Reader – One Chapter

Thunderhoof by Syd Hoff

5 stars Children’s

He’s a wild horse that shook off any rope that came near him. A fast horse that didn’t want to be caught, he loved his freedom. Unfortunately, one day he wakes up to a dry riverbed. He gets so weak that they’re able to get a rope around his neck and Thunderhoof cannot shake it off. Thunderhoof has now been caught!

Back at the ranch, they take good care of him, yet no one can ride him. Thunderhoof keeps knocking them off. They let him go and he’s FREE! He’s a wild horse again sleeping under the blue sky. Yet now…..he’s sad. He misses the individuals at the ranch, so Thunderhoof goes back to the ranch. The ranchers put a saddle on him again and attempt to ride him. This time things are different.

I just came across this book which is amazing since it was copyrighted in 1971. I liked the simple pictures as they accompanied the text very nicely. The text was big and simple with short sentences. The story had meaning and I liked the facial expressions. I’m glad I found this one to share with the grandkids. 5 stars

On the Loose in London! A Star Chapter Book (Dog Meets Dog) by Dan Yaccarino

4.5 stars Children’s

I enjoy reading Dan Yaccarino books. This book is another entertaining read in graphic novel format with 7 chapters. The book reads fast, with lots of action and activity and if you aren’t careful, you just might learn something about London while you’re at it.

Betsy and her brother Bones are taking a trip to London. Betsy has an agenda all planned out, with all the things that she would like to do and see while she is there and Bones, he was just looking for a great adventure. Betsy, with her planner in hand, had the days planned out, her notebook filled out with details and times while Bones just wanted to live in the moment and hopefully, some of the things that he wanted to do would land in his lap. It was humorous following those two around London.

Bones seemed to be in charge most of the time, as his sporadic adventures led the two everywhere. Betsy frustration was present as her planner was not being utilized yet she seemed to be seeing the different parts of London and even marking things off her London List. I laughed multi times at Bones excitement and spontaneously as they traveled about and then, seeing Betsy trailing behind him, frazzled and untight. When was she just going to enjoy the trip or talk to Bones about perhaps giving her a day to plan the activities. As you read, you have to remember the targeted audience so parts of this story might be over-the-top but for children, they will like the craziness of Bones.

I enjoyed how the author threw some actual history into the book. Reciting some facts about the different places that they visited in London without being bored or preaching, the information was interesting and something I feel kids will find interesting. Overall, it is an entertaining, comical, educational read for me. 4.5 stars

What is Inside THIS Box? (Monkey & Cake #1) by Drew Daywalt

5 stars Children’s Reader

Cute, simple story for young children. Simple short sentences for beginning readers and a great book to introduce graphic novels to young children. It’s also a great story about using your imagination and the concept that anything is possible.

The story is about Monkey and a box that he has. Monkey claims that inside the box is a magic cat. Cake wants to see the magic cake and that is where the issues come into play. See, Monkey claims, “the cat disappears when” the box is opened. Hum?

Technically, the cat is in the box when the box is closed but how can Monkey prove it? Monkey makes a drawing of this, and I had to laugh when Cake tried peeking into the box.

I think it’s a super cute book and instead of Cake getting mad at Monkey, Cake tells Monkey he doesn’t believe him and why. Monkey is not upset. It’s a cute ending and that’s why Monkey and Cake are great friends. My grandkids liked it too and we talked about the book as we read it. 5 stars