The Great Louweezie

Arnold and Louise #1

by Erica S. Perl, Chris Chatterton (Illustrations)

Prepare to be amazed as Louise (AKA The Great Louweezie) predicts the future in the first book of this easy-to-read series!

Arnold is a large black bear. His best friend, Louise, is a small chipmunk. But one day, Louise insists she is NOT Louise--she's the Great Louweezie, and she can predict the future! But when the Great Louweezie's demands begin to test Arnold's patience, the game feels much less fun. What will happen if friendship isn't in their future?

Genres: Friendship, Chapter Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Picture Books

64 pages, Library Binding

Published January 22, 2019

About the author

Erica S. Perl is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 popular and critically acclaimed books for young readers. She won the National Jewish Book Award and a Sydney Taylor Silver Medal for her middle grade novel, ALL THREE STOOGES. She is also the author of many well-loved picture books, including THE NINTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH and GOATILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, as well as several book serieses (including the TRUTH OR LIE nonfiction series). She is the co-author, with Dolly Parton, of the BILLY THE KID picture book series. She is also the co-author, with R.J. Palacio, of WHITE BIRD: A NOVEL. A crowd-pleasing presenter, Erica is available for school visits, bookstore, and library events. Follow her @ericaperl on social media and visit her website to connect with her.

Reviews

[Ms. McEntire 1st Grade Class · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think people read this book. First resun is bkus the karukersk are the best friends ever. Second, they help each other by doing magic. Last if you like the Magic tree house because it has Magic in it. This is why people should read this the best book!
- Morgan's book review

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the simple but cute illustrations and sweet friendship! Not loving that the illustrator’s name was left off the front cover. I actually made the mistake of telling students that the author was both the author and illustrator because of it and I feel horrible!

[Nerka Mom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lopsided friendship. The chipmunk consistently takes advantage of the bear. He kept playing trickson the bear, and he took the bear's marble and wanted another one! Not cute.

[Emmy Kirkham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grade Level: 1-3

This book was super cute! I think it would be a great book for students to start reading chapter books with. The drawings were so fun and really helped bring out the personality of the characters. This duo was very entertaining and they also showed a good example of friendship. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and hope to have this series in my classroom.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. I find Louse unlikeable and Arnold a bit boring even though he has interesting collecting quirks. He is the straight man and she is the comedy, but not really funny to me. Granted, I am decades older than the intended readership. I love how the author began the series at an interesting place and with an inventive storyline. I think the creator's strength lies in her illustration and would love to see some of her art paired with someone else's text.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m giving this book a two because I liked the reading level, accessing longer text at a lower reading level is helpful for classrooms. The plot was redundant, repetitive, and just too flimsy for me. I’ll be giving this book away on my Twitter account @LITsoulsisters if you’d like a chance to own it for your classroom.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louise is pretending to be able to predict the future when Arnold comes to visit. Arnold isn't so sure about this Great Louweezie or how to respond.

A little lesson on friendship and how to respond to others' make believe. Arnold and Louise are cute critters. The font in this is super large and that combined with the illustrations scattered throughout make it a very quick read.

[Maizie Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one that I would use shortly after picture books if you were working up a progression for reading. It has a good mix of large letters, some pictures, predictions, and many other things! This book could be used as a good read aloud for new vocabulary as well as having students guess if Louweezie is going to succeed with her magic. Overall a pretty good first chapter book!

[Jocelin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a so-so book with a weak story line and forgettable characters. I was really disappointed. One of the main characters had the same nickname as a beloved television character~Louise (Weezie) Jefferson of The Jefferson's fame.

[Alina Karapandzich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute new series that would be great for 1st/2nd graders as practice for chapter book reading. There are plenty of color illustrations throughout and the font is large and the sentences are a manageable length. A book about a cute friendship.

[Joy Keil · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are wonderful little stories. A great intro to chapter books; enjoyed on repeat by my almost 4yo and 2yo. We are still working on just reading "a chapter or two" vs. the whole book in every sitting! :)

[Ginny Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book to add to our early chapter book section! Looking forwarding to reading the next one. Does introduce early readers to some difficult words like “suggested”, “announced”, “regretting”, “muttered”, “guiding”, but those could definitely be vocabulary words to learn.

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute early reader of the HENRY AND MUDGE or FROG AND TOAD ilk.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute start to a new chapter book series. Great illustrations and cute story. The large, bold-face type is perfect for newly independent readers.

[Ruth Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early chapter book story about friendship

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute friendship story! Although I did feel very protective of Arnold getting to keep his marble (why?).

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

May work as a second grade read for kids who have loved Frog and Toad or other great firendship books.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln is loving these books
I will get every one my library has available.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are quite charming. But, it is a very humdrum story with little depth. There are more interesting easy reader chapter book options or picture books.

[Jo Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because I love bears.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arnold's friend Louise plays that she can predict the future, but when she isn't right, Arnold wants his payment back. Later he realizes that he hurt his friend's feelings and goes to make amends.

[Anne Meester · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable early chapter book!

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute animal friendship story.

[Sarah Roberts Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute characters and easy summer read for my 2nd grader. We just spoke about the silliness of crystal balls.

[Kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

62 pages not 64

[talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry & Mudge, Frog & Toad, George & Martha, Elephant & Piggie...and now, Arnold & Louise! These unlikely friends know just how to push each other's buttons--but they love each other so much, and you'll love them too!

[Jj · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, omitting the illustrator name from the front cover of the book is NOT ACCEPTABLE under any circumstance. Creators need to be credited properly, period.

Second, the story and characters are cute, but not especially engaging or memorable. Sorry to say it, but this one was a disappointment.

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy.