being the only dog....moreIf you have ever wondered about what your dog's daily schedule is like, Bud and Zorro can tell you all about it. Bud was just fine being the only dog. He had his schedule, and made sure him and his owners stuck to it. One day, though, his schedule was interrupted. At greet and make a fuss time, a new dog came in with his owner! His name was Zorro. The two dogs did not get along at all. They each didn't want to share their own things with the other dog. However, one day, they discovered that they had the same daily schedule! Doing things with a friend was much more exciting than doing them alone. Even though each dog still had its own imperfections, they became best friends due to their common traits and accepted the bad in each other.
This book would be perfect to read to a young child who is expecting a new baby in the family, and is not exactly thrilled about it. The book presents important morals for children in a playful manner. The exaggerated features of the dogs make them both instantly goofy and likable. Bud has a huge nose, and Zorro has a huge mouth for being such a small dog. The eyes are also very expressive, and show how each dog is feeling. The author uses a lot of white space, so that the audience will focus on the dogs, and their activities. There is not lot of distracting colors or details, which is nice. You would be able to employ comprehensive questioning and predictive questions easily with children due to the predictable flow of the story. I would recommend this book for children in grades K-2.(less)
Pete the cat is just too cool while he is in school. Pete is just beginning school, and has some truly awesome school shoes that he is obsessed with....morePete the cat is just too cool while he is in school. Pete is just beginning school, and has some truly awesome school shoes that he is obsessed with. All day long as he discovers new things about school, he never worries or gets intimidated because he has not done something before, mostly because he knows his school shoes are cool. This story incorporates great practices for younger readers by including questions about where Pete is (i.e. the library, the lunchroom). The rhyming of the words gives the story a fun energy, and the reader can't help but to try and mimic Pete's cool attitude when reading out loud. The sounds makes it so easy. The pictures add to the story by illustrating the rooms that the text is describing, so if a young reader doesn't know the word, he will understand by looking at the pictures. The pictures also add humor into the story by adding things, like a kitty door into the back of the school bus. The pictures themselves add to the laid-backness of the story by not being perfect. The lines are fuzzy, and the color isn't always inside the lines, which can be comforting to a young reader who somehow just can't always color in the lines. This story will appeal to both young boys and girls, and will especially help children that are scared to begin school to get over their fears. They will remember how Pete didn't worry at all that day. This book is highly recommended for readers ages 4 to 7. (less)
This book tells the story of Amos McGee, and his daily routines. He goes to the zoo everyday not only to work, but to see his friends. One day, he is...moreThis book tells the story of Amos McGee, and his daily routines. He goes to the zoo everyday not only to work, but to see his friends. One day, he is sick, and must stay home. His friends are worried about him, so they decide to visit him at home, which makes him very happy. This award-winning picture book is a gentle reminder about what good friends do for each other. The illustrations have a quaint and quirky appeal to them. There is a subtle pop of color because it is used rarely, which is a nice change from all of the bright colors normally seen in picture books. The drawings themselves are also appealing due to the fact that they are done in pencil, and are not perfectly straight and seamless. It is also nice that there are about three spreads of pages without words on them, in order to offer a chance for readers to ask questions, perhaps make predictions about where the animals are going. This charming book will be a wonderful addition to any library. Highly recommended for readers ages 4 to 7.(less)
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