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99 pp.
| Holiday
| July, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2024-7$16.95
(4)
1-3
Illustrated by
Cynthia Fisher.
Randall (The Hero of Third Grade) is facing his first summer in Rushport, and there's nothing to do. He and his friend Max decide to start a chess club in the park, despite crabby old "Birdman's" interference. A missing parrot subplot muddles the story, and the book never quite takes flight. Black-and-white illustrations are well placed but static. Bib.
72 pp.
| Holiday
| October, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1745-X$$15.95
(4)
1-3
Illustrated by
Cynthia Fisher.
As a new student joining a class in the middle of third grade, Randall needs a way to make friends. He begins sending secret notes and signing them with a rose--a trick he learned by watching the hero in the movie of The Scarlet Pimpernel. While the exposition is frequently labored, much of this school story, illustrated with black-and-white art, rings true.
89 pp.
| Holiday
| December, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1502-3$$15.95
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Cynthia Fisher.
With the help of a new classmate's quirky sense of humor, third-grader Lilley finds the courage she needs to confront a neighborhood bully. Short, action-packed chapters capture the anxieties and emotions all children have when facing up to their fears. Cartoon illustrations add a humorous touch to the story's realistic dialogue.
93 pp.
| Holiday
| November, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1379-9$$15.95
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Cynthia Fisher.
Rosemary loathes rats until she gets acquainted with Cheese, the new third-grade pet. Aiming to save Cheese from the suspected mishandling of a fellow classmate, Rosemary sneaks him home for a night full of adventure and mishap. Although there are no surprises, the chapter book is well paced and satisfying, with plenty of well-wrought illustrations.
48 pp.
| Holiday
| January, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1350-0
(3)
K-3
The neighborhood children are sure that Leroy--the worst kid to ever grow up on their street--must be up to no good when he returns to his old home. They do some detective work and discover that Leroy is now a fire marshall and his suspicious activities are all legitimate. Illustrated with one or two drawings per spread, the book contains enough far-fetched elements of mystery and surprise to keep readers interested.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| November, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1387-X$$15.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Cynthia Fisher.
Gramps won't tell Jack where they're going, but he does provide hints. He says they might see monkeys, or knights, or dinosaurs. At last they reach the library, and Jack realizes this is the source for many adventures. Although the story is a bit didactic, the illustrations provide both humor and clues to the destination, as Jack imagines the things they'll see.