Here's a simple story, very predictable, about a cat who is, as the title says, grumpy. A little kitten enters his life and, after some persistence on the kitten's part, helps him become un-grumpy. I told you it was simple. And painfully predictable. Didn't I say that too? Maybe not the painful part, but it is so. After the first two pages, you can figure out exactly what will happen in the story. (The cover illustration is also a dead giveaway.) Tickentrup leaves no room for discovery or interpretation. Why is he grumpy? Because he's lonely (isn't that the reason behind all grumpiness?). Why is he lonely? Because he "just doesn't know how" to join in the nightly cat playtime (poor misunderstood soul). Grumpy cat's grumpy facial expression doesn't change much, giving us a one-dimensional feel for his foul mood. There are no examples of grumpy behavior, so we really don't know why the other cats think he is grumpy, except that the author tells us they do. The story could stand a little more character development, and a lot less self-awareness of its moral purpose.
Intermediate Mystery books are a gold mine. High-low books refer to titles that are of high interest to readers, but contain low level vocabulary. These titles are clever, action-packed, and have several books in the series to keep the mystery alive. These intermediate mystery books are the first in their series and are sure to appease any mystery loving reader. The Ghost Tree Written by Natasha Deen Illustrated by Lissy Marlin New York: Random House Children's Books, 2022. Intermediate. 95 pages. With a dash of paranormal mixed with mystery, this book introduces Asim, a Guyanese American fourth grader who moves to a new town. After a visit to a graveyard, an evil spirit is unleashed. Asim works with new friends, Rokshar and Max, to save their town. With scarily cool illustrations to accompany this text, this book is great for any amateur sleuths who love a touch of creepy. Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash Written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver Illustrated by Dan San
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