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.
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July 1, 2014
For narrator Anna, "Math + Spelling + Soccer = STRESS" (personified by a furry, red Muppet-like creature). Anna learns about "good stress" and "bad stress" and some coping mechanisms for dealing with the latter. Exaggeratedly cartoony illustrations + easy resolution = not very realistic or believable. However, kids may come away with some useful stress-busting strategies. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)