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Merry Christmas, Woozler Written and illustrated by Rhonda Paglia Grades K-2 34 Pages Published 2014 Dec by Rhonda Paglia  Merry Christmas, Woozler, by Rhonda Paglia Author, Illustrator Rhonda Paglia pens a darling Christmas-themed picture book for early readers, Merry Christmas, Woozler. Paglia’s tale follows the adventures of Sofie and her imaginary friend, Meeda, who mirrors Sofie’s in appearance and who lives, well, Meeda actually lives in a mirror. Narrative Though the book is the third in the author’s Meeda and Me Series, I had no problem jumping into this quick read. It was fun to meet Sofie and her family, along with the Woozler, a Grinch-like character who resides in the hollow of an apple tree. Sofie narrates in her first-person voice, so we see the world through her eyes. And what a lovely world it is. The Yuletide plot focuses on the usual family preparations for the holidays. However, the story goes farther by teaching a sweet lesson about gratitude and giving when Sofie and Meeda decide to help the grouchy Woozler celebrate the season.  Activity Page Drawing Illustrations Paglia’s charming drawings are colorful and simply crafted in a style that reminds me of a Grandma Moses painting. The author adds kid-pleasing details: girls have spots of rosy cheeks and dress in Christmas sweaters and funky reindeer slippers that keep me smiling. A string of Christmas lights ringing many pages brings a pleasing, consistent look. I especially like renditions of the grumpy Woozler. Paglia paints him as just enough to be eccentric without being scary to young readers. Unique Features In addition to the gentle lesson of gratitude and friendship, the author includes activity pages at the end of the book to notch up young readers’ engagement and cement their reading experience. Recommendation I highly recommend this delightful tale for children who are beginning readers. While Merry Christmas, Woozler features two girls, the titular character’s monster-tough personality will attract boys, too. Its illustrations and message of love and giving will appeal to everyone, especially during the holidays. However, you’ll enjoy the book any time of year and give it an extra read in December as you and your young readers celebrate the season with Sofie, Meeda and the Woozler. Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Don't miss a book review Click below to deliver this blog to your RSS feed or inbox.  Subscribe to Cat's Connections
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Book Review Dani and the Mall Caper Book 2: Dani P Detective Series by K. Lamb 99 pages Author K. Lamb’s Dani and the Mall Caper, the second of her Dani P. Detective Series, is a magnetic early chapter book, especially appealing to primary-grade girls. It follows the escapades of two young junior detectives who take down the baddies at the local shopping center, despite mishap, mayhem, and misunderstanding.  Dani and the Mall Caper, by K. Lamb Character and Plot: Almost-eight-years-old junior detective Dani P. Spinelli has an uncanny knack for solving mysteries. This overall-wearing, baseball-cap-sporting tomboy is sworn in by Uncle Joe, sheriff of Shady Hollow, as the town’s first junior detective. She’s also a also tech-savvy, 21st-century kid, who carries a smart phone and texts adults when she’s in trouble. Dani’s friend and polar opposite, fashionista Chloe Marshall, follows Dani on undercover assignment to the Shady Hollow Mall for security surveillance. Despite their differences, the characters have an affectionate rapport and Lamb writes energetic, kid-centric dialogue, as in this exchange between the two girls at the mall: “Let’s go check out that dress I saw when we got here,” Chloe suggested. Throughout the story, Lamb adds colorful secondary characters: sneaky Pretzel Guy at Twisters Pretzel Shop; helpful Mr. Gibbons, who manages Gizmo and Gadget store. Such characters bring dimension to the plot as they help or hinder the girls in their quest to keep the mall safe. The author knows how to appeal to her young audience and keeps the action (and chuckles) moving with bursts of child-pleasing ploys that involve shoelaces, remote-control toys, and electric scooters. Format and Illustrations:  Dani and the Mall Caper True to the nature of early chapter books, Lamb keeps her chapters short, about six to seven pages each, to hold children’s attention without taxing their developing reading skills. Each chapter contains a simple graphic header and a single, full-page black-and-white image to reinforce understanding of the chapter’s main idea. There is plenty of white space between lines and paragraphs, so children won’t feel overwhelmed by too much text. Unique Features: Lamb prefaces her book with a note to parents about identifying and unraveling “challenge words” that the author sprinkles throughout the book. She ends with ten comprehension questions and one challenge question to tickle recall; answers are provided on the following page. There is also a puzzle maze. I am most impressed with Lamb’s savvy in reaching her target audience of young readers through dialogue, brisk pacing, and age-appealing plot shifts. Recommendation: I highly recommend Dani P and the Mall Caper for children in grades 1-4. Girls, especially, will fall in love with Dani P. and wish they had a friend like Chloe. Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Click on the ... below to deliver Book Reviews to your RSS feed or inbox. Subscribe to Cat's Connections
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