A good choice to grow any early chapter book collection.
A straight-laced boy deals with a mischievous pair of twins and a set of triplets in this series opener.
Poor, rule-following David! He’d been looking forward to the best school year ever on his first day of third grade. Thanks to his parents and school principal, he would never again have to be in the same class with his next-door neighbors, the Romero twins—or Travieso Twins, as David and his mom call them due to their troublemaking proclivities. Alas, David doesn’t realize his new neighbors include a set of triplets. Mischievous triplets. When the Benitez kids try to take charge of the tower on the school playground that’s been claimed as Twin Territory, a veritable war of the multiples begins. Hijinks ensue, and all the kids suffer, albeit in entertaining ways. David will have to step outside his comfort zone if he ever wants to enjoy some peace and quiet. Statements meant to encourage transitioning readers appear at the end of many chapters. Supported by textual naming conventions, Flores’ art portrays a racially diverse neighborhood and classroom; her characterizations are expressive and animated. David, the twins, and the triplets are cued as Latinx. Torres excels with this well-paced early chapter book that both respects her readers’ abilities and doesn’t pander to them.
A good choice to grow any early chapter book collection. (activities) (Fiction. 5-8)Pub Date: June 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-305945-0
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2021
Readers will enjoy going to the dogs with this one.
The start of a beautiful canine friendship.
Brown, shaggy Doggo seems content with his “same old, same old,” “could have been worse” daily existence. His pal Cat keeps him company, and he stays busy with numerous jobs around the house. Though he’s sometimes nostalgic for the good old days when he was livelier and something of a risk taker, he tells himself he’s “happy enough.” The humans believe Doggo’s life needs shaking up, however. Cat agrees and points out the humans have an idea in mind. That jolt comes in the form of a rascally newcomer—rambunctious, reddish-brown Pupper. Seemingly nonstop activity and downright peskiness ensue. As a result, the humans develop another idea—charm school, which changes Pupper’s personality for the better—or does it? In fact, Pupper becomes so charmed that his demeanor changes. He’s not the high-spirited, nonstop-yapping firecracker of yore and settles into “same old, same old” routines himself, leading Doggo to take matters into his own paws and devise some clever ideas to shift the dynamic. This sweet, seven-chapter early-reader series opener employs simple language, with several short sentences per page and lots of dialogue, to bring these close friends and their fun adventures to endearing life; young readers will be charmed. The colorful illustrations that combine collage and digital techniques are lively and expressive. Though human faces aren’t seen, Doggo’s owners appear to be light-skinned.
Readers will enjoy going to the dogs with this one. (tips on puppies’ personalities, habits, and care) (Chapter book. 5-8)Pub Date: March 23, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-62097-2
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1.
A fictionalized young Shaquille O'Neal returns for a second illustrated story about life beyond the basketball court.
Little Shaq and his cousin Barry come home from the rec center giddy about Little Shaq's first three-point shot but are greeted with another surprise. For the first time, Little Shaq's mom has made sushi for a family dinner. Barry and the others dig in, but Little Shaq's curiosity about sushi only hits him after the last roll is gone. Little Shaq's joy and confidence on the court—best expressed when Little Shaq exuberantly tosses a postgame grape into Barry's mouth ("Three points!")—contrast strongly with his unease trying new foods or activities. A large part of the book concerns a school art project, and Little Shaq's frustration is made poignantly clear through both illustration and description ("Little Shaq crumpled up his drawing and marched back to the supply tables"). Throughout, the love among Little Shaq's family members shines through in their interactions, and the story delivers a message without triteness. Taylor’s full-color illustrations break up text on almost every page, adding warmth and energy. (Final art not seen.)
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1. (Fiction. 5-8)Pub Date: April 26, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-61963-844-0
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
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