Learning to read is fun with some of these great new beginning readers -- each representing the latest volume in a popular series. Some are from authors whose works have been spotlighted by the Geisel Award, which is named after author Theodor Geisel, better known as "Dr. Seuss." This annual prize highlights the best book for beginning readers. Runners-up are given Geisel Honor status.
-- Author/artist Tedd Arnold has won two Geisel Honors for books in his "Fly Guy" series. Now comes "Buzz Boy and Fly Guy" (Scholastic, $5.99). In his latest adventure, Fly Guy's friend Buzz creates a superhero comic starring -- you guessed it -- Buzz and Fly Guy. Together, the two conquer a dragon and escape from the clutches of evil pirates. Arnold's trademark bug-eyed characters are perfect for this superhero spoof that will give young readers a good case of the giggles. And readers also will love the way that Arnold changes his artistic style (even the page color is different) when he's showing Buzz's homemade comic. Some young readers are sure to be inspired to come up with their own comics after reading this book. (Ages 4-7; for children just learning to read.)
-- It's a snow day from school, and Annie and her pet rabbit Snowball team up with Henry and his dog Mudge to make the best of it in "Annie and Snowball and the Wintry Freeze" (Simon and Schuster, $15.99). While Snowball makes herself cozy by the fireplace, Annie and Henry bundle up and head out with Mudge to enjoy winter fun amid the sparkling snow. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant's text uses just a few words to bring alive a whole winter world, while Susie Stevenson's illustrations convey the joy of playing in the snow -- and then coming inside to warm up by the fire. (Ages 4-7; for children just learning to read.)
-- Max Spaniel may look like a dog, but he insists that "I am not a dog. I am a great chef." In "Funny Lunch" (Scholastic, $6.99), author/artist David Catrow shows how Max sets off to open a pizza parlor but finds that it's harder than he thought to deal with hungry customers. Catrow's simple story is shot through with humor, much of it from Max's insistence at taking things at face value. For example, when a customer orders a hot dog, Max brings him a sweating canine on a plate. The book's laughter quotient is exponentially increased by the over-the-top comedy of Catrow's illustrations. (Ages 4-7; for children just learning to read.)
-- Sisters Zelda and Ivy and their friend Eugene have lots of fun in the latest book of their adventures, "Zelda and Ivy: The Big Picture" (Candlewick Press, $14.99). Written and illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, this latest in the "Zelda and Ivy" series features the three watching a scary movie, pretending they're secret agents and figuring out what they do when rain cancels their camp-out. Kvasnosky, who won the 2007 Geisel Award for "Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways," deftly captures the trio's easy friendship in both her text and her colorful, appealing illustrations. (Ages 6-8; for children ready for short chapter books.)
-- And don't forget to check out this year's Geisel Award winner and the two Geisel Honor books:
The Geisel Award was given to "Bink & Gollie" (Candlewick Press, $15.99), in which two authors, Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, tell the adventures of two dissimilar but loving friends. The expressive illustrations by Tony Fucile provide lots of comic relief as the two friends grapple with issues like compromise and the need for personal space. Gollie is sleek, calm and offended by Bink's crazy socks; Bink, meanwhile, is frustrated by Gollie's inflexibility, saying: "... it's either Gollie's way or the highway." Fortunately, friendship triumphs in the end. (Ages 6-9; for children ready for short chapter books.)
Ling and Ting may look identical, but, as author/illustrator Grace Lin shows in "Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same" (Little Brown, $14.99), the two girls have very distinctive personalities. Their differences become more apparent when the girls have their hair trimmed just as the book opens. Quiet Ling's haircut is uneventful, but Ting sneezes just as the barber cuts her bangs and suddenly, the two girls no longer look exactly the same. Young readers will enjoy the everyday adventures of these twins, as well as Lin's colorful illustrations. (Ages 5-8; for readers ready for short chapter books.)
Elephant and Piggie go on a meta-fiction adventure in "We Are In a Book!" (Hyperion, $8.99), the latest entry in the "Elephant and Piggie" beginning-reader series. In the book, marvelously written and illustrated by Mo Willems, Elephant Gerald and Piggie suddenly realize that, as Gerald says, "Someone is looking at us." Shocked and then thrilled by the idea that, as Piggie says, "A reader is reading us!," the two then decide to see what else they can get the reader to do. As always, Elephant and Piggie make readers laugh even as they are learning to read. (Ages 4-7; for beginning readers.)
(Karen
PRINT
