Caroline Adderson's "Bruno for Real" a Hilarious Book for Young Readers

Title: Bruno for Real (sequel to I, Bruno)
Author: Caroline Adderson
Age range: 7 to 9
Rating: 5 out of 5 hiccups

Seven-year-old Bruno faces everyday challenges, from hiccups to a teacher who is always sneaking in math problems, in his own unique way. 

What kids will love:

• Bruno's imaginative take on life
• Following along with Bruno's relatable adventures (who hasn't had the hiccups?) 
• The funny drawings (e.g. Bruno being held upside down to try to cure his hiccups). 

What parents will love:

• Seeing their own child in Bruno

Dave Whamond's Oddrey Joins the Team is a Win-Win for Parents and Kids

Title: Oddrey Joins the Team
Author/Illustrator: Dave Whamond
Age range: 4 - 8
Rating: 4 out of 5 soccer balls

Oddrey is an imaginative girl who thinks outside the box.  When she joins the school soccer team, the Piccadilla Bees, she doesn't play the same way as the other kids.  With the big game against the Quagmire Crushers approaching, can she convince the team to work together and still be true to themselves?

What kids will love:

• the high-interest subject matter
• the funny, action-packed illustrations
• Oddrey's quirkiness (you never know what she will think of next)
• the unexpected ending

What parents will love:

• the book touches on being unique and the importance of teamwork (without being preachy)
• winning isn't the reward, unlike most underdog stories 

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Summer Book Pick for Kids: Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt

Title:Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
Author: Melanie Watt
Age range: 4 to 8
Rating: 4 out of 5 roasted marshmallows

Scaredy Squirrel would rather watch a TV show about camping from the safety of his home than risk the dangers of actually being outdoors.  But then he realizes, he'll have to brave the great outdoors to reach the electrical outlet at the nearby campground.

Although it is a picture book, it will still appeal to 8 or 9 year olds who are reluctant readers (and adults too!).

What kids will love:

• the zany maps, lists and diagrams (e.g. Scaredy Squirrel's wilderness outfit)
• the humour, such as when things don't go according to Scaredy Squirrel's plan

Other great books by Melanie Watt:

R. L. Stine's Goosebumps Most Wanted: Reluctant Readers are Dying to Read Them!

Series: Goosebumps Most Wanted

Author: R. L. Stine
Ages:  9 to 12*

Rating:  4 out of 5 nightmares

*Warning: R. L. Stine's books are not for younger or sensitive children.  Not only are they scary, but they rarely have happy endings.  If your child is interested in Goosebump books, try reading a few yourself before deciding whether your child is ready to read them.     

What kid's will love about Goosebumps Most Wanted books:

• the escalating creepy (and sometimes gross) situations 
• the main characters they can quickly relate to
• the twist endings
• for fans of the Classic Goosebumps series, another chance to encounter their favourite villains

Click on the images for more info:

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Before Rick Riordan's 39 Clues was Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game

Title: The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
Author:Ellen Raskin
Ages: 8 and up
Rating: 4 out of 5 shin kicks

The Westing Game was first published in 1978, but its intriguing plot and quirky characters will still appeal to today's middle grade readers.

In the book, Sam Westing is an eccentric millionaire whose will contains a challenge for his sixteen heirs.  Whoever solves the mystery will inherit his fortune.

What kids will love:

• trying to unravel the mystery 
• the funny characters
• the constant action

What parents will love:

• unlike Rick Riordan's The 39 Clues series, there are no products being promoted (i.e. Clues Card Packs)
• sharing a timeless classic with their kids

Book Review for Parents: Alice Hoffman's Nightbird Soars

Title: Nightbird
Author: Alice Hoffman
Age: 10 and up
Rating: 4 pairs of wings

Alice Hoffman's  first novel for middle-grade readers  will appeal to children who enjoy magic and mystery, and more sophisticated fairy tales.  

Nightbird tells the coming-of-age story of a girl named Twig, who lives in a town called Sidwell that has its very own monster.  Twig's family has a secret she must hide, that all started with a curse a witch placed on her family 200 years ago.

This story has a dream-like quality, and may not have enough action for reluctant readers, so I would recommend reading a chapter a night with your child if you think this book may appeal to them.

You might find the story a bit predictable at times, but overall it is a satisfying read for young and old alike who enjoy fairy tales.

Click on the image for more info:



For book-loving moms and dads I'd recommend Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things.

A Zombie Invasion That Won't Leave Your Child Brainless: Plants vs. Zombies Timepocalypse

Title: Plants vs Zombies: Timepocalypse
Author: Paul Tobin
Ages: 8 to 12
Rating: According to my 8-year old reluctant reader, "This book is actually good!" 

Encourage your child to take a break from playing the highly addictive Plants vs. Zombies game and read a graphic novel inspired by the game instead. 

What kids will love:

• the zaniness
• the non-stop action
• the engaging illustrations
• the snappy dialogue
• looking forward to the next graphic novel in the series

Your child might also enjoy Plants vs. Zombies: Lawnmageddon.  Click on the pic for more details.

Step Into Reading and Emotions with Inside Out Books

Series:  Disney/Pixar Inside Out (Step into Reading)
Ages: 5 to 8

If your child enjoyed Disney Pixar's latest movie, Inside Out, encourage their interest in reading with the Inside Out Step into Reading books.

Welcome to Headquarters comes with shiny stickers and Journey into the Mind comes with collector cards kids can play a memory game with.

For younger children, consider the Inside Out Box of Mixed Emotions, which is a cute box set with five books, one for each emotion: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. 



Click on the images for more information:




I haven't rated these books as I have not had a chance to read them yet.  If you have read one to your child, please give your feedback in the comments.