Thursday, April 9, 2015

Laugh-Along Lessons

The Laugh-Along Lessons series written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger currently has ten titles. These titles, as well as the new Laugh-Along Lesson 5-Minute Stories can be found on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt website. Most of these titles have been re-issued from previously published text. Each of the books has a free downloadable version of the story from the publishers website which can be accessed by entering a code printed in the book.

Princess Penelope's Parrot
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger


Princess Penelope’s Parrot (originally published in 1996) - Princess Penelope is reminiscent of Veruca Salt from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She wants it all and she wants it now. At her royal birthday party, a parrot becomes her new obsession. She is, however, disappointed when the parrot does not speak, regardless of the prompting, yelling, and screaming at the bird. When the richest prince in the land, Percival, plans a visit, Penelope is overjoyed. Her plan to marry the prince is spoiled when the formally non-verbal parrot suddenly begins to talk. Princess Penelope learns the importance of being wise with your words when she loses the prince to a parrot.


The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger


The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing (originally published in 2007) - Ewetopia wants to stand out and be noticed by all of her friends, however no matter her outfit, they do not give her a second glance. When she attends the Woolyones’ Costume Ball dressed as a wolf, the other ewes sneer in disbelief at her distasteful costume.  When a stranger dressed in a beautiful wool costume appears, all of the sheep are mesmerized. Ewetopia realizes something is amiss when the stranger yells, “Mother” when seeing her. Quick thinking saves Ewetopia and the other sheep from this wolf in sheep clothing! Children will delight in this sheep tale with a number of “ewe”nique character names and a lesson in believing in yourself.
The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger


The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken (originally published in 1983) - Competition between the three title characters is fierce. They each want to show they are better than the others. When they magically produce more than the three of them can handle together they learn the importance of teamwork. Even though they continue to argue, they remain fast friends.

Pookins Gets Her Way
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger


Pookins Gets Her Way (originally published in 1987) - Pookins could be considered a spoiled brat. If she doesn’t get her way she “makes faces, throws apples, and yells very loudly.” Since no one wants Pookins doing any of those things, she always gets her way. This routine proves to be a problem when she meets a magic gnome in the forest. Pookins requests a number of wishes, which the gnome gladly grants, but when she asks for her final wish the gnome questions her to make sure this is really her desire. The end result is not only very funny, but proves it is not always good to get what you want. In the end Pookins sees the error of her ways and learns an important lesson about being considerate.


The free downloadable audio version of each of these books allows the reader to listen to the story while looking at the pictures in the physical book. An audio prompt is provided to young listeners to they will know when to turn the page. A free parent discussion and activity guide is also provided with this access code, however there are no corresponding materials for any of these titles in the guide. The titles included in the guide are as follows: It Wasn’t My Fault, Listen Buddy, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the above mentioned titles for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

I Can Read




In 1957 HarperCollins published the first book in their I Can Read series. It was Little Bear written by Else Holmelund and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Now, over 55 years later, the series is flourishing and expanding with an ever growing cast of favorite characters for young readers, Fancy Nancy, Splat the Cat, Pinkalicious, and Flat Stanley, to name just a few.
Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble
by Bruce Hale and Guy Francis
Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble is written by Bruce Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis. This Level 1 book is written by the author of the original Clark the Shark books. In this story Clark has a loose tooth as the result of being hit in the mouth with a soccer ball. He is scared to visit the dentist after talking to one of his ocean friends. Once Clark meets Dr. Pia, the dentist, and hears her funny jokes his nerves are calmed. The short rhyme Clark shares, “I didn’t shed a tear, ‘cause there was nothing to fear” may help young reader’s fears be eased whether the fear is of a dentist or another frightening situation.

Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie
by Lori Haskins Houran and Macky Pamintuan
Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie by Lori Haskins Houran and illustrated by Macky Pamintuan is based on the “Flat Stanley” series created by Jeff Brown. Stanley Lambchop is a boy who is only half an inch thick. He was flattened when a bulletin board fell on him. He doesn’t let his condition affect his life, in fact he uses his uniqueness to help others. In this I Can Read – Level 2 book, Stanley inspires a new phenomenon for the local baker at Pete’s Sweets. Fans of Flat Stanley will enjoy this new story and will definitely want to partake of one of Pete’s new sweet treats. This engaging story is a wonderful addition to the tradition of the I Can Read series.
Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossom
by Victoria Kann


Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossom by Victoria Kann is a level 1 Beginning Reading book in the I Can Read series based on the very popular character, Pinkalicious. In this story the title character is excited for the start of spring and the local Cherry Blossom Festival, “the pinkest day of the year”.  While attempting to fly a kite, Pinkalicious is magically transported to Japan for a traditional Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival where she enjoys a parade, drums, dancers, and a tasty strawberry mocha. The magic of being transported to Japan might be a bit confusing to young readers. If the cover illustration is discussed prior to reading, there will be a better connection made, especially if there is research conducted about Cherry Blossoms.
Splat the Cat and the Hotshot
by Laura Driscoll and Robert Eberz

Splat the Cat and the Hotshot is written by Laura Driscoll, illustrated by Robert Eberz, and based on the bestselling books written by Rob Scotton. Splat the Cat is presented in this Level 1 I Can Read! book as a Cat Scout. He feels inferior to a new member of his troop, but soon discovers to be a true hotshot one has to be prepared for anything. Splat the Cat is a wonderful addition to the I Can Read series because he is such a popular character. By putting Splat in a troop of scouts, young readers can get an insight into activities they might participate in if they were to become a Boy or Girl Scout.
Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
by Jane O'Connor and Ted Enik


Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Ted Enik is a Level 1 I Can Read! title. Fancy Nancy and her classmates are visiting the aquarium. Like all of the Fancy Nancy books, fancy words are presented throughout (detest, diorama, revolting, spectacular, and transparent). At the end of the book there is a glossary defining each of the fancy words for the young readers. O’Connor has been expanding children’s vocabulary since she first introduced Fancy Nancy in 2005. This book is a great way to celebrate Fancy Nancy’s 10th Anniversary.
Charlie the Ranch Dog: Stuck in the Mud
by Ree Drummond and Diane de Groat

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Stuck in the Mud based on the Charlie the Ranch Dog books written by Ree Drummond, and illustrated by Diane de Groat. In this Beginning Reading (Level 1) story Charlie’s enthusiasm for his job of herding cattle. When a calf wanders off, Charlie tries to redirect her to the herd, but gets stuck. He does not panic. He tries a variety of means in order to get help and free himself and the calf. This is a great title to share with children who are beginning readers and love animals, especially dogs.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, HarperCollins Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the above mentioned titles for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the authors or publishing company and is solely my opinion.