April 1, 2014
K-Gr 2-These books present tips for children about how to develop healthy and safe habits. Each story is told from the perspective of a child who is dealing with a specific issue (a picky eater who realizes that he needs to eat more healthy foods, a girl giving her brother advice on staying safe) and shows how he or she learns more about it with the help of friends and family. Though the first-person narratives, which flow easily and contain clear, direct language, are not conventional nonfiction in format, they still convey useful information. Eye-catching full-color illustrations match the text and aid comprehension, while red text boxes emphasize important points. An engaging series that deals with everyday problems kids may face.
Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2014
"Mighty Matthew" (in a superhero cape) relates the dangers of accidentally ingesting "harmful substances" around the home. Secret agent Sophie advises not talking to strange men in vans and telling a teacher about playground bullying. After playing "Mud Monsters," Caleb's germophobe mom insists he take a bath before dinnertime. The exaggeratedly cartoony illustrations add some liveliness to what are basically PSAs. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)