A chapter book is a story book intended for intermediate readers, generally for Grades 1-3. Unlike picture books for beginning readers, a chapter book tells the story primarily through prose, rather than pictures, but they do contain plentiful illustrations to highlight some scenes in the book. The book is divided into short chapters, which provide readers with opportunities to easily stop and start reading. I've reviewed two chapter books that I've read and recently enjoyed: Tales For Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider and The One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenberg.
Description: James is a very picky eater. His dad has to get creative—very creative—in order to get James to eat foods he thinks he doesn't like. He presents James with a series of outlandish scenarios packed with fanciful and gross kid-friendly details—like pre-chewed gum as an alternative to broccoli and lumpy oatmeal that grows so big it eats the dog—in an effort to get James to eat. But it is eventually James himself who discovers that some foods are not so bad, after all, if you’re willing to give them a try.
Review: Tales For Very Picky Eaters had me chuckling throughout the book. The five short chapters are conversations between James, a very picky eater, and his father at the kitchen table. James turns down meal after meal for different reasons, but after hearing his father's alternatives, he reconsiders. Dad's choices are outrageous to the extreme and will have children laughing and turning the pages. For instance in "The Tale of the Disgusting Broccoli," it's either eat the broccoli or eat dirt "walked on by the most skilled chefs"; "fine gum, carefully chewed"; or a "very sweaty sock." In another tale, James eats mushroom lasagna that "smells funny" because he doesn't want the troll that lives in the basement to lose his job as cook. The sophisticated yet silly humor will appeal to new readers wanting something a little different or even make them reconsider their own picky meals! The comical illustrations are done in watercolor, ink, and colored pencil and are surrounded by plenty of white space which are welcoming for a reader who is ready to move from picture books to chapter books on their own or a read-aloud with an adult. Tales for Very Picky Eaters is a definite crowd pleaser.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades K-3
If you like this book try: Green peas in cream by Suzanne I. Barchers, Burger boy by by Alan Durant
Description: So what if Stuey isn't the world’s best reader, is only allowed to trick or treat around one block, doesn't get to play on his soccer dream team, and has to put up with the most annoying girl on the planet. Somehow Stuey always makes life work and when he puts his mind to it, he can survive anything—even second grade.
Review: In four linked short stories, Stuey Lewis conquers second grade. With a sweet supporting cast of family, friends, and a great teacher, Ms. Curtis, whom everyone wishes they had, he goes through the ups and downs of early elementary school. His fears are recognizable for readers of this age ranging from insecurities of being the best reader in his class to becoming tolerant of a really annoying classmate who turns out to be a surprising new friend. Each story neatly encapsulates a dilemma along with Stuey's schemes to go around the issue to finally the "aha" moment where everything clicks for Stuey and he learns a valuable lesson. There are enough laughs to keep readers engaged, but the illustrations could have been better.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 2-3
If you like this book try: First day jitters by Julie Danneberg, Once upon an ordinary school day by Colin McNaughton
Review: Tales For Very Picky Eaters had me chuckling throughout the book. The five short chapters are conversations between James, a very picky eater, and his father at the kitchen table. James turns down meal after meal for different reasons, but after hearing his father's alternatives, he reconsiders. Dad's choices are outrageous to the extreme and will have children laughing and turning the pages. For instance in "The Tale of the Disgusting Broccoli," it's either eat the broccoli or eat dirt "walked on by the most skilled chefs"; "fine gum, carefully chewed"; or a "very sweaty sock." In another tale, James eats mushroom lasagna that "smells funny" because he doesn't want the troll that lives in the basement to lose his job as cook. The sophisticated yet silly humor will appeal to new readers wanting something a little different or even make them reconsider their own picky meals! The comical illustrations are done in watercolor, ink, and colored pencil and are surrounded by plenty of white space which are welcoming for a reader who is ready to move from picture books to chapter books on their own or a read-aloud with an adult. Tales for Very Picky Eaters is a definite crowd pleaser.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades K-3
If you like this book try: Green peas in cream by Suzanne I. Barchers, Burger boy by by Alan Durant
Review: In four linked short stories, Stuey Lewis conquers second grade. With a sweet supporting cast of family, friends, and a great teacher, Ms. Curtis, whom everyone wishes they had, he goes through the ups and downs of early elementary school. His fears are recognizable for readers of this age ranging from insecurities of being the best reader in his class to becoming tolerant of a really annoying classmate who turns out to be a surprising new friend. Each story neatly encapsulates a dilemma along with Stuey's schemes to go around the issue to finally the "aha" moment where everything clicks for Stuey and he learns a valuable lesson. There are enough laughs to keep readers engaged, but the illustrations could have been better.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 2-3
If you like this book try: First day jitters by Julie Danneberg, Once upon an ordinary school day by Colin McNaughton
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Both of these books seem great for kids in the targeted age range, Rummanah. Considering I'm such a picky eater, I really like the sound of Tales From Very Picky Eaters.
Sounds like a couple of cute books. I was just thinking of recommending some books to my cousin who has boys about this age.
thats a very nice way to teach children through story books .