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40 pp.
| Sterling
| August, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4549-2123-3$16.95
(4)
K-3
When bossy Maddie arrives, she demands that everyone play "monsters" her way ("monsters never go to super, amazing monster dances" much to neighbors Ally, Kai, and Petey's chagrin). Fed up "Ally-saurus" channels her inner dinosaur to stand up to Maddie in this familiar lesson about individuality. Colored lines cleverly contrast with the otherwise simple black-and-white palette to convey the kids' vivid imaginary games.
(4)
K-3
A girl in purple and a boy in green take turns suggesting--and rejecting--imaginative games, ultimately combining all ideas as they play with blocks. The plot is somewhat dull and the kids' suggestions tend towards stereotypical gender roles (though the compromise moves away from that). Stick drawings in oil-based pencils, crayons, and colored pencils mimic a child's work, emphasizing creativity as a process.
40 pp.
| Holiday
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-3386-5$16.95
(3)
K-3
Bob's young owner knows that his pet is special: "Like many dogs, Bob loves to ride in the car...especially when he's driving." But a young neighbor, unaware of Bob's exceptionalism, insists that her dog is superior because Bob can't do "dog" things like catch a stick. Like the text, the illustrations are clean and economical, leaving room for the humor to percolate.
32 pp.
| Sterling
| May, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4549-1179-1$14.95
(3)
PS
During Ally's (a.k.a. Ally-saurus) first foray into school, she inserts her dinosaur obsession into every moment ("This is how dinosaurs eat!") with varying amounts of success. As the day goes on, Ally learns that fellow classmates (pirate, princess, lion, Walter, etc.) have some pretty cool interests, too. Readers will root for Ally and her passions, wherever they lead. Subtle pastel details enhance the simple line drawings.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-055-5$10.99
(3)
K-3
In these books a boy shares his excitement about his first practice with a "real" team. Ty is thrilled to play basketball like his older brother; Drew is psyched to wear football pads and a helmet. The upbeat texts depict friendly coaches and teammates, and the illustrations capture the funny "real" moments of youth sports: "Uh-oh, I think my pants are falling down!" Review covers these titles: A Basketball Story and A Football Story.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-286-3$10.99
(3)
K-3
In these books a boy shares his excitement about his first practice with a "real" team. Ty is thrilled to play basketball like his older brother; Drew is psyched to wear football pads and a helmet. The upbeat texts depict friendly coaches and teammates, and the illustrations capture the funny "real" moments of youth sports: "Uh-oh, I think my pants are falling down!" Review covers these titles: A Basketball Story and A Football Story.
24 pp.
| Holiday
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2837-3$14.95
(3)
K-3
I Like to Read series.
Confident Moe says "I am the best" after brushing his teeth, tying his shoes, etc. His older siblings constantly undercut him ("What a mess!"). Only when Moe realizes his limitations--he can't get a basketball through a hoop--do his siblings soften: "You are the best at trying." It's an improbably affecting story given its modest vocabulary and simple, cartoony illustrations.
(4)
PS
"My mom says 'because' is not a real answer. But I think it is." So begins a collection of reasons--really excuses--young Jack offers for his mischievous behavior. They're amusing, but the humor seems directed at adults who have heard them all (or some variation) before. Cheerful illustrations expand upon the excuses, allowing readers to form their own interpretations of events.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| September, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-053-1$10.99
(4)
K-3
A boy describes his first day on a new hockey team. Anxious what-if questions flood his thoughts: "What if no one talks to me?" Worries are assuaged by the friendly coach and teammates. Though the text is stilted, the familiar routine ("waking up really, really early," suiting up, breakfast after the game) will ring true to hockey families. Amiable illustrations temper the anxiety.
(3)
K-3
Younger brother Jack (Almost) has enough questions, from practical ("Why do they put these holes in the crackers?") to personal ("Why can’t I play with you?"), to fill this book, which concludes with Jack's mother's goodnight kiss and the answer "That's why." Torrey's loose-handed illustrations capture the emotional range of this sympathetic everychild.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins
| May, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-156166-5$17.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-06-156167-2$18.89
(3)
K-3
From riding his older brother's bike to liking vegetables to flipping his karate teacher, Jack recounts the things he can almost do now that he's "almost six. And that is almost grown up." Unfussy illustrations let readers in on the joke: Jack isn't close to doing any of these things yet. Torrey's tale is an apt fit for the when-can-I-do-that? crowd.
48 pp.
| Random
| June, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-307-46341-9$$11.99
|
PaperISBN 0-307-26341-X$$3.99
(4)
K-3
Step into Reading series.
After bully Sheldon breaks Beans Baker's pogo-stick-jumping record, Beans ties Sheldon's record. Sheldon then challenges Beans to a final hopping contest. But practice is interfering with Beans's studies--especially for an upcoming spelling test. Though rather slight, this simple, good-humored story and the colorful illustrations will entertain newly emergent readers.
48 pp.
| Golden
| January, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-307-46335-4$$11.99
|
PaperISBN 0-307-26335-5$$3.99
(3)
K-3
Road to Reading series.
Beans Baker is eagerly awaiting the start of Little League--but when he gets the jersey number once worn by "Wrong Way" Haskins, he is ready to quit rather than face certain teasing and taunting. A comeuppance for the team's bully and a funny, happy ending will leave readers cheering. Text appropriate for newly independent readers is paired with lively, cartoonlike illustrations.