Book Review: The Great Pet Escape

THE GREAT PET ESCAPE by Victoria Jamieson is a hilarious graphic fantasy about what class pets do at night.

When hamster, inventor, and class pet GW (George Washington) escapes from his cage in the second grade classroom, he sets off to free his friends. However he soon finds out that many of his peers like being class pets. Along the way, GW and his friends discover an evil plot by the Harriet, the fourth-grade mouse and must save their school.

Designed for beginning chapter book readers, the simple, colorful panels and engaging storyline will appeal to the target audience.

Although some of the humor may be “over the heads” of younger readers, they’ll “get” the general sarcastic tone. Librarians will find children asking for a sequel. Until then, connect this book with the many other beginning graphic chapter books published the past couple years. Readers of this title are likely to enjoy the Toon Books early chapter books too.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.victoriajamieson.com/.

Published by Henry Holt on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Stanley's Diner

STANLEY’S DINER by William Bee is an adorable picture book about everyday activities at a restaurant.

The story follows Stanley’s day working at a diner. Questions are woven throughout the text to keep readers actively engaged in the story. The large, easy-to-read text and bright, computer-generated illustrations are attractive and easy to understand.

Librarians will find that young readers enjoy acting out restaurant activities and talking about what happens in the diners they’ve visited. Consider creating a display of books from the Stanley series including Stanley the Builder, Stanley the Farmer, and Stanley’s Garage.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. Review copy courtesy of publisher.