Genre: Chapter Book

Kalpana Chawla

Born and raised in India, Kalpana Chawla was discouraged from pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering because there were limited career options for women in that field. But she persisted, getting her degree and then moving to the US to obtain other, more advanced education before joining NASA and becoming the first Indian-born woman to go to space. Though she was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she continues to inspire girls in India and around the world to pursue their dreams of spaceflight. 

To one day become an astronaut for NASA, Kalpana knew she would have to leave India. When she was accepted into the University of Texas, she immigrated. Although life was different, she spent her time learning more about aviation, hiking, swimming, and scuba diving. She also met Jean-Pierre and got married. 

Kalpana and four thousand other applicants applied to the NASA Astronaut Corps! Kalpana was one of only nineteen people who were accepted. Although training was difficult, Kalpana continued to reach for the stars. She was able to go into space as a mission specialist. During a mission in space, “some people said that Kalpana had made a mistake in her work.” This didn’t stop her. Later, an investigation found that Kalpana “had not made any mistakes. Sometimes, things don’t work out exactly as we plan. But that doesn’t mean we quit. Kalpana certainly didn’t.”  

While living in India, Kalpana’s teachers and her father did not support her. However, her father was proud of Kalpana’s accomplishments. Kapana’s father gives other parents advice: “Just listen to your daughters, listen to what they have to say. They want to study, let them. Support them. Make sure they have all that they need to simply focus on their education.” 

Unfortunately, Kalpana was on the Columbia space shuttle when it exploded. Even though her life ended early, she is still admirable because of her hard work and dedication. She is an inspiration to many people because she overcame many obstacles. In addition, she reminds us that all people have potential. During an interview, Kalpana said, “When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land but from the solar system. I could extend the whole thing—maybe one day people will go to other galaxies, and then what would we say? Where did we come from? ‘I am a resident of the Milky Way.’”  

She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla Young will inspire readers to reach for their dreams. The book ends with a list of ways readers can be persistent. To encourage a reader’s curiosity about space, add these books to your reading list: A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson, Jada Jones Sky Watcher by Kelly Starling Lyons and Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • In 2003, Kalpana and other astronauts were returning to Earth. “As the Columbia shuttle reentered Earth’s atmosphere, tragedy struck, and the shuttle broke apart. All the astronauts on board, including Kalpana, died that day.”  
  • During the recovery mission, “two official members of the recovery team, Jules F. Mier and Charles Krenek, also lost their lives. . .” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Hunt for the Coliseum Ghost

Geronimo’s nephew Benjamin struggles to learn Roman history. To spark Benjamin’s interest in history, Geronimo decides to take him to Rome. Once there, they discover that the Colosseum is being haunted by a gladiator ghost and none of the tourists want to visit anymore! Geronimo must solve the mystery and rid the site of its ghost. 

The end of the book contains a bonus mini mystery: The Cheese Burglar. Geronimo invites readers to solve the mystery by using clearly defined clues. Can Geronimo clear his name and catch the real thief before it’s too late? 

Geronimo’s hunt for the Colosseum Ghost includes humorous chases, surprises, and appearances from Geronimo’s acquaintances. While much of the action occurs in Rome, the story focuses more on Geronimo’s hunt for the ghost than on Roman history or culture. Even though the purpose of the trip is to teach Benjamin, his role is limited; instead, Geronimo’s secret agent role becomes the focus. 

Each Geronimo Stilton book begins with Geronimo introducing himself and any characters that have appeared in previous books. For example, Creepella sends a letter to Geronimo, sprayed with “Ratell No. 5, my friend Creepella von Cacklefur’s favorite perfume! One thing you should know is that Creepella tells everyone she is my girlfriend, but it’s not true.”  

Readers familiar with Geronimo Stilton and his background will enjoy seeing the reappearance of many characters. Unfortunately, The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost’s large cast list and jumpy plot make the story hard to follow. The story’s flow is also broken up with many inserts that explain Geronimo’s past interaction with other characters, as well as information about Geronimo being a secret agent. The book includes several infographics that give readers more information about Rome’s history, including some of its historic places. Since Geronimo talks about his love of pizza, the book includes directions for making a three-vegetable pizza.  

The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost will appeal to a wide range of readers because Geronimo describes his adventure with humor. Plus, each page has a large, full-color illustration. In addition to the often humorous illustrations, the large text has a graphic element that makes the words look fun, and some keywords are printed in a larger, colored print. 

The Geronimo Stilton Series will capture readers’ attention because Geronimo is a likable protagonist who shows bravery although he often feels fear. His entertaining adventures often leave the reader with a nugget of wisdom. In The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost, Geronimo says, “I thought for a moment about how satisfying it is to share with those we love, whether it’s a special pizza or a love of knowledge. The warm feelings I get inside from helping others are even better than a slice of Mouse Island’s finest cheese!” Readers who love Geronimo Stilton can find more humorous adventures in the Zeus The Mighty Series by Crispin Boyer. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Geronimo goes into the Colosseum, a ghost appears holding a sword. The ghost says, “You will regret taking on the gladiator ghost!” When Geronimo sees him, “I took off as quickly as the wind. You have no idea how fast I can run when I’m being chased by the ghost of a Roman gladiator!” 
  • Geronimo goes into the sewer underneath the Colosseum and discovers a room full of “enormouse spiders!. . .They scampered around while glaring menacingly at me with their beady little eyes.” Geronimo runs as the spiders chase him. “Ahead of me, I saw a small opening in the wall. Desperately, I tried to wiggle my body through it, but my tail got caught. Unfortunately, the spider took advantage of the opportunity and pinched me on the butt.” Geronimo escapes the spiders.  
  • Geronimo and his friends hide so they can watch the gladiator ghost. “Suddenly, the gladiator ghost waved his sword so violently it grazed my helmet and sheared off my whiskers!” 
  • The gladiator hears Geronimo’s squeak and gives chase. Geronimo tries several tricks to try to trap the gladiator. As he runs, the Colosseum’s crowd yells, “Get them! Get them!”  
  • At one point, a lion comes into the Colosseum. Geronimo “didn’t want to become lion food. . . The lion had raised its paw and was about to strike. I prepared for the collision, covering my snout with my paws, but . . . nothing happened.” Geronimo discovers that the lion and crowd are holographic projections. But the ghost was a robot. “I smashed into the robot so hard; it broke into pieces. . . it powered down completely and lay motionless on the ground like a mound of scrap metal.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Geronimo uses many exclamations, such as squeak, holey cheese, moldy mozzarella, twisted rattails, and other silly words. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Danger in Ancient Rome

Ranger is a golden retriever who has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog. In this adventure, Ranger travels to the Colosseum in ancient Rome, where there are gladiator fights and wild animal hunts! Ranger befriends the young boy Marcus after saving him from a runaway lion. Ranger also befriends Quintus, a new volunteer gladiator who must prove himself in the arena. Can Ranger help Marcus and Quintus escape the brutal world of the Colosseum?  

Told in third-person, Danger in Ancient Rome includes the inner thoughts of Ranger, Marcus, and Quintus. This increases the suspense by focusing on both Marcus’s and Quintus’s fear of being killed. Their point of view also allows them to explain Ancient Rome’s beliefs and practices. Since Marcus is young, he explains his master’s cruelty in kid-friendly language that is suspenseful, but not terrifying.   

Adding Ranger’s point of view allows the reader to understand Ranger’s thought process, which often includes comparing a situation in Rome to something similar in his family’s situation. For example, when trying to save a boy from a burning building, Ranger barks but doesn’t leave the building. The dog thinks, “He never had to bark this long practicing with Dad and Luke. When Ranger found the person and barked, Luke came.”  

Life in Ancient Rome was difficult and slaves were often treated cruelly. The descriptions are not graphic or gory, however, sensitive readers may get upset when Quintus is forced to fight in the Colosseum. The fight ends in a realistic but surprising way. Ranger and Marcus help Quintus fight and the emperor frees Marcus, Quintus, and the gladiator. A servant tells them, “But today, you and your dog gave [the audience] the one thing they love more than blood. . . You gave them a story. One they will tell for a long time to come.”  

The Ranger in Time Series format will appeal to young readers. The book has large text and full-page, black-and-white illustrations that appear approximately every six pages. The author’s note includes information about the historical people and places in the book, including information about Pompeii. Plus, there is a list of resources for readers who want to learn more about Ancient Rome.  

Danger in Ancient Rome is a suspenseful story that allows readers to learn about Ancient Rome. The story focuses on Marcus, a servant raised in a gladiator school. Since he has watched gladiators train, he is very knowledgeable and helps Quintus survive his first battle. The heartwarming conclusion shows Marcus and Quintus being given their freedom and becoming a family. Ranger uses his ability to smell to help others. Readers who want to learn more about amazing dogs should read The Dog That Dug for Dinosaurs by Shirley Raye Redmond, Dog Heroes by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce, and Sniffer Dogs by Nancy F. Castaldo. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The emperor Domitian “had a reputation for being cruel. Some people even said he had killed the former emperor, Titus, his own brother.”  
  • A lion jumps on Marcus. “The lion knocked him to the stone floor. He hit his head on the edge of a stair. . . [the lion] pinned Marcus down with a fat, heavy paw.” Ranger helps and Marcus is uninjured. A one-page illustration shows the lion pinning Marcus to the ground. 
  • When help arrives for Marcus, “Ranger jumped to the side just as the animal trainer jabbed the lion with his stick. The huge cat roared and reared to face him. Then, four more men came running with sticks and swords and nets. They snared the big cat and tied it tight with thick ropes.” 
  • When a trainee disappears, Marcus’ owner tells Marcus, “You will find him. And you will bring him back. Or you will pay with your life.” Later, Marcus thinks that his owner “could have had him beaten or even killed for failing to do his job.”  
  • Ranger goes into a fire to rescue a boy. When he finds the boy, Ranger barks until Marcus comes to help. “Pieces of ceiling fell in burning scraps around them. Marcus couldn’t see anyone. . . He could only feel the dog under his hand, leading him.”  
  • Quintus is a “retiarius,” which means he is “the lowest of all the gladiators, that he almost always fought a heavily armored sector in the arena.” A retiarius usually dies in battle. 
  • Quintus, a gladiator in training, tries to run away. When his owner finds him, he shackles Quintus “with a thick iron cuff around his ankle and locked him into the barracks. . .” 
  • Men who committed crimes are “tied together with ropes and wearing nothing but rags.” They are executed, but their deaths are not described. 
  • Quintus is forced to fight Cleto, who is much bigger than him. During the fight, “Cleto slashed with his sword. Quintus fell back, clutching his upper arm. . . Marcus could see blood seeping from between [Quintus’] fingers.” 
  • During the fight, Quintus throws a net over Cleto. “Cleto cut through the net with his sword. He slashed at Quintus’s arm again, and this time, a bigger gash opened, spilling blood into the sand.” 
  • Ranger jumps in to help Quintus. Ranger “tackled Cleto, the way he tackled Luke when they were roughhousing in the yard at home. . . Even through the dark holes of the metal mask, Ranger could sense the anger in [Cletos’s] eyes.” 
  • Quintus again puts the net over Cleto. “. . . Cleto freed himself from the net. He struggled to untangle his sword and shield. . . [Cleto] rushed at Quintus, and slammed his body against him.” The emperor stops the fight and allows everyone to live. The fight is described over ten pages. There are two illustrations, but they do not show any of the wounds or actual fighting. 
  • After the fight, Quintus’s “face is smeared with sweat and drying blood.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Ranger can time travel. When it is time for him to travel, a first-aid kit begins to hum. When Ranger picks up the first-aid kit, “Bright light spilled from the cracks in the old metal box. . . The light beamed brighter and brighter. . . Ranger’s skin prickled under his fur.” When he opens his eyes, he’s in Rome.

Spiritual Content  

  • When Quintus sees animals being led into the Colosseum, he whispers, “May the gods have mercy.” 
  • When Quintus fights in the Colosseum, Marcus “clenched his hands together and prayed to the gods for help.” 

Ancient Rome and Pompeii

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #13: Vacation Under the Volcano, they had lots of questions. How did ancient Rome become an empire? Where did ancient Romans go for fun? And what happened to the Roman town of Pompeii? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.  

Jack and Annie go to Pompeii and experience the volcanic eruption that buried the city. Ancient Rome and Pompeii gives more information about the history of Rome and introduces many of the historical figures of the time, including Julius Caesar, Octavian, and Cleopatra. In addition, the book discusses some of the people who tried to fight the Romans. By reading Ancient Rome and Pompeii, readers will learn more about the politics and culture of the Romans and how Ancient Rome impacted our world.  

This nonfiction story begins with the myth of Romulus and Remus and how Romulus founded Rome. While Vacation Under the Volcano only shows Pompeii, Ancient Rome, and Pompeii go into great detail about the Roman empire, the gladiators, the soldiers, and the construction of Rome. Curious readers will find The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker full of interesting facts that are new. 

Ancient Rome and Pompeii explain how the Romans believed in many gods. It also explains that many of the Romans’ beliefs are now considered myths. Emperor Caligula, who was eventually killed by his guards, believed he was the god Jupiter. Rome’s history is violent, and the book discusses many of the political leaders who were killed or committed suicide. The language is kid-friendly, but the deaths may upset or confuse some readers.  

Ancient Rome and Pompeii is packed with information that is easily digestible for young readers. Many tools help a young audience follow along. For example, each chapter is broken into small sections with historical information, and the illustrations break up the text into much smaller pieces. Pictures of Jack and Annie appear along the margins, giving readers more information and defining vocabulary words. The story also gives examples that will help readers understand concepts. For example, the Roman army had to march twenty miles carrying sixty pounds. The illustration shows Jack carrying a golden retriever with the caption: “Lugging sixty pounds around is like carrying a golden retriever on your back.” 

The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker presents nonfiction information in a way that will engage young readers. The book is perfect for readers interested in research because the author includes the best way to research Rome and more resources such as books, videos, and museums. Filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to learn more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Learn more about ancient history by reading Through Time: Pompeii by Richard Platt and The Curse of King Tut’s Mummy by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • The god Mars had two sons, Romulus and Remus. They built a city, and then “a fight broke out over who would be in charge of the city. Romulus killed Remus.” 
  • The Romans went to the “Colosseum to see bloody sports—sports where people and animals died terrible deaths.” 
  • Gladiators were prisoners and slaves. “Some were freemen who got paid for fighting. Gladiators usually fought to the death. But if a fearless fighter was wounded, the emperor could spare his life.” There is a picture of two gladiators with their weapons.  
  • Centurions trained Roman soldiers. “The training was strict and brutal. Punishment included beatings and even death.”  
  • A section describes the “Roman War Machines,” including catapults, ballistae, and flamethrowers. “Soldiers loaded [the ballista] with rocks or pointed metal bolts that shot out at about 115 miles an hour! Anything in their path was immediately destroyed.” 
  • Carthage and Rome fought in the Punic Wars. “Years after Hannibal’s death, the Romans attacked Carthage and burned it to the ground.”  
  • “Julius Caesar’s army began a siege on Avaricum, a walled town in Gaul . . . Roman soldiers clambered over the walls . . . Death and destruction rained down upon the Gauls.” 
  • Julius Caesar ruled Rome. “He was such a strong leader that many feared he wanted to be crowned king. . . Several senators, including his friends Brutus and Cassius, planned to kill him. . . As Caesar sat down, the men grabbed him around the neck and began stabbing him. They stabbed him twenty-three times.”  
  • The book lists many people who committed suicide, including Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Some say Cleopatra died because of a poisonous snake bite.  
  • Queen Boudicca from Iceni refused to pay Roman taxes. “As punishment, the Romans tied Boudicca and her daughters to posts and beat them.” In retribution, Queen Boudicca went on a rampage “through the countryside. Thousands of people died.” When Queen Boudicca realized she would lose, she “drank poison rather than allow herself to be captured by her enemies.”  
  • The Roman emperor Caligula “behaved very badly when he was emperor. He killed anyone he wanted to.” Eventually, “his own guards murdered him.”  
  • Emperor Nero felt his mother was too powerful, “so he decided to poison her.” The poison did not work, and Nero tried to kill her several more times. “Finally, Nero ordered his soldiers to stab her to death. This time Nero succeeded!” 
  • People hated Nero. “Knowing that he would lose his thrown, Nero committed suicide.”  
  • A volcano destroyed Pompeii. “People were knocked down and lay where they fell.” The volcano’s explosion is described over two pages.
     

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • The god Mars had two sons, Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a shepherd. Legend says Romulus founded Rome.  
  • Since they worshiped many gods, the Romans built the Pantheon and dedicated it to all the gods. 
  • Caligula “demanded that everyone bow down to his horse. Finally, Caligula built a temple for himself. He thought he was the god Jupiter.” 
  • Every Roman street had shrines for their gods. The book lists the Roman gods, including Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Ceres, Neptune, Venus, Diana, Vesta, Mercury, and Vulcan. 

Vacation Under the Volcano

Who wants to vacation next to a volcano? Jack and Annie are about to find out when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of the Roman Empire. They arrive in Pompeii and discover they’ve arrived on the day the city is going to be destroyed. Now Jack and Annie must race against time to find an ancient library before it is buried in ash!  

Suspense is created because Annie worries about being in Pompeii and thinks it “feels wrong.” In addition, the ground shakes and rumbles, and then Jack and Annie meet a soothsayer who warns them that the end is near. When the kids finally find the library, they don’t realize it at first because they are looking for modern books, while the Roman books are written on scrolls. Ultimately, Hercules saves the kids, and they return home safely. 

During their adventure, Jack and Annie learn about Roman culture. Jack uses a book to define unfamiliar words and look up facts about Pompeii, which allows the reader to learn more about its history. This information appears in a different font to give readers a visual cue that the information is factual. The back of the book contains more information about Roman culture. Readers who want to learn even more about Pompeii should read The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Ancient Rome and Pompeii. 

When reading Vacation Under the Volcano, children will learn about Roman culture and the destruction of Pompeii. Unfortunately, the siblings only have brief interactions with other people. Most of their knowledge comes from observation, so readers do not understand how Romans lived.  

Proficient readers ready for chapter books will enjoy jumping back into time with Jack and Annie. The story is accessible to young readers because of the large text and black-and-white illustrations every two to seven pages. The large, detailed illustrations help bring the characters to life and show how the Romans dressed and constructed their buildings. Even though Vacation Under the Volcano is part of a series, the books do not need to be read to be enjoyed.  

Vacation Under the Volcano gives readers a brief glimpse of what Pompeii was like before a volcano destroyed the city. This exciting book creates suspense using kid-friendly descriptions of the erupting volcano. In the conclusion, Jack and Annie are helped by a surprising hero—Hercules! For another exciting time travel adventure into ancient Rome, jump into the Imagination Station and read Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker. Also, be sure to check out Wendy Mass’s The Time Jumpers Series, which also takes readers on exciting adventures in the past.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Jack and Annie see gladiators. “The warriors’ feet [were] chained together, and guards walked with them.” Jack looks up information in a book: “They were forced to fight each other or wild animals like lions or bears.”
  • Jack and Annie feel the beginning of the volcanic eruption. “Everything was shaking and crashing down around them—pots, plants, the mermaid fountain. Water from the goldfish pond sloshed onto the patio.” 
  • When pumice, ash, and burning rock began falling, Jack and Annie used cushions to protect their heads. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When Annie gets to Rome, she wants to go home immediately. Jack asks her, “Are you nuts?” 

Supernatural 

  • The magic tree house can travel through time. When Jack and Annie travel, the tree house “spun faster and faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.” When they arrive in Pompeii, they are dressed appropriately for the time period. 
  • One of the characters is a soothsayer “who could see into the future and warn others about what they saw.”  
  • Hercules helps Jack and Annie escape Pompeii. After the siblings return, they discuss whether Hercules is real or mythical. Annie says, “Hercules is a myth to people in this time. But in Roman times, lots of people believed he was real. So since we were in Roman times, he was real to us.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • Jack and Annie see a Roman temple. Romans “believed that many gods and goddesses ruled the world. This is the Temple of Jupiter, their chief god. In this temple, they prayed to Jupiter and offered him gifts. 

A Trip to the Country for Marvin & James

Marvin the beetle and his best friend James Pompaday, a human, embark on yet another delightful adventure in this heartwarming fifth book. In this installment, James invites Marvin and Marvin’s cousin, Elaine, to accompany him on a captivating journey to visit his father in the serene countryside. Along their enchanting expedition, they come across a charming train, playful yo-yos, graceful sailboats, and even find themselves in a thrilling, albeit slightly perilous, encounter with a toy sailboat and a frog. Join Marvin, James, and Elaine as they navigate through a series of delightful escapades, making cherished memories along the way. 

This heartwarming story takes readers on a journey filled with excitement and wonder. Through simplistic yet descriptive storytelling, readers can immerse themselves in the world of Marvin and his friends. The easy-to-read writing style makes this book accessible to readers of all ages, including young children who are transitioning to chapter books. Additionally, the green, white, and black illustrations that accompany the text enhance the visual experience, allowing readers to fully visualize the enchanting scenes and characters. While the book can be read as a standalone piece, it is also a part of The Masterpiece Series. This means that readers can enjoy it independently, without having read the other books in the series. However, for those who have followed the series, this book offers a deeper understanding of the overall storyline and the characters involved. 

Marvin, a small and tenacious beetle with a shiny black exoskeleton and delicate wings, serves as a remarkable and inspiring example to readers of all ages. Through his courageous actions and unwavering determination, Marvin shows us that true character and strength of will can surpass any limitations imposed by physical attributes. His unwavering spirit and resilience in the face of challenges inspire readers to embrace their inner strength and strive for greatness, proving that size and appearance are not the sole measures of one’s worth. 

The adorable story teaches readers an important lesson about the value of trusting your friends and the importance of persevering through various obstacles. It emphasizes the idea that when we encounter challenges, it is our friendships that give us the strength and support to overcome them. Additionally, the story encourages readers to never give up, even when facing difficult situations, as it is through persistence that we can achieve our goals and find success. With its delightful escapades and cherished memories, A Trip to the Country for Marvin & James is sure to captivate readers and leave them longing for more adventures with Marvin, James, and Elaine. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • As Marvin, Elaine, and James take off for their trip to the countryside, Elaine becomes nervous about being in James’ pocket. She is quick to remind Marvin to be careful while inside it. Elaine warned, “Be careful you don’t fall out or you will be smashed flat as a pancake.” 
  • When riding a toy sailboat, Marvin and Elaine get stuck in tall grass on a small stream. While stuck they encounter a frog who seems determined to have them for lunch. “They tumble into the water just as the hungry frog tries to eat them again.”  
  • While Marvin and Elaine have escaped the frog, they now face the issue of being in the water. Elaine cannot swim and relies on Marvin to save her. “She crawls on Marvin’s head again and now Marvin nearly drowns. Finally, he gets Elaine to wrap her front legs over his shoulders. Now he can swim.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Lost in the Storm

Welcome to Dolphin Island. Hurricane season is here, and Abby can’t help but worry about the danger it may bring to the resort and the dolphins who live in the cove. If the wind gets any stronger and the waves grow any wilder, everyone might have to evacuate! Hurricane season doesn’t stop Abby from introducing a new guest named Delaney to her dolphin friends. But when the storm hits, and Delaney’s dad gets stranded in open water, it’s up to Abby and her dolphin friends to lead the rescue! 

Abby befriends Delaney, but the friendship isn’t healthy. For example, Delaney’s father goes out in a kayak even though a hurricane is coming. Delaney and Abby see him leave. Abby wants to tell her parents but doesn’t because Delaney says her dad “would be really mad if he thinks we tattled.” Soon, the girls discover that the stormy weather knocked Delaney’s father out of the kayak, and he’s in the open ocean! After he is rescued, he apologizes and acknowledges, “I put myself in danger, and worse, I put all of you in danger, too.”  

Abby wants to be a good friend but is too willing to go along with others. As a result, Abby keeps secrets from her parents. But Delaney’s secret endangers Delaney’s father as well as the people who have to rescue him. Later, one of the workers at the resort scolds Abby by saying, “It’s not tattling if someone’s life could be in danger.” Abby promises that she learned her lesson and the issue is quickly forgotten. 

Lost in the Storm’s plot is easy to understand, but readers may struggle with the advanced vocabulary. Black-and-white illustrations appear every eight to nine pages. The illustrations focus on the characters and give the reader a visual of the island’s habitat.  

Lost in the Storm builds suspense by speculating about the hurricane hitting the island. In addition, when the storm gets near, Abby’s parrot flies out of its cage, causing Abby and her friends to search for the bird. However, the plot lacks excitement, the characters are underdeveloped, and there is no life lesson. Young ocean-loving readers should leave Lost in the Storm on the shelf. Readers can find a more exciting story that teaches a positive lesson by reading the Purrmaids Series by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Delaney sneaks onto a boat that is searching for her father. When the adults see something in the water, Delaney tries to leave the boat’s cabin, but Abby stands in front of her. Delaney was “shoving at her.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • An adult says, “I’m sorry I acted like a jerk.” 
  • A parrot uses “Great Ceasar’s ghost” as an exclamation once. 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Prank You Very Much

It’s time for Seaweed Elementary’s annual talent show, but Squizzard can’t decide on an act. He’s too distracted by the fact that it’s also prank week! He has some fin-tastically silly pranks planned, but his friends have a few tricks up their sleeves and soon the joke is on Squizzard. Can he survive the prank war, or will he lose his crown as the reigning class clown fish once and for all? 

Prank You Very Much jumps back and forth between Squizzard and his classmates. Before the students begin their pranks, they come up with a set of rules that include no hurt feelings, no bodily harm, no breaking anything, no making fun, and to always be creative. Most of the pranks are completely harmless. For example, one prank is turning a glass full of water upside down, so it spills when someone picks it up. The book includes helpful step-by-step directions on how to complete this prank.  

Most of the pranks are on Squizzard, because Squizzard glued his classmates to their seats in the auditorium during an assembly and they’re out to get revenge! Squizzard’s classmates get the last laugh when he falls asleep in class, and they draw all over his face. To tie everything together, the final page of the book explains how ocean creatures can play tricks to hide from predators.  

Prank You Very Much will appeal to young readers because of its fun design. As a graphic novel, it has easy-to-follow paneling and artwork that support text comprehension. Squizzard’s ocean world comes to life in bright colors and cartoonish illustrations that show exaggerated facial expressions to help readers understand the characters’ emotions. The story is broken up into six chapters and each page has two or more simple sentences. Prank You Very Much is perfect for beginning and newly independent readers aged six to eight. 

Many readers will relate to Squizzard’s frustration when he can’t come up with a talent for the talent show. But in the end, Squizzard doesn’t do a typical performance for his talent. Instead, Squizzard has his classmates all make a pet rock for his teacher, Mr. Cuker. As each student presents a pet rock to Mr. Cuker, they say one thing that they appreciate about him, such as “He tells us stories. And laughs at our jokes. He has a great laugh.” Squizzard’s talent reinforces the importance of appreciating the people in your life. 

The Squidding Around Series can be read in any order because each book tells an individual story. Readers will love the fun artwork as well as the humor, while adults will appreciate the positive messages. Plus, each book teaches students about the ocean. Prank You Very Much includes fun facts about sea creatures such as sea cucumbers and sea horses. Introduce your young reader to the joy of reading by giving them the entire Squidding Around Series. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper

Jasmine’s best friend, Linnie, has just gotten a puppy. And now Jasmine wants a pet of her own—a flamingo! So, when her grandmother sends Jasmine a daruma wishing doll as a surprise gift, Jasmine colors in one doll eye and wishes for a flamingo to keep.

Next, Jasmine tries to convince her parents that she’s responsible enough for a pet. She cleans her room, brushes her teeth, takes out the trash, and, most importantly, researches everything she can about flamingos. But soon it becomes clear that her wish may never come true! Will Jasmine’s Daruma doll ever get its second eye? Luckily her big sister, Sophie, has a surprise planned that fulfills Jasmine’s wish beyond her wildest dreams. 

When Jasmine, the spunky protagonist, receives a daruma—a wishing doll—she thinks her wish of a pet flamingo might come true. But Jasmine’s grandmother tells her that in order to make the wish come true, Jasmine has to work hard. At first, Jasmine is disappointed, but then she realizes that she has worked hard to make other wishes come true. For example, “For our school talent show, I wished to have a great talent to show off and I learned how to play the taiko drum.”  

After this realization, Jasmine does extra chores to show that she is responsible enough for a pet and researches how to care for a flamingo. However, she soon realizes that her backyard wouldn’t make a good home for a flamingo. In the end, Jasmine’s mom helps her finds a unique solution that allows Jasmine’s wish to come true. While Jasmine doesn’t get a pet flamingo, her sister gives her a sweet surprise that gives the story a realistic and happy conclusion.   

The story is accessible to fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plots. Black and white illustrations appear every two to three pages and show Jasmine’s daily life. Many of the illustrations show the characters’ facial expressions, which will help readers understand the characters’ emotions. For more fun, the back of the book has directions on how to make a Daruma doll craft. Even though Jasmine Toguchi is a series, the books do not need to be read in order because each book focuses on a new storyline.   

Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper will appeal to a wide range of readers because of the relatable conflicts and likable characters. While the story revolves around Jasmine’s wish to have a pet flamingo, the story also showcases Jasmine’s traditional two-parent family. Jasmine’s family has healthy communication skills and positive interactions. Readers will also learn the importance of having a “thinking spot” where they can go and quietly sit as they try to sort through their emotions. Overall, Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper teaches positive life lessons with an engaging story that young readers will love. If you’d like to meet another kind protagonist with an interesting story to tell, check out the Diary of an Ice Princess Series by Christina Soontornvat.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Jasmine’s grandmother sends wishing dolls called darumas. Mom explains, “You make a wish and color in one eye. When the wish is fulfilled, you color in the other eye.”  
  • Jasmine wishes for a flamingo and then wonders, “Was the daruma like Santa Claus, and he would bring the flamingo to me down the chimney? Or was it magical like wishing on birthday candles?” 

Spiritual Content  

  • The back of the book explains the tradition behind the daruma doll. “The daruma doll is based on a real person, a Buddhist monk who sat in meditation for many years. It is his perseverance that is embodied in the daruma doll.” 

The Secret Room

Now that the ghost, Kaz, can finally pass through walls, he is excited to explore Beckett’s secret room at the back of the library. In it he finds an envelope, some empty soda bottles, and a ghostly doll. Are any of these things connected? Kaz wants to return the doll to the ghost it belonged to, but that may be harder than he thinks. 

With the help of his living friend Claire, Kaz and the other ghosts travel to various locations, looking for an older person who may remember more about the house that Kaz haunts. During their journey, the story often refers to ghosts who have been blown away in the wind. In previous books, Kaz and his siblings were blown away from their family. In The Secret Room, they are finally reunited with their grandparents, but the reunion doesn’t last long because Kaz and his siblings return to the haunted library so they can “be with people their own age.” 

The Secret Room revolves around the mystery of who built the secret room and why. To talk to other people who might know more about the house, Claire interviews several people. However, to do this, Claire lies to her mother. Secrecy seems to permeate Claire’s family — both Claire’s mother and grandmother can see ghosts, however, they never talk about their experiences. In the end, the family members finally share their ghost-seeing experiences, which allows them to understand each other better. 

Because of the ghost terms and lack of background information, readers who want to jump into The Haunted Library Series should begin with book one, The Haunted Library. The story includes black-and-white illustrations that will help readers visualize the characters and actions. However, the complicated plot includes a huge cast of characters that may be overwhelming for some readers. While Kaz and the other ghosts are good friends to Claire, Claire’s mom discusses a childhood experience with a mean ghost who caused quite a scare.  

Readers who want a ghost story with a simple plot will enjoy A Good Night for Ghosts by Mary Pope Osborne and The Blue Ghost and The Green Ghost by Marion Dane Bauer. Plus, curious readers can learn more about real haunted places and famous ghosts by reading Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Ghost by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce.  

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • When Claire’s mom was a child, she could see ghosts. She lived in a house with a ghost named Annie. Claire’s mom says, Annie “was a nasty, nasty ghost.” When Molly, another ghost, made Annie angry, “she pushed Molly through the wall. I ran outside to try to help Molly, but there was nothing I could do. I never saw her again.” The wind blew Molly away.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • The story includes several ghosts who can shrink in size and travel through walls.  
  • Kaz discovers that he has the power to transform objects that are solid objects into ghostly objects. “A ghost is either born with the ability to transform an object or he’s not.” 
  • To transform solid objects into ghostly objects, Kaz has to “touch the very tip of your thumb and your second finger to whatever it is you want to transform, and then quickly pull your hand away.”  

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Halloween Goblin

A creepy goblin is scaring people all over town! Bogey Bill — whose favorite holiday is Halloween — likes to magically change normal things into spooky things. Violet, Leon, and their fairy friend Sprite need to send Bogey Bill back to the Otherworld. But their task gets harder when a pixie named Buttercup casts an annoying hiccup spell on the whole school! Can Violet, Leon, and Sprite trick TWO pixies at once?  

Bogey Bill is a scary-looking goblin who likes to scare people. Most of the time, his mischief doesn’t cause any harm. However, when Violet is playing with a little girl, Bogey Bill turns the girl’s stuffed rabbit into a snake! While Bogey Bill isn’t a nice goblin, the appearance of a cute garden gnome named Robert B. Gnome balances out the story. 

The Halloween Goblin has a fast-paced plot that revolves around Sprite, Violet, and Leon trying to stop Bogey Bill’s magic. Sprite and the kids aren’t afraid to ask for help when needed, and the addition of Queen Mab and Robert B. Gnome lets the reader know that not all fairies are the same—some are helpful while others cause problems. The interesting mix of fairies adds to the story’s suspense and allows for some fun fairy magic. 

Newly independent readers who love fairies and magic will enjoy The Halloween Goblin. The story uses easy-to-read text and a fast-paced plot with lots of fairy mischief. Black and white illustrations appear on every page, which will help readers visualize the characters and understand the plot.  

Sprite, Violet, and Leon work together to find creative ways to send the fairies back to the Otherworld. Even though trickery is involved in sending the fairies home, none of the tricks are mean. While most of the fairies are cute, Bogey Bill’s appearance and mean pranks might frighten some readers. “Bogey Bill is a very scary-looking fairy! He had yellow eyes and sharp teeth. His skin was gray.” However, Bogey Bill’s bad attitude will make the story’s conclusion a little bit sweeter.  

The Halloween Goblin ends with Finn the Wizard running for mayor. Sprite warns, “If we don’t stop him, he’s going to be mayor of your whole town!” This cliffhanger will leave readers eager to read the next book in the series. However, readers looking for fairy magic with a less scary goblin can read Katie the Kitten Fairy by Daisy Meadows. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Bogey Bill is a goblin that “has two main powers. He can make people feel afraid for no reason. And he can turn normal things into scary things.” 
  • Fairies cause havoc in Violet’s world. For example, a fairy changes the picture on Violet’s shirt. “Instead of a purple flower, there was a picture of a purple monster’s face on Violet’s shirt! The face had long fangs. It had bulging eyes.” 
  • To change Violet’s shirt back to normal, her cousin Leon says Bogey Bill’s name backward three times. After Leon says, “Llib Yegob! Llib Yegob! Llib Yegob!” The shirt “sparkled. Then it turned back into a purple flower.” 
  • While at school, Bogey Bill casts a spell on the food. “Spaghetti was crawling around everyone’s plates, like worms! The kids and the lunch aides started to scream.” When the kids in the cafeteria say Bogey Bill’s name backward, the food goes to normal. 
  • To make the kids forget about the spaghetti moving, “Sprite blew pixie dust into the room. . . The glittering dust swirled around the lunchroom. The kids and aides blinked. Then the kids began eating their spaghetti like nothing happened.” 
  • Bogey Bill changes a little girl’s stuffed bunny rabbit into a snake. The girl begins to cry and then Violet reverses the spell. 
  • To talk to Queen Mab, Sprite takes out a stone. “The stone glowed brightly . . . Then a picture began to appear. It was Queen Mab.” Queen Mab gives advice on how to trick the fairies and send them back to their world. 
  • Sprite uses pixie dust to transport Violet and Leon. “Sprite threw the pixie dust on them. . . [Violet’s] body tingled as the garden disappeared.”  
  • When Bogey Bill is tricked into saying something “sweet,” he is magically sent back to his world. 
  • Buttercup, a pixie, gives Violet hiccups that won’t stop until someone frightens her. 
  • When Buttercup is tricked, “a whooshing sound filled the air. A tunnel of wind appeared out of nowhere. The wind sucked Buttercup inside . . . Buttercup and the tunnel vanished.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin

Peggy the Pug’s family are getting ready for Halloween, but Peggy’s human friend Chloe is too scared of monsters to look forward to trick-or-treating. Peggy can’t let her best friend miss out on all the Halloween fun. Peggy will have to conquer her own fears and go trick-or-treating with Chloe to keep her safe. But first, she needs the perfect costume . . .  

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin explores the topic of fear by describing different reasons people and dogs are afraid. Most of the characters overcome a fear—Chloe fears public speaking, Finn fears spiders, Ruby fears heights, and a dog fears that no one will want to play with him. The most prominent fear is Chloe’s fear of public speaking. When Chloe is afraid to speak in public, her dad gives her advice. He tells her that when he has to give a presentation, he pretends “everyone in the audience is in their underwear.” Even though the advice is unconventional, it helps Chloe overcome her fear. Seeing the humans overcome their fears gives Peggy the courage to overcome her own fear of the “spookiest night of the year.” 

Young readers will enjoy the story because of the relatable characters—both human and pug—as well as the familiar conflict. The simple plot is easy to follow and the large text is broken up with black-and-white illustrations that appear every two to three pages. The author is British, and some readers may have a difficult time understanding the British terms. However, many readers will be able to use context clues to figure out the British words. For example, instead of using a leash, the author uses lead. Even though the book is part of a series, the books do not need to be read in any particular order.  

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin will appeal to many readers because of the adorable pug who appears on the cover of the book. However, the story isn’t just cute—it also has several positive aspects. Peggy’s traditional family is portrayed positively even though they have typical sibling conflicts. Peggy’s and the kids’ conflicts reflect each other, which makes the story’s lesson clear: it’s important to overcome your fears.  

If you’d like to read another book that shows someone overcoming fear, check out Princess Posey and the Next-Door Dog by Stephanie Greene and The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low. However, if you’re ready to brew up a little Halloween fun, fly to the library to check out a copy of Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy and Eva Sees a Ghost by Rebecca Elliot. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Chloe writes a story about a dog who “fell into a lake when its owner wasn’t paying attention and got gobbled up by a hideous swamp monster. Then it came back as a vicious ghost dog to haunt the old house where it had lived.” 
  • Zach, a friend of the kids, dresses up as a ghost. Peggy thinks he is really a ghost and “she growled and sank her teeth into its billowing white form.” The sheet falls off and Zach is uninjured. 
  • Tiger, a grumpy cat, tries to scare Peggy. Tiger points out a frog and says, “it used to be a cute little cocker spaniel named Maisy. She crossed paths with a witch on Halloween night, and her tail ended up in a cauldron. The witch didn’t need her after that so—abracadabra, hey presto—the witch turned Maisy into a toad.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • When Chloe has a sleepover, her brother says, “I don’t want to hang out with you and your stupid friends, anyway.” 
  • When Chloe is afraid of a ghost, her brother says, “Don’t be stupid. There’s no such thing as ghosts.” 
  • Chloe’s brother teases her, saying, “your face will scare people just as it is.” 
  • When Chloe presents her ghost story, it scares a boy, who runs out of the room crying. Chloe’s sister says the boy is a “baby.” 
  • Tiger, a grumpy cat, calls Peggy “Pig Tail.”

Supernatural 

  • A girl and her dog dress up as demon cheerleaders. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Purr-fect Pumpkin

In Kittentail Cove, Paw-loween is a super fun holiday! Shelly, Coral, and Angel can’t wait to decorate jelly-o-lanterns, dress up in costumes, and go to the Paw-loween festival! But Coral is a little nervous about the Haunted House. Can this scaredy cat learn to be brave so she can see her purr-fect pumpkin on display in the house? Maybe with a little help from her friends! 

Paw-loween mixes the fun of Halloween with the perfect amount of spook factor. Young readers will enjoy the adorably cute costumes the purrmaids wear as well as the jack-o’-lanterns. Even though Coral is afraid to go into the haunted house, she joins her friends as they travel through the house. Along the way, Coral is sure a mummy is following her—and she’s right. In the end, the mummy is revealed to be Coral’s teacher, who is trying to return Coral’s lost gem.  

Being afraid of the haunted house is not Coral’s only conflict. She also feels left out when Shelly and Angel dress up as squids while Coral dresses as a princess. Several times, Shelly and Angel have a conversation without including Coral. While her friends aren’t trying to be mean, Coral still feels bad that she is not included. While this conflict isn’t resolved, the story acknowledges that sometimes friends unknowingly hurt each other’s feelings.   

A Purr-fect Pumpkin is purr-fect for readers because of the relatable conflict. The story has easy vocabulary, short sentences, and cute black-and-white illustrations approximately every three pages. Even though A Purr-fect Pumpkin is part of a series, the stories do not have to be read in order to be understood. Readers who are eager to celebrate Halloween will find A Purr-fect Pumpkin a delightful blend of Halloween cuteness and spookiness. Readers who love mermaids and want more underwater adventures should swim to the nearest library and check out the Mermaids To The Rescue Series by Lisa Ann Scott. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Trouble at School for Marvin & James

Trouble at School for Marvin & James is an enchanting narrative that takes readers on a captivating journey with the unlikely duo of Marvin, a small, intelligent beetle, and his human best friend, James Pompaday. The story unfolds as Marvin and James embark on a typical day at school, filled with learning, fun, and the occasional challenge. 

The day starts with them heading to school, both equally excited for the day’s activities. One highlight of their day is art class, where they indulge in the joy of creativity. Together, they work on creating a vivid picture of a butterfly. Their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for art is evident in their teamwork. 

However, their day takes a sudden turn when lunch arrives. Disaster strikes in the most unexpected way when Marvin, with his tiny size and unsuspecting nature, finds himself trapped inside a cafeteria trash can. The story then spirals into a thrilling adventure as Marvin tries to navigate this predicament. Ultimately, Marvin finds his way back to James. 

Without a doubt, readers will find themselves falling more deeply in love with the exquisitely crafted characters, Marvin and James. Their enduring friendship, which is tested and proven throughout the narrative, is the heart and soul of the story. Despite the challenges they face, their unwavering determination to reunite serves as a testament to their unshakable bond, beautifully illustrating the true essence of friendship. Their story is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a heartwarming exploration of love, loyalty, and the lengths to which one will go for a friend. 

This enchanting tale offers more than just an engaging narrative that captivates the reader’s attention. It is subtly embedded with important life lessons that children can easily understand. The story beautifully illustrates the concept of friendship, showing the bonds between characters and how they care for one another. It also presents problem-solving in a way that is relatable for kids, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with determination and creativity. Most importantly, the story underscores the value of experiencing school life, depicting the joy of learning and the precious memories made within the classroom’s walls. In essence, this charming story is a rich tapestry of lessons and experiences, wrapped up in an appealing narrative that children will undoubtedly enjoy. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

 Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

James to the Rescue

James to the Rescue is an engaging and delightful sequel to the enchanting story of Marvin, the beetle, and his human friend, James Pompaday. This captivating installment delves deeper into the life of Marvin’s beetle family, shedding light on their daily escapades and activities, offering readers a charming and intimate glimpse into their world. 

The narrative takes a turn when Uncle Albert, a beloved beetle, accidentally falls onto a pair of scissors posing a major threat to his life. It’s here that Marvin turns to his trusted human friend James, seeking his assistance in this dire situation, further solidifying the enduring bond of friendship shared between them. 

The story is a masterful blend of thrilling adventure and heartwarming friendship, and it’s certain to deepen readers’ fondness for both Marvin and James. The narrative is beautifully interwoven with camaraderie, bravery, trust, and love, making it a compelling read for audiences of all ages. This installment stands as a testament to the power of friendship, underscoring its significance even in the smallest and most unexpected corners of life. 

Readers will fall even more deeply in love with Marvin and James. They will connect  with Marvin’s unwavering love and trust towards his human friend, and admire James’s courage as he steps up to save his tiny friend’s life, demonstrating the true essence of friendship. 

Overall, James to the Rescue is an effortless read. The book is filled with adorable black-and-white illustrations that are subtly highlighted with hints of blue. These artistic elements add depth to the narrative, helping to bring the story to life, and making it a truly immersive experience for readers. This adorable story can be enjoyed on its own, or as a part of the larger series. The charm and warmth of James to the Rescue are truly hard to resist, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • Marvin’s Uncle falls onto scissors injuring his shell. “He falls against the sharp point of the scissors. ‘Oomph! Ohhhh!’ He cries. Oh no! The sharp point of the scissors has pierced Uncle Albert’s shell. Marvin can see the yellow goo oozing out.” Marvin, his father, and Elaine worked to wrap Uncle Albert’s wounds. Uncle Albert’s wounds heal with the help of James.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Golden Ghost

Delsie knew it wasn’t a good idea to dare her best friend Todd to explore the abandoned houses by the old mill. But she couldn’t back down after the words slipped out of her mouth. Together, the two friends bike to the mill and try the door of each abandoned house. They are all locked . . . except one. Delsie and Todd sneak inside and discover two strange things. Someone is living there. And something doesn’t want Delsie to leave. It’s a dog, a strange golden dog, that only Delsie can see!

Newbery Honor-winning author Marion Dane Bauer spins a fourth spooky tale to complement her previous stories, The Blue Ghost, The Red Ghost, and The Green Ghost. The Golden Ghost will grab readers’ attention right from the start and keep them reading until the very end. Many readers will relate to Delsie, who wishes she could have a dog. However, her dad says, “No dogs. No cats. No hamsters. No guinea pigs. No bunny rabbits. No little white mice. No groundhogs. I’m allergic.” Instead of having a pet, Delsie must be content spending time with her friend Todd and his dog, Bug.  

When Delsie begins to see a ghost dog, it looks like “a collection of fireflies, glimmering in the evening light.” Delsie confides in her best friend Todd, and at first, he thinks Delsie is “positively nuts.” The mystery of the dog and the friendship conflict combine into a compelling story. In the end, Todd proves he is a true friend by believing Delsie even though he cannot see the ghost dog himself. In addition, the heartwarming conclusion shows how a dog’s love can transform a person’s life.  

Readers who are ready for chapter books will enjoy The Golden Ghost’s format because of the short chapters, large font, and illustrations. The Golden Ghost is perfect for readers who want to explore the world of ghosts without being frightened. The suspenseful story explores the bond between a person and their pet. Unlike the companion books, The Golden Ghost doesn’t have a positive life lesson. However, the enjoyable story will appeal to readers who love animals, as well as those curious about ghosts. For more ghostly fun, read Ghost Ship by Erin Soderberg and Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate Dicamillo.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man “swung at Bug. First, he swung one of his bags of groceries. The bag missed. Then he swung a booted foot. The foot connected. Bug yelped, a single piercing cry. He turned and barreled back toward the house.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man yells, “Dad-blasted dog! Get away from me!” Later the man thinks to himself, “Blasted kids!” 
  • When Delsie tells her best friend that she sees a ghost dog, her friend says, “Sometimes I think you’re nuts. Positively nuts.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Class Clown Fish

When a silly prank lands Squizzard in deep trouble, he comes down with a case of the barnacle blues. Instead of going to the Coral Carnival with his friends, he’ll have to do the impossible and turn Seaweed Elementary’s junk-filled basement into an activity room for after-school clubs. But there just may be hidden treasures to discover . . . if Squizzard can stop all his funny business long enough to find them. 

After pulling a mean prank, Squizzard gets sent to the office and the principal tells him, “This bad behavior cannot go unpunished. I’ll have to do something drastic. I’m going to have to call your mother!” As punishment, Squizzard is not allowed to go to the carnival but instead must help clean out the school’s basement. While in detention, Squizzard hears about several instances of bullying, which helps Squizzard realize that not all pranks are funny—some can make people feel embarrassed or sad. Squizzard finally realizes that “No one should have to feel left out or made fun of.”  

In the end, Squizzard’s time in detention teaches him an important lesson about understanding people’s feelings. Squizzard also proves that his humor can be used in a positive way—by making comics for the school newsletter. Still, not all of Squizzard’s time in detention is projective. While there, Squizzard draws a duck with a butt and helps his friend make photocopies of his butt. Young readers will giggle at Squizzard’s behavior, even if it doesn’t make adults grin. 

Class Clown Fish will appeal to young readers because of its fun design. As a graphic chapter book, it has easy-to-follow paneling and artwork that supports text comprehension. Squizzard’s ocean world comes to life in bright colors and cartoonish illustrations that show exaggerated facial expressions in order to help readers understand the characters’ emotions. The story is broken up into six chapters and each pages has two or more simple sentences. Class Clown Fish is perfect for beginning and newly independent readers aged six to eight. 

Squizzard’s outrageous behavior will leave readers giggling. However, the book isn’t just a series of silly events. Through Squizzard’s experiences, readers will learn that bullying is not a laughing matter. In addition to learning how to be a better friend, Class Clown Fish also teaches about cephalopods, sea urchins, jellyfish, and other ocean creatures. To reinforce the lessons Squizzard learns about bullying, add these titles to your reading list too: The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman and The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark by Deborah Diesen.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Squizzard is upset and wants to distract himself, so he does a “funny prank.” He grabs a first-grade pufferfish and puts him on the teacher’s chair. When the teacher sits down, both the puffer fish and the teacher are hurt. The puffer fish cries and Squizzard gets sent to the principal’s office. 
  • A shark is being mean to a jellyfish so the jellyfish’s friend, a sea urchin, purposely stands under the shark’s foot. The shark hurts himself, and the sea urchin is given detention. 
  • The sea urchin remembers a time when he was invited to a birthday party. The sea urchin says, “But when we got there, I found out the joke was on me. They used me to pop balloons.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

A Daring Rescue

Abby’s family has just moved to the Florida Keys to run an island resort. She’s excited to feel the surf, sand, and ocean breeze every day! And when Bella, a visitor to the island, discovers a hidden cove that’s home to a pod of dolphins, Abby knows she’s right where she should be. But Bella makes Abby swear to keep the dolphins a secret. Can Abby keep her promise, or will their friendship be over for good?  

Abby is a relatable character who is eager to be friends with Bella. Even though she is eight, Abby is given a phone because she is responsible. Abby helps at the resort when needed and is kind to the workers. However, Abby doesn’t always follow her parent’s rules. For instance, even though Abby knows it is wrong, she wades into the water to get closer to the dolphins. And when Abby’s parents discover that Abby is keeping secrets and disobeying their rules, they don’t discipline her.   

Unfortunately, Bella isn’t a good friend because she is secretive and dishonest. Bella keeps sneaking off to see the dolphins. Abby tries to find out why Bella keeps disappearing, but Bella doesn’t tell her the truth. When Abby discovers the dolphins, Bella makes Abby promise to keep the dolphins a secret. Bella says she’s afraid that if others come to the secret cove, the dolphins will leave. Even though Abby makes the promise, she is conflicted and, in the end, she accidentally tells her parents about the dolphins.  

A Daring Rescue’s plot is easy to understand, but readers may struggle with the advanced vocabulary. Black and white illustrations appear every eight to nine pages. The illustrations focus on the characters in the story and give the reader a visual of the island’s habitat. Each of the twelve chapters has five to nine pages, which makes A Daring Rescue a great book to read as a bedtime story.  

A Daring Rescue will appeal to young readers because of the dolphins and the mystery of the parrot. Abby’s adventures on the island are suspenseful and the surprising ending will leave readers with a smile. However, adults may want to discuss when it is acceptable to keep secrets as well as the danger of swimming alone. Splash into more ocean-related books by reading The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison, Lana Swims North by Lisa Ann Scott, and The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales by SJ King. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • A raccoon tries to eat a parrot named Bogart. “The raccoon was there—and he was creeping toward Bogart! The macaw edged toward the water, dragging his injured wing.” Abby and Bella save Bogart. The raccoon chase is described over four pages. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • A kid tells Abby that, “Mr. Robinson was kind of a jerk. . . He was rude to everyone.” 
  • Bella apologizes by saying, “I’m sorry I was such a jerk.” 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl

It’s time for the talent show at school, and eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is excited to show her stuff. But as Jasmine thinks about her strengths—tree-climbing, mochi-making, collage—none of them feel quite right to perform on stage. Jasmine’s friends already have talents: Tommy yo-yo’s, Daisy dances, and Linnie plays piano. Plus, Maggie Milsap (aka Miss Perfect) is saying she’ll have the best talent of them all.

When Jasmine’s mom introduces her to the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, Jasmine finally finds an activity that feels just right. But will she be good enough at taiko in time to beat Maggie Milsap?  

Jasmine feels as if she is the only person in her class who isn’t talented. She also believes that all her classmates are talented and don’t have to practice. However, her sister Sophie helps Jasmine realize that “talent” doesn’t make a person good at a skill. Instead, “practice is what makes you good.” With Sophie’s encouragement and her parents’ support, Jasmine is (mostly) ready to go on stage. And most importantly, Jasmine has fun during her performance. She describes, “My arms were strong. My voice was loud. My heart lifted.” Through her experiences, Jasmine discovers the difference between being the best and trying your best. 

The story is accessible to fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plots. Black and white illustrations appear every two to three pages and show Jasmine’s daily life. Many of the illustrations show the characters’ facial expressions which will help readers understand the characters’ emotions. Another positive aspect of the story is that most of the Japanese words are explained within the text. In addition, readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand the unfamiliar words’ meanings. For more fun, the back of the book has directions on how to make a hacchi-maki, which is a headband. Even though Jasmine Toguchi is a series, the books do not need to be read in order because each book focuses on a new storyline.  

Young readers will relate to Jasmine’s insecurities and admire her determination to learn a new talent. While some of the story takes place at school, readers also get a glimpse into Jasmine’s home life, where she is surrounded by supportive adults and a bossy big sister. However, all of them encourage Jasmine to try her best and none of them expect her to be perfect. When Jasmine is afraid of making a mistake, her mom tells her, “Nobody ever died from embarrassment. I’ll be proud of you just for being on that stage.” As Jasmine learns how to play taiko, she learns the importance of practicing and having fun.  

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl is an engaging book that showcases a spunky protagonist, who is extra loveable because she’s imperfect. While young readers will enjoy the plot, adults will appreciate the story’s positive life lessons. If you’re looking to teach a child about the importance of perseverance and practice, grab a copy of the nonfiction books A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland by Kelly Starling Lyons and She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton.  

 Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Pet Store Sprite

Violet and her fairy friend Sprite have to send more pixies back to the Otherworld! This time, they team up with Violet’s cousin, Leon, to stop a water sprite named Aquamarina who loves the drip, drip, drip of leaky faucets. But there’s something terribly fishy about Aquamarina’s fun and games. Can Violet stop this tricky fairy and stay out of the deep end? 

The Pet Store Sprite starts with adults worrying about five people who have gone missing. However, the story turns humorous when Violet and Sprite discover that Aquamarina has changed the people into fish. All of the people are now swimming around in a pet store’s fish tank. The fish, who have some human accessories (such as eyeglasses), add silliness to Aquamarina’s mischief. The humor is ramped up when Leon is partly turned into a fish and begins craving fish food. In the end, Aquamarina confesses to all of her misdeeds and is transported back to the Otherworld. 

Newly independent readers who love fairies and magic will enjoy the Pixie Tricks Series. The story uses easy-to-read text and a fast-paced plot with lots of fairy mischief. Black and white illustrations appear on every page, which will help readers visualize the characters and understand the plot. For example, when a character is under Aquamarina’s spell, his eyes have stars in them and he has a blank expression.  

Readers will giggle their way through The Pet Store Sprite. Unlike the gremlin who appeared in the previous book, Aquamarina isn’t mean or cruel and she only changes people into fish to protect her identity so she can stay in the human world. And this time, Sprite and Violet don’t send the water sprite back to the Otherworld by tricking her. Instead, when Leon accidentally breaks the fish tank, Aquamarina lands on dry ground, which sends her home.  

The book’s only flaw is that Sprite is seen as an ineffective fairy, who doesn’t come up with a solution to the problem. Despite this, readers will find The Pet Store Sprite a lot of fun to read. Readers who want to step away from mischievous fairies and spend some time with a group of sweet fairies should instead check out the Candy Fairies Series by Helen Perelman.  

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • Violet’s aunt says, “Five people have disappeared in the last few days. . . Each one of them was near a lake, a pool, or a pond when they vanished!” Later, the reader learns that Aquamarina has turned the people into fish. Aquamarina tells Sprite, “Five humans saw me. That’s why I turned them into fish.” 
  • Leon, who is partially turned into a fish, hungers for fish food. “He tried to jump into the fish tank. But he knocked it over instead. The tank fell to the floor with a crash. Smash! The glass shattered into a million pieces, and water gushed everywhere.” The fish “flopped around on the floor.”  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Aquamarina is a water sprite who lives in water and breathes underwater. She has “blue-green skin” and wears “a dress made out of fish scales. . . She almost looked like a mermaid, but she didn’t have a fishtail. Instead, she had legs and webbed feet. Her hands were webbed, too.”  
  • Violet goes into Mr. Miller’s pet store. Mr. Miller is acting strange and Violet notices “his eyes were sparking with blue lights.” Aquamarina had put him under a spell. 
  • While in the pet store, Violet’s friend Brittany gets close to a fish tank. Then, “two beams of blue-green light shot out of the tank. They zapped Brittany. Brittany’s body glowed brightly. Then she disappeared . . .” Brittany is turned into a fish. 
  • When Aquamarina tries to turn Violet’s cousin Leon into a fish, Sprite uses pixie dust to transport Violet and Leon to the parking lot. 
  • Aquamarina’s spell changes Leon partially into a fish. “Leon’s eyes were big and bulging, like fish eyes. He had shiny scales on his face. His ears looked like fins.”  
  • When Sprite needs help tricking Aquamarina, he reaches into his bag and “pulled out a glowing purple stone. The light on the stone faded. Then a picture began to appear. . . It was a woman’s face.” Queen Mab appears and tells Sprite and Violet, “You two must not give up.”  
  • When the fish tank that Aquamarina is in breaks, she “lands outside the [pet store’s] door and skidded across the sidewalk. . . a whirling tunnel of wind appeared out of nowhere. The wind scooped up Aquamarina.” Aquamarina is transported back to her world. 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer

At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but soon she was adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and she quickly decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since and is now a principal dancer in New York City. She has also been featured in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Oprah magazine. 

Ballerina Dreams is told from Michaela’s point of view. The story uses a friendly tone that makes the reader feel as if they know Michaela personally. While in the orphanage, Michaela’s teacher said, “You can become a ballerina, too, if you take lessons for many years, if you work hard, and if you practice every day.” While Michaela’s story has a happy ending, she acknowledges her fears and explains how she overcame them. Her motivational story shows the importance of hard work and perseverance.  

As part of the Ready To Read Level 4 Series, Ballerina Dreams is intended for children who can read independently. The story is told using short chapters. The paragraphs are short and use simple sentences. Most pages have full-color illustrations or photographs of Michaela to break up the text. However, some pages do not have pictures.  

Ballerina Dreams is an inspiring story that encourages readers to aspire to great heights. The informative book explains how Michaela was able to make her dreams come true. Michaela encourages readers by saying, “It doesn’t matter if you dream of being a doctor, a teacher, a writer, or a ballerina. Every dream begins with one step. After that, you must work hard and practice every day. If you never give up, your dream will come true.” For another inspirational biography, pair Ballerina Dreams with A Girl Named Misty by Kelly Starling Lyons. Readers who love ballet should also read the picture books Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer and Parker Shines On by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Michaela was born in Sierra Leone and her parents “died there in the ongoing war.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Miniature World of Marvin & James

The Miniature World of Marvin & James is a heartwarming and enchanting story that depicts the extraordinary bond between Marvin the beetle and James Pompaday, a human. In this delightful and touching book, readers follow Marvin as he faces the challenge of his dear friend James embarking on a fun-filled beach trip, while he remains at home.  

As Marvin grapples with a mix of emotions, including longing and the fear of being forgotten, Marvin finds solace and comfort in the loving presence of his cousin, Elaine. Together, they embark on a thrilling and unforgettable adventure that takes them on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Along the way, Marvin and Elaine encounter various obstacles that test their bravery, including a daring encounter with a pencil sharpener. Through these experiences, they learn important lessons about resilience, the true meaning of friendship, and the limitless power of imagination.  

Marvin, an adorable little beetle, will warm readers’ hearts with his unwavering love and longing for his friend James. Throughout the novel, Marvin’s endearing personality shines through as he teaches the invaluable lesson that true friendship knows no distance or bounds.  

This captivating and heartwarming tale serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, love and friendship can triumph, and that the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact. The Miniature World of Marvin & James is especially perfect for younger readers, as it beautifully illustrates the power and beauty of friendship, inspiring readers to cherish and nurture their own relationships, no matter the circumstances. 

In the book, the relationship between Marvin and James is vividly brought to life and intricately woven throughout the pages. This is not merely achieved through the power of words, but also with the addition of simplistic, yet captivating black-and-white illustrations. The illustrations add depth to the narrative, providing a visual representation that allows readers to better understand and relate to the characters and their world. The quaint charm of these illustrations plays a pivotal role in helping readers immerse themselves in the intricately tiny world of Marvin. 

The delightful escapades of Marvin, James, and Elaine will captivate readers and leave them yearning for further exploration in this enchanting and heartwarming world. With every turn of the page, readers will be drawn deeper into the delightful moments that await them in this incredibly adorable and captivating universe. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Marvin and Elaine attempt to leave the pencil sharpener they stumbled into, but James’ father sticks a pencil into the hole, causing Elaine to panic. Elaine is fearful of being trapped in the pencil sharpener because they could either be hurt by the sharpening piece or suffocated by the clippings. “That hole is the only way out. Oh, Marvin! We’re going to DIE!”  
  • As Marvin looks for a solution, Elaine continues to panic. “We are going to die here, all alone.” Both of them escape unharmed.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Fish Feud!

Squizzard is a little squid with a big personality. He loves telling jokes, scarfing sardines, and hanging with his best friend Toothy. But the thing he loves most is being in charge. When Squizzard makes up games, he is always the hero and Toothy is always the sidekick. Squizzard never listens or admits when he’s wrong. One day he pushes Toothy too far and his bossiness causes a rift in their friendship the size of the Mariana Trench! Can Squizzard convince Toothy to give him a second chance? Or is he doomed to be the loneliest kid at Deep Reef Elementary? 

During show and tell, Toothy is presenting when Squizzard pushes him out of the way and calls Toothy’s presentation boring. Toothy gets angry and yells, “You never listen to me. All that matters to you is you!” This sets up the conflict for the rest of the story—Toothy has decided not to be friends with Squizzard. Squizzard tries to show Toothy that he is sorry by writing a poem. However, the poem needs work because it’s “creative, but it’s still all about you.” Toothy eventually forgives Squizzard, but only after Squizzard learns how to be less bossy and less self-centered.  

Fish Feud! will appeal to young readers because of its fun design. As a graphic novel, it has easy-to-follow paneling and artwork that supports text comprehension. Squizzard’s ocean world comes to life in bright colors and cartoonish illustrations that show exaggerated facial expressions to help readers understand the characters’ emotions. The story is broken up into six chapters and each page has two or more simple sentences. Fish Feud! is perfect for beginning and newly independent readers aged six to eight. 

Readers who love the Crabby Book Series by Jonathan Fenske will love Fish Feud because both books use humor to teach about friendship. In Fish Feud! Squizzard isn’t perfect. For example, for show and tell Squizzard draws a duck with a butt and shows it to the class to lots of laughs, but his teacher isn’t amused. Squizzard’s outrageous behavior will leave readers giggling, but the book also teaches how to be a better friend, the importance of forgiveness, and provides faces about coral reefs, barracudas, what lives in a conch shell, and more. 

Kevin Sherry has a knack for writing ridiculously silly stories that will engage readers. Like many children, Squizzard struggles with being bossy and selfish. But in the end, he shows Toothy that even though they don’t always agree, Toothy is still “my favorite dude. For you, I’d go to any end, if you’ll be friends with me again.”  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • A fifth-grade fish bullies Squizzard. The bully says, “In fact, you need to start paying the guppy toll. You’ve got to give me something nice and shiny every week . . . or else!” Then the bully fish rips up Squizzard’s poem. Squizzard uses ink to get away from the bully.   
  • The next time the bully appears, he brings two of his cronies. The bully threatens Squizzard and his friends. The bully says, “We eat shrimp like you for breakfast. Now give us a sand dollar. . . each.” Toothy chases the bullies away.  
  • During lunch in the cafeteria, Squizzard accidentally starts a food fight. This fight is illustrated over two pages. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • OMG is used twice. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves

Mia goes on a super surfing family vacation, but her fun is interrupted when the tide goes out and leaves a trail of trash. Mia is afraid that the seagulls and other animals will mistake the trash for food. But this time, she can’t use her super-hero powers to solve the problem. Can Mia come up with a solution to save the beach? 

When it comes to cleaning the beach, Mia tries to get the seagulls to help pick up the trash. The seagulls add humor to the story, especially since “seagulls are not easy to talk to—at all.” In the end, Mia’s father uses his animal-talking skills to communicate with the seagulls. The seagulls pitch in and begin picking up trash which allows Mia and her family to clean the beach much faster. 

Mia is upset that her family vacation doesn’t go according to plan. However, her dad reminds Mia that “unexpected things happen all the time.” At one point, Mia gets discouraged that her animal-talking and surfing skills aren’t as good as her dad’s. However, with her mother’s help, Mia realizes that when it comes to any new skill you have to practice and fail as part of the learning process. 

In the eleventh adventure of the Mia Mayhem chapter book series, Mia reminds readers of her superpowers. For example, Mia thinks, “Ever since I got my superpowers, my five senses have sharpened. And I have to say, in times like this, super-hearing comes in handy. But it’s not so much fun in the bathroom at school, if you know what I mean. Pee-Yew!” The constant reminders of Mia’s superpowers slow the story’s action since she only uses one power—talking to the seagulls. 

Young readers will enjoy the book’s format, which has oversized text and black-and-white illustrations on every page. The large illustrations are often humorous, and they help readers follow the story’s plot. Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves has an easy-to-understand plot that is perfect for emerging readers. However, some important facts are left out of the story, which could cause confusion. For example, Mia’s father makes everyone on the beach freeze and then immediately unfreeze. Readers are left wondering what happened when the people were frozen. 

Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves will appeal to readers who have already been introduced to the series. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Mia Mayhem Series should start with book one in the series. Unfortunately, Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves has several plot points that need to be explored in more depth. Despite this, readers will appreciate Mia’s love of the ocean and her desire to help the sea animals.  

The story ends on a positive note that shows that anyone can make a positive impact. Mia reflects, “But here’s what this trip taught me: You don’t have to be an actual superhero to be a hero—sometimes being a hero is being responsible for yourself and doing the right thing. Whether that’s taking care of your beach, your neighborhood, or your school.”  

Adults who want to reinforce the importance of keeping the ocean clean should pair Mia Mayhem Rides the Waves with the picture book Rocket Says Clean Up! By Nathan Bryon. For a fiction story that is filled with fun facts, The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales by SJ King would be another wonderful addition to your reading list. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The seagulls start “acting out. They were knocking down castles, umbrellas, and chairs, and even scaring some of the other kids!” Mia’s father orders everyone to freeze and they literally become frozen in time.  
  • One picture shows how the trash hurts sea animals. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Mia has superhero powers such as super-hearing, super-strength, and being able to talk to animals. Mia can also fly. 
  • Mia’s father uses his animal-talking superpower to talk to the seagulls.  

Spiritual Content  

  • None 
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