EARLY READER FICTION : Fergus and Zeke and the Field Day Challenge by Kate Messner and Houndsley and Catina at the Library by James Howe
ABOUT THE BOOK
It's Saturday, and Houndsley, Catina, and their friend Bert are looking forward to their weekly visit to the library. But when the trio arrives, they find that Trixie, the librarian, seems different. She doesn't tell a joke or recommend a book like she always does. That's when the friends find out the news -- the library is closing! With Trixie retiring and enrolled in circus school, there's no one to take her place as head librarian . . . or is there? James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay have created another engaging tale about what it means to be a supportive friend and how it's never too late to learn something new.
REVIEW
In this delightful early reader about friendship and libraries, Houndsley, Catina, and Bert set off for the library as they do every Saturday. When they get there they discover that the library is closing because the librarian, Trixie is retiring and there is no one to take her place. This upsets the friends, but they are happy for Trixie who wants to attend circus school. As they search for the perfect present to say goodbye, Bert especially struggles to find the right way to say goodbye. Howe and Gay have once again presented a gently entertaining story of friendship and problem solving. Bert's present at the end turns out to be especially appropriate. A sweet read for young readers who prefer easy going stories of friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Fergus and Zeke love being the class pets in Miss Maxwell's classroom. From science experiments to art projects, they do everything the students do. But on Field Day, none of the events are the right size for the small mice -- the limbo is too easy, the high jump is too hard, and kickball is absolutely terrifying! So Fergus and Zeke create their own Field Day Challenge, with mouse-size tug-of-war, acorn throwing, and Hula-Hooping. After all the fun and exercise, it's time to go back to the classroom -- but Fergus and Zeke are locked out! Will they be able to use their new skills to get inside in time for ice pops? This new outdoor adventure in the endearing school-themed series from award-winning author Kate Messner, with lively pictures by Heather Ross, will have young readers jumping for joy.
REVIEW
I enjoyed reading about Fergus and Zeke's newest adventure. As classroom pets, the two mice enjoy doing the same things the children do. They are thrilled when a day full of fun games and activities is announced. They immediately start exercising and preparing to participate. However, when the day arrives, the mice realize they are too small to really enjoy the activities with the children. But instead of giving up, the mice create their own field games. They are having so much fun they don't notice when the class goes back into the school. Now they have an even bigger problem: how to get back into the school so they can have their treat. Messner has managed to keep her characters fresh and funny in this delightful story of making the best of disappointing circumstances. I had to smile at the way Fergus and Zeke used their determination and a little ingenuity to solve the problems that come their way. A wonderful addition to a fun series that is bound to make young readers smile.
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