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 

Click on the images for more info:

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: