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40 pp.
| Sterling
| March, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4549-1830-1$17.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Brandon Reese.
When Mr. Muskrat catches a giant magic catfish, the fish buys its freedom with a wish. Mr. Muskrat wants something grand; Mrs. Muskrat wants a new roof for their house. Based on "The Fisherman and His Wife," this capably executed lesson in humility features too-stiff Photoshop art with a rustic look. An accompanying CD offers a dramatization of the story and music by the authors.
(4)
K-3
Swamp Things series.
This series provides basic information about the wetland habitat and its creatures. Nine brief chapters discuss basic geography along with facts about the title mammal's appearance, food (squeamish readers beware "a fish head" in Otter), home, and family. The many photos, background images, lily-pad-shaped sidebars, captions, and science questions are useful but crowd the pages. Photo glossary and "Science Lab" activity appended. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Swamp Things titles: Muskrat and North American River Otter.
32 pp.
| Penguin
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01686-0$14.99
(3)
K-3
Penguin Young Readers series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Unlikely best friends Cork, a muskrat, and Fuzz, a possum, disagree over what constitutes spring cleaning. When Cork gets a little too bossy, Fuzz lets him know. The two try to work out their differences and still be best friends. Accessible, clearly plotted text supported by detailed illustrations guide new readers through this endearing tenth episode. Extension activities are included.
32 pp.
| Viking
| October, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-451-47501-5$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
In their first picture book, easy-reader best friends Cork (deep-thinking muskrat) and Fuzz (happy-go-lucky possum) roam the snowy landscape, wondering why the day feels special. When they come upon a lighted fir tree, Cork's conclusion isn't expected--yet it's Christmassy all the same. Expansive watercolor illustrations evoke a beautiful winter day but focus on the two friends.
32 pp.
| Penguin
| October, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01429-3$14.99
(3)
K-3
Penguin Young Readers series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
In their eighth encounter, muskrat Cork and possum Fuzz explore a snow-covered landscape; Fuzz is more daring than his friend, but the resolution is safe and satisfying. Recognizable vocabulary, manageable sentences, and plenty of opportunities to predict outcomes provide pre-chapter-book readers with a comfortable independent reading adventure. McCue's textured illustrations of the critters inject warmth into the wintry scenes.
32 pp.
| Viking
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01281-7$13.99
(2)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Cork (muskrat) realizes Fuzz (possum) has never been to his house. "'I cannot go to your house,' [Fuzz] said. 'I do not know how to swim.'" After some on-the-ground lessons, Fuzz falls into the water and, following a moment of panic, swims. McCue's happy-go-lucky characters receive a lot of face time. Sight words ease the task for beginning readers.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2011
32 pp.
| Viking
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01113-1$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Muskrat Cork, who loves finding things, is especially excited by a shiny green stone he discovers. However, best friend Fuzz, an opossum, likes keeping things, and when Cork mislays his green stone, Fuzz tells him, "finders keepers." An encounter with a chipmunk helps Fuzz see Cork's point of view. This frustrating but familiar aspect of friendship is effectively explored and winningly illustrated.
32 pp.
| Viking
| March, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06286-7$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
While looking for rocks and feathers for their collections, muskrat Cork and opossum Fuzz stumble upon a nest of ducklings. The babies follow Fuzz until Mama Duck returns and herds him into her nest along with the ducklings. Cork comes to the rescue and gains a feather for his collection. Textured illustrations reaffirm the warmth of this unlikely friendship.
32 pp.
| Viking
| February, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06145-7$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Cork the muskrat and Fuzz the possum play many games, but Cork gets frustrated when Fuzz keeps winning. He suggests a swim race without realizing Fuzz can't swim. When Fuzz momentarily disappears, Cork fears the worst, and soon realizes that winning isn't so important as long as he has his buddy. Sharp, playful illustrations display the friends' emotions.
32 pp.
| Viking
| March, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-670-03602-1$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
When Cork the muskrat runs into Fuzz the opossum in the woods, they begin to learn about their differences and similarities. Cork likes to eat "veggie stuff" rather than Fuzz's beetles, and Fuzz is afraid of the water Cork lives in. But they both love rocks, and a new friendship is begun throughout four simple, appealingly illustrated chapters.