Fergus and Zeke

Fergus and Zeke
by Kate Messner
illustrated by Heather Ross

Classroom pet Fergus wants to go along on the class trip to the museum!  Not wanting to be left behind, he sneaks along by hiding in a student's backpack.  While at the museum, Fergus discovers many exciting things, including another mouse named Zeke!  His new friend helps him navigate the large, busy museum, but then Fergus realizes that he may miss the school bus ride home if he doesn't find his class!  Will he find his class before they leave the museum?

Fergus and Zeke is the first book in a fun new series!  Its short chapters and fun, engaging illustrations make this a great choice for newly independent readers looking for a chapter book.  I'm looking forward to the next adventure of Fergus and Zeke!

Author's website: http://www.katemessner.com/

The Infamous Ratsos

The Infamous Ratsos
by Kara LaReau
illustrated by Matt Myers

font-family: "Gentium Book Basic", serif; font-size: 16px;">Being tough can be hard!  That’s what Louie and Ralphie Ratso realize after numerous failed tries to demonstrate their toughness.  Wanting to be tough, like their father Big Lou, they attempt a series of pranks, only to have them backfire with hilarious results.   Will they ever prove how tough they are?

I can see why this book was recently named a Geisel Honor book!  It is a great choice for any reader, but especially growing readers wanting to try a chapter book.   It has short chapters, great illustrations, and a funny story! A heartwarming ending brings this humorous tale to a satisfying conclusion.  I hope author Kara LaReau continues to write about this entertaining rat family.

Author's website: https://karalareau.com/

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree
by Ellen Potter
illustrated by Qin Leng

Piper Green's first day of 2nd grade is off to a rough start!   She has to ride the lobster boat without her big brother and, after refusing to remove her beloved earmuffs, she gets into trouble with her new teacher, Ms. Arabella.   Despite promising her parents that she will not wear the earmuffs in school the next day, Piper is not willing to easily part with her favorite earmuffs and decides she would rather not go to school than give them up.  

Set on a small Maine island, this series follows the island life of Piper Green, her family, and friends.    With short chapters, large font, and an easy to follow storyline, this book will be a nice choice for readers in 1st or 2nd grade ready to start reading chapter books.  

Author's website: http://www.ellenpotter.com/

The Lost Stone

The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly book 1)
by Jordan Quinn
illustrated by Robert McPhillips

Lucas, the prince of Wrenly, is tired of his boring life inside the castle.   Desperate for adventure, he finally convinces his father to allow him to be friends with Clara, the daughter of the Queen's seamstress.   When the Queen's emerald goes missing, Lucas and Clara embark on a journey through the lands of Wrenly to find the lost stone.  

This book, the first in the Kingdom of Wrenly series, is a fun adventure story and  a good choice for younger readers ready for their first chapter book.   It is a great combination of fantasy, mystery, and adventure!  I look forward to reading more of Lucas and Clara's adventures.  

Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover

Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover
by Cece Bell

Rabbit is so excited about his friend Robot coming over for a sleepover!  Wanting his sleepover to be perfect, he creates a list of specific sleepover plans.  When his plans begin to fall apart shortly after Robot's arrival,  an upset Rabbit is convinced his sleepover is ruined.  Fortunately, for every thing that goes wrong,  a calm Robot has a great solution!

This funny book about two very unusual friends will be a great choice for readers who enjoyed the Bink & Gollie series.     It has shorter chapters, large font, and bright, funny illustrations on almost every page.   Rabbit & Robot is also a 2013 Geisel Honor Book, making it an excellent first chapter book for beginning readers. 

Author's Website:  http://cecebell.wordpress.com/

Penny and her Doll

Penny and Her Doll
by Kevin Henkes

Penny is thrilled when she receives a new doll in the mail from her Gram!     Everything about her new doll is perfect except for one small problem:  she can't think of a name for her!    Despite many suggestions from others, Penny is unable to find the perfect name for her beloved doll until suddenly the right name comes to her in a way that is truly meant to be.  

I thought this was a very sweet story!   Readers who liked other Kevin Henkes mouse stories will probably enjoy his newest mouse tale.  The short chapters and bright pictures make this story an excellent first chapter book for newer readers. 

Author's website:  http://www.kevinhenkes.com/

Tales for Very Picky Eaters

Tales for Very Picky Eaters
by Josh Schneider

Are you a picky eater?   James is.   He finds a reason to dislike every food his father gives him, including the lumpy oatmeal, the smelly mushroom lasagna, and the slimy eggs!   However, his father learns to be creative and finds ways to trick James into eating by telling him wild stories about his food.

This is a very funny book with hilarious pictures!  It is also the winner of the 2012 Geisel Award, making it an ideal choice for beginning readers.  

Bink and Gollie, Two for One

Bink & Gollie, Two for One
 by Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee 
illustrated by Tony Fucile 

Best friends Bink and Gollie are as opposite as friends can be, but together these two girls always have a great time! When the state fair comes to town, the two friends find themselves having a wildly fun time as they compete in a talent show, have their fortunes told, and try to win the world's largest doughnut!

Readers who enjoyed the first Bink & Gollie book will be sure to love this sequel! The illustrations are bright and hilarious, and the short chapters make this a great choice for readers looking for their first chapter book.

Bink & Gollie website:   http://www.binkandgollie.com/
        Check out the Bink & Gollie website for great games and other fun activities!