(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Moby the kid ninja (Ninja on the Farm) is this time looking to help Papa Peppy at the pizza restaurant. But ninja skills and food service don't necessarily mix. Rhyming couplets run along the tops of pages, with onomatopoeia sprinkled into the pictures. The highly detailed, vibrant, and action-orientated illustrations are great for movement, but they leave emerging readers with little rest for their eyes.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. When Moby Shinobi, child ninja extraordinaire, sees a farmer's "Help Needed!" sign, he tells the farmer, "Do not pout! / My ninja skills can help you out"--and mayhem ensues. Some new readers would have benefited from more blank space to rest their eyes. However, bright, detail-filled illustrations extend the narrative, humorously juxtaposing Moby's real and imagined contributions to farm life.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. In their fourth easy reader, Hot Rod Hamster and friends head to the waterpark on a hot day, where Hamster challenges two big dogs to a race down a waterslide. As usual, rhyming verses engage readers with choices: "Striped tube. Bright tube. Race tube. White tube. Which would you choose?" Brightly colored illustrations make a splash as the pals cool off.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. In their third book for new readers, Hot Rod Hamster and friends are psyched for an upcoming Halloween party, but a broken-down hot rod slows the gang until friendly ghosts come to their aid. As usual, rhyming verses engage readers with choices: "Carve time? Sweet time? Drink time? Meet time? Which would you choose?" Brightly colored illustrations are filled with affable pumpkins, ghosts, and costumed party guests.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. A lively rhyming text relates Hot Rod Hamster's ATV adventure. As in previous titles, several choices are offered to the reader: "Bridge trail. Tree trail. Swamp trail. Sea trail. Which would you choose?" When a yelp for help reveals a friend-filled ATV stuck in the mud, the proper tool choice may save the day. Brightly colored, mud-splattered illustrations capture the all-terrain fun.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Illustrated by Greg Paprocki. The Wacky Whatever Race requires a box car powered by neither motor nor paws touching the ground. Hot Rod Hamster and readers have several choices during building: "High wheels. Low wheels. Fat wheels. Slow wheels. Which would you choose?" When the car loses speed, the quick-thinking critter makes it roll without breaking the rules. Bright digital illustrations enliven the energetic rhyming text.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Illustrated by Julie Downing. In three brief stories, vampire Scarlet and mummy Igor argue over what to do and eat, what to name a kitten, and whether to draw or paint. Eventually this odd-couple learns how to compromise. Feder's early-reader text addresses experiences that are relatable to children. Downing's spare pen and watercolor illustrations give the "spooky friends" distinct and humorous personalities.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Vivid close-up photos of a variety of vehicles are the real draw in this easy reader. After a brief introduction, rhymes about trucks, cars, bikes, buses, and construction vehicles are presented. Though some are awkwardly worded, many provide useful information. Quizzes for kids and "reading together" tips for adults seek to boost comprehension and other early reading skills. Glos.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Vivid close-up photos of animals are the real draw in these easy readers. After a brief introduction, each book presents rhymes about the animals. Though some are awkwardly worded, many provide such useful information as what the animals eat and how they use camouflage. Quizzes for kids and "reading together" tips for adults seek to boost comprehension and other early reading skills. Glos. Review covers these Scholastic Reader titles: Farm Animals, Night Creatures, and Polar Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Vivid close-up photos of animals are the real draw in these easy readers. After a brief introduction, each book presents rhymes about the animals. Though some are awkwardly worded, many provide such useful information as what the animals eat and how they use camouflage. Quizzes for kids and "reading together" tips for adults seek to boost comprehension and other early reading skills. Glos. Review covers these Scholastic Reader titles: Farm Animals, Night Creatures, and Polar Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) K-3 Scholastic Reader series. Vivid close-up photos of animals are the real draw in these easy readers. After a brief introduction, each book presents rhymes about the animals. Though some are awkwardly worded, many provide such useful information as what the animals eat and how they use camouflage. Quizzes for kids and "reading together" tips for adults seek to boost comprehension and other early reading skills. Glos. Review covers these Scholastic Reader titles: Farm Animals, Night Creatures, and Polar Animals.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray