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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.
20 pp.
| Sterling
| August, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4027-7229-0$7.95
(4)
PS
Watch Me Grow series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Little Bear creates--then loses--a mobile she made to welcome a new baby sibling; Little Wolf deals with his anxious feeling of inadequacy as he starts school. Cutesy illustrations accompany these simple stories about youngsters facing new challenges, both of which are resolved neatly and satisfyingly but suffer from saccharine narration. Review covers these Watch Me Grow titles: Little Bear's Baby Brother and Little Wolf Goes to School.
20 pp.
| Sterling
| August, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4027-7228-3$7.95
(4)
PS
Watch Me Grow series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Little Bear creates--then loses--a mobile she made to welcome a new baby sibling; Little Wolf deals with his anxious feeling of inadequacy as he starts school. Cutesy illustrations accompany these simple stories about youngsters facing new challenges, both of which are resolved neatly and satisfyingly but suffer from saccharine narration. Review covers these Watch Me Grow titles: Little Bear's Baby Brother and Little Wolf Goes to School.
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.
| Sterling
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4027-4967-4$14.95
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
On the lookout for his mother, Little Chimp tumbles from a tree. At first worried, he soon makes a day of playing, eating, and swinging in the jungle. All the while, watercolor and acrylic paintings show his cleverly concealed chimp mama looking out for him. The rhymes are a little trite, but the text effectively conveys the theme of growing up.
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.
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.
| 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.
| Putnam
| October, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-399-23899-9$14.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
Humorous watercolors illustrate the story of a cat and a rat who enjoy playing ill-natured tricks on each other (à la Tom and Jerry). When each mistakenly thinks the other has sent him a gift, their acrimonious relationship changes to one of lifelong friendship. Readers will delight in knowing the truth behind the mix-up while the two main characters remain clueless.
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.
40 pp.
| Holt
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8050-6713-2$$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
These bird poems are often clever and amusing, and this book will most likely appeal to children who are just becoming familiar with a variety of birds. The illustrations, featuring slightly anthropomorphized birds, have a certain animated charm.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue
&
Lisa McCue.
A puppy wants a boy for Christmas. After asking a few dogs if they are willing to give him their boys--and getting barked at in response--he finds fifty boys, at a home for orphans. The sentimental story, originally published in 1958 as an easy reader, was issued as a picture book in 1988. The format here is slightly larger, and the realistic, comfortable drawings are a bit brighter.
32 pp.
| Random
| December, 2000
|
LibraryISBN 0-679-99387-8$$11.99
|
PaperISBN 0-679-89387-3$$3.99
(4)
K-3
Step into Reading series.
Illustrated by
Lisa McCue.
This simple story follows two polar bear cubs as their mother teaches them to fish, swim, walk on ice, and run from danger. McCue's watercolor illustrations of the "polar babies" are Hallmark cuddly and sweet, and the icy blues and pinks of her polar landscape are cheerful and soothing. Very young readers will likely appreciate Ring's straightforward, repetitive text.