Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Summary:  When Gizmo the dachshund moves from the city to a small village called Puddle, he’s a little nervous about meeting new dogs.  Fortunately, his neighbor Jilly is a friendly Irish wolfhound with four adorable puppies.  Trouble is soon on the horizon, though, when Jilly learns that her humans are sending the puppies to new homes that are far away.  Jilly is desperate to find local places for her pups, and she and Gizmo set out to enlist the help of the other village dogs.  They hit one dead end after another until Gizmo has an idea inspired by his newspaper editor owner.  He writes up a notice for the other dogs to post, and in no time, new owners in Puddle have been found for all the puppies.  The dogs are so pleased with their success that they decide to start their own newspaper, The Daily Bark, which will undoubtedly be further explored in book 2 of this series. 128 pages; grades 2-4.

Pros:  Early chapter book readers will find it difficult to resist the four adorable puppies and the watchful dachshund on the cover of this charming book.  Filled with colorful illustrations and written in a large font, this would make a great first chapter book.

Cons:  If it takes Gizmo all night to write a 60-word notice, he’s going to have a heck of a time putting out a whole newspaper.

Published by Picture Window Books

Summary:  Sadiq is excited to be part of a new video game club, along with his friends Manny and Zaza.  They meet in the school library with librarian Mr. Kim, who reminds them that part of being in a club is finding a way to help others.  Sadiq often goes with his mother when she volunteers at the local assisted-living home, and he’s seen Mr. Soto, a new resident who seems lonely.  When Mr. Soto tells Sadiq he used to be a racecar driver and gives him some tips for getting to the next level of Screech Master 7000, Sadiq has the idea that the gamers’ club can visit the older people.  Before long the club is meeting weekly at Harmony House, and new friendships are growing.  The wisdom that the residents share helps the club win their first tournament.  Includes a glossary, discussion questions, extension activities, and Somalian facts and terms.  64 pages; grades 1-3.

Pros:  I just discovered this series when I visited a bookstore this weekend and was excited to see an early chapter book series with a Somali main character (there are a number of Somali students at my school).  It’s a straightforward story with an emphasis on family and friends helping each other and plenty of illustrations.  The first four books were published in 2020.

Cons:  I found it a little confusing to have the Somali terms defined at the beginning of the story and the glossary at the end.

Published by Chronicle Books

Summary:  Audrey is struggling a bit with second grade, since her former best friend Diego has found himself some new friends.  Audrey feels like she’s kind of average, and wishes she could be the best at something.  When her teacher announces that there’s going to be a new girl in the class, Audrey’s not sure how she feels, especially after learning that the new girl’s name is also Audrey, and the original Audrey will now be known as Audrey L.  Audrey L. is chosen to be the Welcome Ambassador for Audrey W.  She bakes the new girl a cake (baking being something that she is actually good at), but then drops it on the floor.  Audrey W. is nice about it, though, and before long it seems like the two Audreys might become friends.  But second grade is not always easy, and the new friendship proves to be something of a roller coaster ride.  Things are cemented in the final chapters, and the ending offers promise that a book 2 could be in store.  184 pages; grades 1-4.

Pros:  A winning early chapter book that really captures the emotions of early elementary school.  Both Audreys suffer some insecurities, but are basically kind, and you will be rooting for their best friendship to emerge after a series of false starts.  The illustrations by Jennifer Mann add excellent visuals to the story.

Cons:  I did not know that it was bad for hermit crabs to paint their shells (although it makes sense), so the horror the girls felt in that part of the story was kind of lost on me.