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191 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-231236-5$9.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This installment in the long-running series about Paddington Bear, the beloved visitor from "Darkest Peru," was first published in the UK in 2012. As usual, the seven stories are suited for family read-alouds; each episodic chapter is a complete adventure, ably illustrated with Alley's lively black-and-white drawings.
143 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| October, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-266972-8$9.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
"'It's a long story,' said Mrs. Brown. 'Has it got anything to do with bears?' asked Mrs. Bird." This is a new installment in the long-running series about Paddington Bear, the beloved visitor from "Darkest Peru." As before, Paddington stars in seven episodic chapters, which are ably illustrated with Alley's lively black-and-white drawings.
190 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| October, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-266850-9$11.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This hefty compendium of Paddington stories comprises six previously published books: three reformatted beginning readers and three picture books with more text. Fans of the recent Paddington movies may be drawn to the rather flat stories. Alley's cheerful illustrations lend humor and warmth.
(3)
1-3
Jigsaw Jones Mystery series.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Second-grade private eye Jigsaw Jones solves the case of a mysterious--perhaps alien--note in the neighborhood's Little Free Library. Meanwhile, Jigsaw's class learns about the galaxy, culminating in a video visit by a (brown-skinned, female) space station astronaut. Grayscale illustrations create a safe world of soft, round edges augmenting the kid-friendly wisecracks, wordplay, and simple codes.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| February, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-231843-5$17.99 New ed. (2000)
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Reissued in a large, square format, this adventure follows Paddington as he attends his first circus and inadvertently becomes a part of the tightrope act. All ends happily with Paddington in bed contemplating a future as a clown. Readers are assumed to bring some previous affection for the bear, and there is little character development in the story itself. However, the comical illustrations and outrageous situation have child appeal.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| May, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-243065-6$16.99
|
PaperISBN 978-0-06-243064-9$3.99
(4)
K-3
I Can Read Book series.
Adapted by Christy Webster.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
These volumes, each "adapted...from an original Paddington story written by Michael Bond," find the Browns at the beach (Sail) and in France (Plays On). In both, Paddington wanders off and makes gentle mischief; it's not very specific to the classic bear "from Darkest Peru" (a line from Sail that won't resonate with Paddington novices). Alley's illustrations play up the character's bumbling cuteness. Review covers the following I Can Read titles: Paddington Plays On and Paddington Sets Sail.
(4)
K-3
I Can Read Book series.
Adapted by Christy Webster.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
These volumes, each "adapted...from an original Paddington story written by Michael Bond," find the Browns at the beach (Sail) and in France (Plays On). In both, Paddington wanders off and makes gentle mischief; it's not very specific to the classic bear "from Darkest Peru" (a line from Sail that won't resonate with Paddington novices). Alley's illustrations play up the character's bumbling cuteness. Review covers the following I Can Read titles: Paddington Plays On and Paddington Sets Sail.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Dog Enzo worries that the spooky monsters coming on Halloween are real, caused by a magic spell. Enzo is determined to chase the "creatures" away, even after his girl Zoë is "transformed" into a fairy princess. While the confused-pet angle is a bit stale, Enzo is an endearing canine narrator, and the autumn-hued mixed-media illustrations capture the excitement surrounding Halloween decorating and trick-or-treating.
24 pp.
| Red Chair
| August, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-63440-015-2$22.65
|
PaperISBN 978-1-63440-016-9$5.99
(4)
K-3
Funny Bone Readers: Dealing with Bullies series.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This timely easy-reader series illustrates applicable ways for kids to deal with bullies, from standing up for friends (On-Again) to being yourself (Go, Billy). Relatable situations and mostly realistic dialogue help make the purposeful character-building stories go down easy. Each book's illustrations are bright and story-appropriate. "Big Questions" ("Why was Bear being mean to the others?") and "Big Words" (brief glossaries) are appended. Review covers these Funny Bone Readers titles: Bear's Bad Day, Go, Billy, Go!, How to Deal with Bullies, The On-Again, Off-Again Friend, Stella...Almost, and The Fable of the Bully Dragon.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-231720-9$17.99 New ed. (2008)
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Books first published in 2008 and 2001 are reissued in a large, square format. In Beach, Paddington loses a bun to ten insistent seagulls, and in Garden, he successfully bumbles his way through garden design. These unremarkable picture books have little to engage someone who is not already a Paddington fan. Review covers the following titles: Paddington at the Beach and Paddington in the Garden.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| February, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-231844-2$17.99 New ed. (2002)
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Books first published in 2008 and 2001 are reissued in a large, square format. In Beach, Paddington loses a bun to ten insistent seagulls, and in Garden, he successfully bumbles his way through garden design. These unremarkable picture books have little to engage someone who is not already a Paddington fan. Review covers the following titles: Paddington at the Beach and Paddington in the Garden.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| August, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-14854-3$16.99
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This somewhat nostalgic story features two young children visiting their grandparents' farm. When the youngsters bumble typical activities such as picking apples and gathering eggs, instead of criticizing them, the grandparents gently show them a better way, ending with a fond bedtime. The upbeat, affectionate mood is reinforced by delicate mixed-media art with humorous touches.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This picture book is derived from the introductory portion of the novel A Bear Called Paddington. The carefully composed illustrations lend additional humor.
158 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| August, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-231242-6$21.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
This compendium of previously published Paddington stories includes one adapted from the beginning of A Bear Called Paddington. The other five are more recent tales; picture book audiences familiar with the character from the 2015 movie Paddington may be drawn to the rather flat stories. Alley's cheerful illustrations lend humor and warmth.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| October, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-229533-0$17.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
With Zoë B. Alley and R. W. Alley. Enzo, a feisty farm puppy who feels like a person ("When people talk, I want to join in"), is brought to the city by new owners Zoë and her dad. Enzo escapes his confining new house for the day but ultimately returns to the loving home. Friendly illustrations in many media--including coffee spills--support a warm, if uninventive, dog-narrated story.
32 pp.
| Walker
| May, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8027-8691-3$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
The one special day Mimi and her dad always share is threatened by his new work schedule. Mimi sulks, pouts, and rants, then resolves to make the best of it. Mimi's complete change of heart is unconvincing, but sweet pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations depict the pair's fun, Mimi's frustration, and then her emotional coming-around in wonderful detail.
32 pp.
| Clarion
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-25522-4$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Clements demonstrates the meaning of self-reliance in this good-natured story of a mother-son camping trip. When difficulties arise, the mom doesn't rush to make things easier for her young child; instead, she patiently shows him how to solve the problems on his own. Expressive, affectionate illustrations portray the boy's changing emotions as he masters each challenge.
48 pp.
| Penguin
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3589-7$14.99
(2)
K-3
Penguin Young Readers series.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Pearl gets a glimpse of next year's teacher, Ms. Bean, and thinks she resembles a "mean green bean." Illustrations vary in placement and capture the myriad expressions on the characters' faces. The language begins to bridge that territory between easy readers and chapter books, but the real beauty of this book is its own connection from one school year to the next.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2012
32 pp.
| Dial
| March, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3717-4$16.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
"Dads who never grew up really remember...that basements can be scary...and that sitting still is almost impossible." The text of this chirpy valentine to fathers is accompanied by illustrations of four father-child pairs modeling childish behavior. This subject is utterly familiar and yet the presentation is full of surprises, such as when one dad loses his toupee.
225 pp.
| Roaring Brook
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59643-476-9$15.99
(3)
4-6
Saxby Smart Private Detective series.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
In his third book, young detective Saxby Smart is confronted with three tantalizing mysteries: "The Pirate's Blood," "The Mystery of Mary Rogers," and "The Lunchbox of Notre Dame." Readers will enjoy shadowing Saxby while they attempt to put together the clues themselves. Enhanced by Alley's lively black-and-white illustrations, it's another entertaining read for Saxby's fans.