Archive for Chapter Book

Muffy & the Dog Catcher

Written and Illustrated by Devra Robitaille

The first book in the “Muffy” series introduces a number of captivating characters. Muffy is just a puppy and the smallest of the litter on the farm. She often gets left behind. To amuse herself, she plays a sort of hopping game with a grasshopper and leads herself way beyond the parameters of her farm. Familiar with the concept of a road, she finds one and follows it. Eventually, she comes on a house with a number of dogs and very welcoming humans. She makes herself at home, but misses her farm and her sister. Through one of the other dogs, she meets a dog catcher who can talk to the animals.

This would be fun as a read aloud for younger kids. The characters are compelling and kids can help figure out how Muffy will find her true home. The illustrations of Muffy are beautiful and soothing enough for bedtime. For independent reading, the language and voice are a bit challenging so should be left to somewhat older kids.

Kids will love the characters and will identify with Muffy’s struggles to fit in. They will enjoy getting into the minds of the dogs, as the dog catcher does.

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  • Title: Muffy & the Dog Catcher         
  • Author/Illustrator: Devra Robitaille
  • Published: The Hologram Library, 2016
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: E-book, 49 pages
  • Grade Level: PreK to 3
  • Genre: Chapter book, Animals, Family
  • ASIN: B01IUFLQJA

 

 

Charlie Bumpers vs. the Puny Pirates

Written by Bill Harley
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Charlie Bumpers returns in the fifth book of the series. When Charlie learns that he will be on the same soccer team as his two best friends, Hector and Tommy, they have dreams of being the Pirates of Doom. Instead, they have to learn to play with many kids who have never played soccer before. It’s all about team work. Steadily, the team improves, though it’s never the killer team of their dreams. Charlie also learns that the glamor position might not be the most rewarding. Meanwhile, Charlie’s older brother, Matt, delights in bugging him and embarrassing him as much as possible. Charlie, Hector, and Tommy attempt to sell chocolate bars together for a team fundraiser, which proves disastrous. They eat the bars themselves, give away bars on credit, and lose some of the money. Of course, everything comes out alright in the end, even though the boys must pay the price.

There’s enough action in this tale to keep kids interested and working on their literacy skills while also learning about working together and about responsibility. The true-to-life situations make it very relatable. Recommended for independent reading or for reading as a class for discussion.

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  • charlie-bumpers-vs-the-puny-piratesTitle: Charlie Bumpers vs. the Puny Pirates
  • Author: Bill Harley
  • Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
  • Published: Peachtree Publishers, 2016
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 160 pages
  • Grade Level: 3 to 7
  • Genre: Chapter Book, Fiction, Sports, Friendship, Teamwork
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-939-1

Slingshot and Burp

Written by Richard Haynes
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

Two rootin’ tootin’ cowboys roam the Wild West in this cute tale brimming with fun and imagination. When double cousins strike out from the bunk house (play house) on their horses (bikes), they’re looking for adventure and a skeleton in the Boneyard. Their first stop is Big Jim’s Boots and Saddle Tack Shop for provisions and information. Big Jim is full of information, but we’re not sure how much of it is accurate. The boys discover their older sisters have taken over the bunk house and pink-ified it in their absence. The boys visit the Boneyard and find a skull and a spitting horny toad. They do not find the ghost Big Jim spoke of. Back at the ranch, they sleep under the stars and a cottonwood tree with a part-coyote pup. When the pup takes off, the boys are forced to search the Boneyard – at night and despite the Ghost Cat. They get lost and fall into quicksand (sort of). Of course, everything turns out right for the cowboys and Calamity Kate and Ma McKenzie.

Action-filled illustrations accompany the fast-moving story and help explain the finer points. The reader would almost swear they’re in the Old West.

Third graders, especially boys, will get a lot of enjoyment and practice with literacy skills from this premier novel. We can only hope for more from this team.

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  • Slingshot and BurpTitle: Slingshot and Burp
  • Author: Richard Haynes
  • Illustrator: Stephen Gilpin
  • Publisher: Candlewick, 2016
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 112 pages
  • Grade Level: 1 to 4
  • Genre: Chapter Book, Humor
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-7076-4

 

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe

Written by Tricia Springtubb
Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

Loveable characters and a relatable plot make this, the second Cody book, a lot of fun to read. Add to that beautifully understated illustrations and you have a winner.

Cody is trying to get a handle on the ways of the world, and that includes learning patience and acceptance. Her best summer friend, Spencer, is moving in permanently with his grandmother, GG. Cody finds that Spencer doesn’t always agree with her nor does he want to spend all his time with her. He spends a good deal of time with a third friend, Pearl, who has agreed to accompany his violin with her piano. Even when they’re together, Cody and Spencer must deal with the evil Meen neighbors, who seem very angry about something. Then there’s the Spindle, or Mrs. Spindle, Spencer’s new teacher who Cody dislikes and Spencer adores.

A good feature of this story is that it’s subtly diverse in a variety of ways, but the characters mesh well. Spencer is black, loves classical music, and plays a violin. Cody is white, relates to pop music, and has a truck driver father. Pearl does origami. The neighbors love tattoos and spiked hair.

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  • Cody and the Mysteries of the UniverseTitle: Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe
  • Author: Tricia Springtubb
  • Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
  • Published: Candlewick Press, 2016
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 144 pages
  • Grade Level: 2 to 5
  • Genre: Chapter book, Friendship, Family
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-5858-8

 

Double Reverse

Written by Fred Bowen

Jesse and his brother, Jay, are both freshmen – Jesse in high school and Jay in college. Jesse is looking forward to being a wide receiver on the JV squad. Jay, star quarterback in high school, assumes he’ll be quarterback at Dartmouth too. The brothers spend the summer running football patterns. When practice starts, their dreams are quickly changed by reality. Jesse is a better quarterback than anyone else on the team, though he’s a bit small for the position. Jay is just an okay quarterback compared to his teammates. Jesse’s best friends also find hidden talents as the football season progresses. Without a decent kicker, the team flounders until the boys decide the best kicker they know is a girl named Savannah, who also joins the team. Both Jesse and Jay have found their niche, but not without some soul searching.

Third graders just learning about team sports will love the exciting games Bowen describes. The author presents great examples of real football plays. The reader doesn’t have to understand every play in order to enjoy the story, though studying the plays will increase comprehension and literacy skills. Reading activities include practicing the plays presented. This story of realizing one’s potential should speak to everyone. A Junior Library Guild Selection, it is fast-paced and thrilling.

 

  • Double ReverseTitle: Double Reverse
  • Author: Fred Bowen
  • Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, 2014
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 125 pages
  • Genre: Sports
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-814-1
  • Extras: “The Real Story,” where the author discusses accomplished athletes who went beyond their apparent talents.
  • Release date: August 2014

Jesper Jinx

Written and illustrated by Marko Kitti

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Jesper may not be a jinx, but he sure has a difficult time making things come out the way he envisions them. The first several pages of the book provide an introduction to eleven-year-old Jesper and all his quirks. The author tells the readers they are sworn to secrecy about the fact that this book even exists. Jesper wouldn’t want his antic shared so widely. Then the reader hears two short stories about the workings of Jesper’s world. In the first story, Jesper and his snow white cat tangle over a water glass containing the leavings from a water color brush. A load of red laundry and yellow towel are also involved. (The cat wins the battle. Jesper is no longer bored.) Then the reader gets to hear from the cat. In the second story, Jesper and his friend plan and carry out tricks on their teacher. Turns out they are sharing their secrets with the wrong person. Reminding the reader things are not always as they seem.

The author does a lot of asides, speaking directly to the reader and thus drawing them into the conspiracy that is Jesper. This is a great device, especially for third graders, who are still getting comfortable with the chapter book concept. The silly and hilarious adventures are enough to keep kids engaged and will remind them to be kind and think about their actions before carrying them out. The familiar themes and quick pace should help with literacy skills and comprehension.

Find out more at www.jesperjinx.co.uk.

 

  • Jesper JinxTitle: Jesper Jinx
  • Author/Illustrator: Marko Kitti
  • Publisher: CreativeSpace Publishing, 2014
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Paperback, 150 pages
  • Genre: Chapter book, humor
  • ISBN: 978-1-4974-5822-2