Published by Greenwillow 

Summary: In this first installment of new series Backyard Witch, Sadie is feeling lonely when her two best friends go on vacation without her. When she sees smoke coming from her playhouse chimney, she’s sure the house is on fire. Turns out a witch by the name of Ms. M has taken up residence. She’s looking for her best friend Ethel, who has recently turned into a bird, and her cat Onyx, who went after Ethel and disappeared. Sadie joins Ms. M in her search, and learns a good deal about birds and birdwatching in the process. She helps Ms. M find Onyx, but Ethel’s whereabouts remains a mystery, and in the end, Ms. M leaves to pursue a lead on her in Mexico. Sadie’s friends return around the same time, and the book ends with Sadie about to tell them about her adventures. Grades 1-4.

Pros: This beginning chapter book would appeal to fans of Ivy and Bean or Judy Moody. The end material offers some enthusiastic information about birdwatching.

Cons: Sadie seemed like a slightly more passive heroine than Judy Moody or Clementine.

Published by Scholastic Press 

Summary: Madame Wigglesworth has always had a certain feline disdain for the humans she lives with, but they treat her worshipfully enough that she puts up with them. Until Grub arrives. Grub slobbers, eats Madame’s crown, and wants his belly rubbed…endlessly. Madame Wigglesworth decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She convinces Grub and his sidekick Honeybaked Hamster that the humans no longer love them and should be kicked out of the house. The animals drag the humans outside while they’re sleeping, then take over. Madame declares Petlandia a democracy, and bedlam ensues as cat and dog vie to become president. The house is combed for potential voters, including bats, rats, and fleas. Can Petlandia survive political warfare?  Ages 6-9.

Pros: Liberally illustrated with cartoon animals, this is sure to be a hit for fans of Bad Kitty and the like. Even reluctant readers will find the combination of humor and action irresistible.

Cons: My inner eight-year-old gave out around page 70, at which point the “humor” started to wear a bit thin for me. Actual eight-year-olds, though, will undoubtedly be giggling to the end.

Published by Candlewick

Summary: When Jenna’s great aunt Tannie falls and breaks her ankle, Jenna’s mother decides it’s time for Tannie to come live with them in Virginia. It’s not easy to convince Tannie, who’s always loved living on her farm in Mississippi, and who used to ride a motorcycle and play soccer. But Mom ultimately prevails, and Tannie comes home with them. Jenna struggles with the new Tannie, who uses a walker and needs help taking a shower. Plus, Mom is busier than ever, leaving little time for Jenna. Fortunately, Tannie herself sees the changes her presence has created and is able to come up with a solution to make their family stronger than ever. Ages 7-10.

Pros: The characters are upbeat and resilient, but realistically drawn as well. This book could initiate a discussion about families and how they can work together through changes.

Cons: At 96 pages, there’s not enough room to explore all the issues this story raises.

Published by Disney-Hyperion

Summary:  Changes are afoot for Clementine as she finishes up third grade and gets ready for a new baby sister or brother.  There are typical Clementine struggles, as she avoids saying goodbye to her third grade teacher because she is too sad and stops talking to her father because he refuses to give up meat.  Margaret’s mother is getting remarried, and Margaret and her father and brother invite Clementine to join them for an overnight at the Boston Park Plaza.  Being away for the night gives Clementine some perspective on her disagreement with her father, and in the morning, she finds there’s a surprise waiting that brings the family together again.  Grades 1-4.

Pros:  I haven’t read many of the Clementine books…okay, fine, I’ve only read the first one, but they are a fantastic series, perfect for beginning chapter book readers.  Clementine is a force to be reckoned with, a worthy successor to Ramona Quimby and Junie B. Jones.  Marla Frazee’s illustrations add to the delight.

Cons:  Rumor has it that this book, the seventh in the series, is the final one.

Published by Scholastic Paperbacks

Summary:  Russell has been chosen to take part in “Race the Wild”, a race that takes place through several ecosystems and carries a $1 million prize for the winners.  Much to his disappointment, the friends who were also chosen are all on the same team, and he’s been placed with three strangers.  They quickly bond as they make their way through the Amazon rain forest, solving the clues and photographing animals to move on to the next challenge.  They finish this first leg of this race second to Russell’s friends’ team, but Russell has evidence that his friends have cheated.  Stay tuned for episode two, which takes place in the Great Barrier Reef.  Grades 2-4.

Pros:  Lots of adventures as the kids move through the rain forest.  At the end of each chapter is information on an animal mentioned in the chapter.  The cliffhanger at the end will leave readers looking for the next book in the series.

Cons:  Prepare to suspend your disbelief as you read about these minimally supervised kids racing dodging piranhas and jaguars to split a million dollars

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Henry, Violet, Emma, Wilbur, and Fernando (a mouse, chicken, squirrel, cat, and rabbit) are neighbors in their apartment building.  Each one stars in one of the stories.  Henry’s nap is disturbed by Emma’s acorn storage; Emma is determined to have the best birthday party ever; Fernando learns to express himself by dancing; Violet survives a flood; and Wilbur wants to save a community garden.  Together they learn to solve their problems and be good neighbors to one another.  Recommended for ages 6-9.

Pros:  This is a cozy book, just right for readers who are moving into chapter books.  Each chapter stands alone and has plenty of illustrations.

Cons:  The chapters are a bit long for beginners.