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(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When kindhearted second-grader Ellie May tries to distinguish herself, her less-than-optimal impulse control frequently causes her to misstep. In these first two entries, her quest for the funniest April Fool's joke misfires, as do her attempts to act presidential. Numerous grayscale illustrations highlight the diverse cast of characters, while subtle life lessons and Ellie May's antics should appeal to Clementine fans. Review covers these titles: Ellie May on April Fools' Day and Ellie May on Presidents' Day.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
On April Fools' Day (also Judy Moody's birthday!), third grader Judy wants to fool her favorite teacher, and a stick insect gives her the perfect idea. When a fifth grader says "there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy," Judy sets out to prove otherwise. As usual, the full-color illustrations pop and the series' characters shine in these transitional-reader spinoffs of the longer chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: April Fools', Mr. Todd! and Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy.
24 pp.
| Amazon
| March, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4778-1643-1$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Paul Rátz de Tagyos.
Mischievous Sheep can't resist a good prank on April Fool's Day, and the farmyard is in chaos--he sets Rooster's clock for the wrong time and frosts an empty box so Pig will think it's a cake. But he gets his comeuppance when Horse shears him to look like a poodle. Jolly illustrations aptly reflect the bouncy rhyming text's simple humor.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2270-8$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
Thinking Punxsutawney Phyllis's April first blizzard warnings are a prank, the town goes ahead with its spring treasure hunt; throughout the story are clues readers can follow. When the groundhog kits are caught in a snowstorm, it's clever Phyllis who leads them back to the burrow. The accompanying brown-hued acrylic illustrations are rich in detail and texture.
119 pp.
| Houghton/Sandpiper
| April, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-22668-2$15.00
|
PaperISBN 978-0-547-05328-8$4.99
(4)
4-6
Sisters Eight series.
Illustrated by
Lisa K. Weber.
With Greg Logsted and Jackie Logsted. "The Eights," as the Huit octuplets are known, still live alone after the mysterious disappearance of their parents. In these volumes, it's Georgia's and Jackie's turn to discover their special powers (invisibility and super speed, respectively), gifts they use to defeat an evil substitute teacher and principal. The stories, though entertaining, continue to feel like brief, unresolved episodes. Review covers these Sisters Eight titles: Georgia's Greatness and Jackie's Jokes.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| March, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-4179-5$15.99
(3)
K-3
Neighbor Eugene joins fox sisters Zelda and Ivy in two of three episodic chapters about sharing secrets, April Fools' Day pranks, and the effect of opera singing on butterfly chasing. The characters are true to form: older sister Zelda may be bossy, but Ivy and Eugene can hold their own. Kvasnosky's lively illustrations extend the stories.
40 pp.
| Dial
| March, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3085-4$14.99
(2)
K-3
Dial Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
R. W. Alley.
Everybody seems clued in that it's April Fools' Day except mouse Wagner. The challenges that result are presented in three satisfying chapters. Though he's a little slow on the uptake, Wagner manages to get the last laugh. McMullan's easy-reader text has a reliable partner in Alley's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations that add a gentle pastel wash to the sometimes-painful schoolyard jockeying.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2009
(3)
K-3
Gilbert's thrilled about April Fool's Day--until he's the victim of a barrage of jokes. Determined to turn the tables, Gilbert cleverly warns main prankster Lewis about a trick "I've been saving tjust for you"; this leaves Lewis paranoid and vulnerable to everyone else's wiles. The well-composed illustrations hide several seek-and-find surprises.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| October, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8075-0404-1$15.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Nadine Bernard Westcott.
It's April Fools' Day on the farm--or is it? A rollicking, rhyming text and Westcott's comic illustrations match the silliness of this story that has chickens running amuck and goats destroying the wash, at least according to the grandkids. But Grandpa isn't fooled--until Grandma manages to trick him and gets the last laugh.
182 pp.
| Clarion
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-618-27474-X$$16.00
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Elaine Clayton.
As Miss Earth's class prepares to celebrate April Fool's Day, their beloved teacher mysteriously disappears. The solution to the mystery is bizarre, but readers have come to expect a melding of the everyday and the outlandish in this satirical series distinguished by idiosyncratic characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue.
87 pp.
| Random
| January, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-375-91368-8$$11.99
|
PaperISBN 0-375-81368-3$$3.99
(4)
1-3
A to Z Mysteries series.
Illustrated by
John Steven Gurney.
When the school skeleton model vanishes from the nurse's office, sleuth friends Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose follow clues (a footprint, a key) to track it down. Although tamer than the usual A to Z fare (the culprit is the principal, having an April Fools' Day joke), the formulaic series will still appeal to fans. Benign black-and-white illustrations break up the short, quick chapters.