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.

App Review: The Mouse and the Meadow

THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW by Chad Wallace is an interactive storybook app following the experiences of a mouse as he explores a meadow.

The “Read to Me” option reads aloud each page while displaying basic animation. The animated, interactive elements reinforce the story, so they aren’t distracting. Readers can follow along with the audio narration. Each word is highlighted as it’s read aloud.

The “Read to Myself” option is the same as the read aloud option, just without the audio support. Unfortunately, the font size is small and sometimes difficult to read against the colorful background.

From scary confrontations with a snake and great horned owl to quiet moments with fireflies, the storyline features believable situations and encounters among the creatures. The author skillfully weaves in nature facts making this an excellent science experience as well as an engaging story. The realistic flora and fauna contribute to the impact of the story. The colors and details of each creature are exceptional.

After reading the story, users are immersed in an informational reading experience focusing on facts and trivia about the habitat and creatures encountered in the book. They also learn about how animals communicate and help each other. Readers will also enjoy learning about the author. These special informational aspects are always available through a small icon on each page.

The book would be a wonderful addition to a collection of storybook reading apps for children.

This book is also available as a paper and electronic book. A Pop-Up App can be downloaded to go with the paper book.

To learn more about this app, go to http://www.dawnpub.com/apps/mouse-and-the-meadow-app/.

Published by Dawn Publications. Review copy courtesy of Dawn Publications.