Day 36: 45 Days of Summer

Lulu's Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst

First, I want to say that I love this author. LOVE. Not afraid to gush about it either. She is the popular author of the Alexander books (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good...) and MANY others. But the Alexander books are where I first got to know her and her characters...and they saved more than one storytime for me!

This is the third book starring Lulu. I cannot get enough of them...or Lulu. In this book, Lulu's parents take a much needed vacation and bring in a mysterious babysitter to take charge. Lulu is DETERMINED to get rid of the babysitter, until she discovers that Ms. Sonia is a spy in disguise.

Go back and read all these books and enjoy Lulu's adventures.

Perfect for: students reading early chapter books; grades 1st-4th. 

Day 29: 45 Days of Summer

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

They're baaaaaack.

Those cute chicks from the author's JJ Tully Mystery series.

And now they're solving their own crimes.

Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie try to help a frightened squirrel in their first "solo" adventure. Which just might get a little off-track.

Hilarity ensues, and JJ Tully comes out of retirement to help save the day.

This is the perfect beginning chapter book for young readers. Perfect for grades 1st-3rd.

I can't wait for the next book!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Gift Books: Kindergarten-2nd Grade (Chapter Books)

On the third day of Christmas...

I thought I would offer some quick suggestions for the Kindergarten through 2nd grade crowd that thinks they are "more advanced" than picture books. Personally, I think that pictures appeal to ALL ages, but some kids really just want to read a "chapter book."

So, here are some early-chapter book series that are popular with the young elementary crowd...that all have new books out this year. But don't forget, it's always fine to start with book #1! And most are in paperback, so you might be able to get several titles.

Bink & Gollie—DiCamillo 

Clementine—Pennypacker 

Stink—McDonald 

Babymouse—Holm 

Squish—Holm

And remember, if you want an immediate link to the entire list, see this post.

Happy Reading! And Gifting!

Review: Grasshopper Magic (Jonell)

Title: Grasshopper Magic
Author: Jonell
Genre: Fiction, Magic, Siblings, Parades
Pages: 102
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 1st-3rd grades

This is a fun addition to the author's "Magical Mixups" series. I received an advance copy of the first book in the series, "Hamster Magic," years ago and it was one of my daughter's favorite books that year (I think it was 2nd grade? Maybe beginning of 3rd grade?). I was asked to review this latest book by the publisher and have included my "booktalk" below. This is a fun title, as are all the books in the series. Perfect chapter books for younger readers who are ready to tackle the next level of books. 

Abner agreed to dress up as a town historical figure and lead the annual parade. And then he realized he was going to have to give a speech. Abner is afraid of speaking in public and surely does not want to talk in front of the whole town. His little sister comes to the rescue by suggesting bravery lessons. The first task? Eat a toasted grasshopper! Actually, this doesn’t sound so bad to Abner and he ends up eating almost an entire bowl of the “snacks.” The problem? He forgot that the grasshoppers hatched from eggs underground…the ground that has magical powers. After eating all those magical bugs, Abner can suddenly hop like a giant grasshopper, all the way up to the rooftop. And then the siblings remember that someone took home a batch of the toasted grasshoppers to share with her two-year-old son. What is going to happen when a toddler starts jumping around like a grasshopper? It’s up to Abner and his brother and sisters to “hop to it” and rescue the boy before anything bad can happen.