Tag Archives: early chapter book

Izzy’s Dog Days of Summer

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written by Caroline Adderson

Izzy and Zoe are so excited to go to summer camp until they realize two things: it’s awful (partly because Izzy drew big black eyebrows on her face with permanent marker) and you don’t even camp out overnight! So, Izzy and Zoe plan their own week of summer camp in Izzy’s backyard under the watchful eye of Izzy’s nanny, Rosa. They have so much fun and are so loud (partly because of Rollo, Izzy’s excited dog) that the neighbor, Mr. Entwistle, is even grumpier than usual on his side of the fence.

Camp gets less fun when Zoe gets sick and can’t come over. Then, Izzy’s mom tells Izzy about Mr. Entwistle’s late wife, Maevis. Izzy realizes that Mr. Entwistle might just be lonely and she invites him to her backyard summer camp. He comes over for lunch and they get along so well that she goes to his house while Rosa is getting her hair done. Well, excitement ensues when Rollo knocks the bathroom door shut and it locks Izzy and Rollo inside. Mr. Entwistle calls 911 and the friendly firemen (who all know Izzy) get her out of the bathroom, which makes for the most excitement that Mr. Entwistle has had in a very long time. All this excitement (and more) leads to a wonderful friendship between Mr. Entwistle (Isodor) and Izzy (Why, they are almost twins with those names!).

This lovely, accessible chapter book is brimming with fun and energy. While there is a moment of reflection when Izzy learns why Mr. Entwistle is so grumpy and sad (done in a very respectful and gently way), the overall tone is humorous and light. The black and white illustrations on nearly every two page spread add to the accessibility of the story. Give this book to your early readers. They will love it!

Happy Spark Day!

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by Shane Richardson & Sarah Marino

It’s a special day in Ember City! Young dragons will learn what their “Spark” (special power) is at the Spark Day Ceremony. Among them are Li, Runa and Drake, who are three best friends. At the Ceremony, they see the beautiful disco ball that was created by dragons on the very first Spark Day. During the party after receiving their Sparks, Drake and another dragon, Fizz, get into a bit of tussle and break the special disco ball, ending the Spark Day festivities. Each of the young dragons tries to fix the broken disco ball with disastrous results. Suddenly, Drake remembers something that the mayor said, “Our Sparks shine their brightest when we use them to help one another”. They follow this advice and not only fix the broken disco ball but make it more special, alight with rainbow colors. They had learned a valuable lesson and saved Spark Day!

Brightly colored cartoon-like illustrations in a graphic novel/early chapter book style make this a nice introduction to the genre for young readers. It is not text-heavy and there is a lot of white space on the pages, which makes it even more accessible. The story moves along and the dragons are fun and a little silly. Kids will love it!

Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

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Izzy and her friend, Zoe, love to dress up her dog in baby clothes and play “baby stealer” with Zoe’s older brother. It’s typically a giggle-filled screamfest when Izzy and Rolo are at Zoe’s house. Unfortunately, things are changing and it’s hard for Izzy. Rollo is growing into a big dog and the baby clothes are getting too small. He’s also getting into some big doggy trouble. Lionel, Zoe’s brother, is becoming a teenager. And, he is the epitome of a teenager – surly, pimply and no fun at all.

Izzy doesn’t like these changes and is determined to find out of there is some kind of cure for these two maladies. She and her mom take Rollo to obedience school and he doesn’t do well. Izzy works hard with him and uses some of what she learns to engage Lionel, which turns out surprisingly well.

Through some gently comedic adventures, Izzy works on these problems, realizing along the way that change is inevitable. But, the fun doesn’t have to end, it’s just different.

Readers new to chapter books will enjoy this story. Accompanying illustrations in black and white break up the text and provide extra giggles. Add this to your collection along with the first book, Izzy in the Doghouse. Recommended.

Stage Door to Terror by Robert Quackenbush

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Miss Mallard is in Paris visiting her nephew, Inspector Willard Widgeon. They decide to go to the theater performance of Claudine, granddaughter of family friend (and retired performer) Lily Pilet. In her day, Lily was a famous dancer, who was even rumored to be courted by royalty and showered with jewels. They are especially excited to see Claudine’s recreation of Lily’s famous “Rain of Light” dance. Claudine enters the stage and is swept up and ducknapped! Fortunately, Miss Mallard and Willard quickly discover her tied up in the attic of the theater. Unfortunately, they also discover that her dressing room has been ransacked by the ducknappers.

Upon further discussion, Claudine tells them that her grandmother sent her her bejeweled costume for the show. This costume is studded with real gems. Lily has some later misgivings and sends her a reproduction of the costumer and asks Claudine to hide the real one. Claudine has a claim ticket for the suitcase with the costume, which is at the railroad station. The problem? The ticket is torn and only Claudine’s assistant, Marie, knows the station name. A rush through all the major Paris landmarks ensues and they find Marie in a cafe. They “hatch” a plan to catch the thieves with a fake suitcase and claim ticket before retrieving the real bejeweled costume and their plan works. The thieves/ducknappers are apprehended and the valuable costume is back with Claudine.

This book is intended for those students that are ready to move on from picture books to early chapter books. The font is large and there are numerous half page illustrations. There is also a glossary and question page in the back of the book. The only sticking point of this story is the unfamiliar setting (Notre Dame, Montmartre, Eiffel Tower, etc.) of Paris. Young readers might become bogged down a bit, instead of just enjoying the story. Otherwise, this is nice stepping stone to chapter books.

The Best Friend Plan (The Adventures of Allie & Amy) by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole

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Allie and Amy are best friends and live in neighboring buildings. They are ready for summer with a list of “Things To Do This Summer”. Unfortunately, they find out that they will be separated for much of the summer when Allie gets a spot at Camp Merry Moose. They spring into action, first tying their legs together (think three-legged race style), which doesn’t work out well. They then resort to accomplishing as much on their list as possible before Allie leaves. Pesky classmate (and eventual friend) Marvin seems to be in many of the same places they are and manages to get in the way most of the time. But, they do their best to work through the list. But, wait! There is good news ahead, because Amy gets to go to camp as well! The next morning, the girls couldn’t be happier as they settle into their bus seats for the ride to camp. And, who else is on the bus? Marvin! Summer camp will be so much fun!

Large font and numerous half page illustrations make this a fine book for early chapter book readers. While the story isn’t very elaborate or thought-provoking, it does what it intends to do – provide a book for those ready to move on from picture books. A word list and questions are in the back, providing some extra help for young readers. Characters are diverse – Allie and her family are Black and Marvin appears to be Hispanic (last name is Lopez). Buy this book for your collection if you are in need of those ‘bridge’ books.

Knight of the Cape

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Dominguita loves to read, especially the books that remind her of the books her Abuela (grandmother) brought from Cuba and shared with her. But, her grandmother now lives in Florida with her sister, because she has a hard time remembering things. And, the class bully makes reading in peace difficult. So, Dominguita decides to become a knight (like the hero, Don Quijote, from her grandmother’s book). She figures that her knighthood will do two things: 1). show the class bully that girls can be knights and 2). help her feel closer to her brother and grandmother, because her brother agrees to write the story of her life as knight to send to Abuela.

Being a knight is hard work and Dominguita has some mishaps along the way. But, she has the encouragement and help of the adults around her. She also gains two new friends along the way. And, her trusty steed, aka dog, is a loyal sidekick in her adventures.

The characters are diverse and the story is accessible for younger readers, who will cheer for Dominguita (or Dom Capote, the fearless knight). Black and white illustrations help move the story along and an author’s note at the end explains the tale of Don Quijote and its connection to our heroine, Dominguita.

Our Principal Breaks a Spell

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Mr. Bundy , principal of P.S. 88, receives an interesting letter and magic powder sample from a mysterious person named Olivia Martin. He is contemplating inviting her to put on an assembly when Roger, a student, comes in to assist Mr. Bundy. Students rotate through daily through Mr. Bundy’s office as helpers and Roger is a great kid. Mr. Bundy gets called out of his office and leaves responsible Roger alone to fold newsletters.

Well, even great kids can get into some mischief and Roger does just that when he sees the magic powder and has the idea to use it to turn the broom into a self-powered sweeper. The broom goes wild and ends up splitting into several brooms along the way as Roger and a few classmates try vainly to stop the craziness. Mr. Bundy steps out to the hall and sees the mayhem, which is now entering the classrooms, runs to his office and calls Olivia Martin for help. She gives him the spell to make everything right and he does so. But, he has a surprise for the students of P.S. 88. Assembly day comes and so does Olivia Martin, swooping in on a glowing broom and sprinkling magic powder around the room. Flying brooms appear and the teachers and students hop aboard for one of the best assemblies ever!

This short chapter book is a nice beginning book for those students that want to try something different than a picture book. Pages explaining the cast of characters and a word list are helpful for young readers. Black and white illustrations are simple and help move the story along. It’s a fun romp of a read for kids and refreshing to see that even the good kids can get into a little mischief sometimes!

Night of the Zombie Zookeeper

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Desmond and his friend, Andres, have great plans for their class field trip to the zoo. Desmond has mapped out the best places to go and when they should be there. Their plans are derailed, though, when they discover a zookeeper that is a zombie. How do they know that he’s a zombie? His greenish skin is a big clue. But, as they follow him (and not their planned route), they see him in the seal tank cleaning the windows without an air tank! Then, he goes into the lion enclosure and feeds the lions by hand. There’s more evidence, but it’s clear already that they have a zombie on their hands. And, why do they care? Desmond and Andres are the Ghost Patrol and they need answers.

They locate a more normal looking zookeeper and tell her about her zombie co-worker. She seems unusually unconcerned about it and sends them away to the picnic area with their class. But, the Ghost Patrol is undeterred. They have a few more crazy encounters with the zombie. He saves Andres from a nasty peacock and his friends, the buffalo and then accidentally tosses slimy animal food all over Andres before saving him from the hungry animals that want to lick all their food off him. Finally, Peggy (the normal zookeeper they spoke with earlier) explains that she knows that “Zoombie” the zookeeper is a zombie. Apparently, zombies make the best zookeepers, because they can clean underwater without air and aren’t grossed out by the nasty food or animal waste they have to clean up. And, the animals love them!

So, Desmond and Andres solve the mystery of the zombie zookeeper and make a new friend in the process. Now, whenever they go to the zoo, they look up Zoombie and he makes sure they have a great time with the animals.

This fun, slightly creepy book will be a hit with the younger crowd. Black and white illustrations add to the mood and the text is accessible. The characters are diverse and likable and the first person narrative (Andre) makes the reader feel as if he is a pal wandering around and chasing zombies with the Ghost Patrol. Recommended.

Surfboard to Peril

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Miss Mallard, well-known “ducktective” has a big case to solve. She is vacationing in Hawaii and surfing with her instructors, Kai and Kawai when she hits a mysterious rock with her surfboard. It turns out that it is an ancient stone that proves the land is owned by both villages nearby. As the villagers are celebrating the stone and the answers it provides, it disappears! Miss Mallard is on the case. She dusts the area for featherprints and finds a suspicious keychain. She has three suspects, an archaeologist (Horace Shoveller), an old sailor (Joe Scaup) and a builder (Clyde Pochard) who is interested in developing the land. Through her quick wits and deductive reasoning, Miss Mallard captures the thief and restores the stone to its rightful place.

This story is a nice introduction to early chapter books, with a list of characters/descriptions in the front of the book and a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words in the back. Illustrations are black and white and the words are in larger font. Readers will enjoy this quick read and will enjoy the mystery that Miss Mallard solves for them.

Monkey Me and the New Neighbor

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Monkey Me neighborClaudia and Clyde are twin brother and sister who look out for each other. Claudia takes extra care of Clyde because Clyde has a problem.  When he gets excited he turns into a monkey! Yes, a monkey.  Young readers of this book will enjoy the absurdness of this morphing.

This is book three in the series. Here we find that the twins have a new neighbor. Nightmare of nightmares, it is their school Principal!  Clyde and Principal Murphy soon find something in common that helps them to begin a friendship. They also catch burglars who, unbeknownst to Principal Murphy, have stolen her valuable baseball cards and worse, her beloved cat.