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32 pp.
| Penguin
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01686-0$14.99
(3)
K-3
Penguin Young Readers series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Unlikely best friends Cork, a muskrat, and Fuzz, a possum, disagree over what constitutes spring cleaning. When Cork gets a little too bossy, Fuzz lets him know. The two try to work out their differences and still be best friends. Accessible, clearly plotted text supported by detailed illustrations guide new readers through this endearing tenth episode. Extension activities are included.
32 pp.
| Viking
| October, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-451-47501-5$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
In their first picture book, easy-reader best friends Cork (deep-thinking muskrat) and Fuzz (happy-go-lucky possum) roam the snowy landscape, wondering why the day feels special. When they come upon a lighted fir tree, Cork's conclusion isn't expected--yet it's Christmassy all the same. Expansive watercolor illustrations evoke a beautiful winter day but focus on the two friends.
32 pp.
| Penguin
| October, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01429-3$14.99
(3)
K-3
Penguin Young Readers series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
In their eighth encounter, muskrat Cork and possum Fuzz explore a snow-covered landscape; Fuzz is more daring than his friend, but the resolution is safe and satisfying. Recognizable vocabulary, manageable sentences, and plenty of opportunities to predict outcomes provide pre-chapter-book readers with a comfortable independent reading adventure. McCue's textured illustrations of the critters inject warmth into the wintry scenes.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-3208-3$16.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Gillian Tyler.
Dinny Brown is impatient to get to the Derry Fair. Mommy, Daddy, and Sister Lucy are all busy with chores, so Grandma Patty finally sets off with Dinny. The rhyming, repetitive text makes a pleasing read-aloud. Softly colored illustrations provide a suitable homespun look; a double gatefold reveals a panorama of the fair and all its sensory pleasures.
32 pp.
| Viking
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01281-7$13.99
(2)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Cork (muskrat) realizes Fuzz (possum) has never been to his house. "'I cannot go to your house,' [Fuzz] said. 'I do not know how to swim.'" After some on-the-ground lessons, Fuzz falls into the water and, following a moment of panic, swims. McCue's happy-go-lucky characters receive a lot of face time. Sight words ease the task for beginning readers.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2011
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-3709-5$15.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Will Hillenbrand.
A gamboling hound bursts through the screen door of a farmhouse, setting mayhem into motion and leaving the exhausted young narrator to make things right. This hugely entertaining cumulative tale in rhyme boasts wonderfully composed, highly narrative mixed-media illustrations that are chock-full of humorous details.
32 pp.
| Viking
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01113-1$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Muskrat Cork, who loves finding things, is especially excited by a shiny green stone he discovers. However, best friend Fuzz, an opossum, likes keeping things, and when Cork mislays his green stone, Fuzz tells him, "finders keepers." An encounter with a chipmunk helps Fuzz see Cork's point of view. This frustrating but familiar aspect of friendship is effectively explored and winningly illustrated.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Josée Masse.
It's love at first sight for mouse Tully after meeting Frill in the pantry. They get even closer after a troublesome cat forces the two into a makeshift shelter under the stove. Eventually the couple escapes to the roof, and underneath the stars Frill consents to be Tully's bride. Nicely textured acrylic and gel illustrations in saturated hues decorate this touching love story.
32 pp.
| Viking
| March, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06286-7$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
While looking for rocks and feathers for their collections, muskrat Cork and opossum Fuzz stumble upon a nest of ducklings. The babies follow Fuzz until Mama Duck returns and herds him into her nest along with the ducklings. Cork comes to the rescue and gains a feather for his collection. Textured illustrations reaffirm the warmth of this unlikely friendship.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| March, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8075-4749-6$15.95
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Margie Moore.
Little Bunny senses something special in the air. His animal friends tell him it's called Easter. At first he doesn't understand what that means, but he eventually finds his own (secular) answer when he notices the joys of spring. Soft pastel-hued watercolors display a pastoral world of animal friends (though Beaver and Woodchuck are indistinguishable but for their tails).
40 pp.
| Peachtree
| September, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-56145-422-8$16.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ted Lewin.
With his dad overseas during World War II, a young boy works to overcome his fears, especially of the horses that pull the neighborhood delivery wagons. Large watercolor illustrations enhance the slight story and highlight the boy's efforts to make his father proud. An appended author's note describes life during the war years and includes archival photos.
32 pp.
| Viking
| February, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06145-7$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Cork the muskrat and Fuzz the possum play many games, but Cork gets frustrated when Fuzz keeps winning. He suggests a swim race without realizing Fuzz can't swim. When Fuzz momentarily disappears, Cork fears the worst, and soon realizes that winning isn't so important as long as he has his buddy. Sharp, playful illustrations display the friends' emotions.
32 pp.
| Carolrhoda
| April, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-57505-749-1$15.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Marsha Gray Carrington.
Uncooperative hen Coriander sets up a nest (complete with umbrella and boom box) in the middle of a road, stopping traffic and enraging drivers. It takes some reverse psychology to send her back to the hen house--although she still gets her way in the end. The repetitive text plods along, but readers will enjoy the many funny details in the cartoonlike illustrations.
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| May, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-2397-5$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Holly Meade.
When Virginnie's hat gets blown into a tree, she throws her boots up to knock it loose. Unbeknownst to her, some swamp critters are attracted by her red-painted toes. Luckily, they're scared away by the plummeting boots and Virginnie's triumphant yell when the hat falls. Watercolor and collage illustrations handily portray the drama unfolding underfoot while Virginnie's back is turned.
32 pp.
| Peachtree
| September, 2006
|
TradeISBN 1-56145-376-5$16.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Constance R. Bergum.
In this sentimental story, Anna wants to help her younger sister dance again after she is struck with polio. Treatment was limited in the early 1900s, but a strong will and some imagination help the sisters laugh together. Sunny watercolor illustrations set the midwestern farm scene.
32 pp.
| Viking
| March, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-670-03602-1$13.99
(3)
K-3
Viking Easy-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
When Cork the muskrat runs into Fuzz the opossum in the woods, they begin to learn about their differences and similarities. Cork likes to eat "veggie stuff" rather than Fuzz's beetles, and Fuzz is afraid of the water Cork lives in. But they both love rocks, and a new friendship is begun throughout four simple, appealingly illustrated chapters.
32 pp.
| Viking
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-670-05907-2$16.99
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Steve Johnson
&
Lou Fancher.
"Momma, will you feed the hen? / Yes or no or maybe? / Scatter corn around the pen. / You and me and baby." Throughout one day, a little boy poses questions, all concerning animals, to his mother. Her carefully thought-out rhymed answers are refreshing (she's no yes-woman), but the sun-dappled paintings of the loving family have a somewhat over-idealized quality.
32 pp.
| Viking
| October, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-670-89245-9$$15.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Stephen T. Johnson.
There's no real story here--a father explores the snow with his baby daughter until it's time for her morning nap. However, there's lots for the very young to enjoy in the book's rhyming verses with title refrain. The affectionate, shadow-heavy illustrations deftly capture the season.