Pets for the Holidays

As you may have noticed, I took a short break from posting reviews. I needed to catch up on my day job and enjoy the holidays a little. Now I am back with a new review and more to come.

"Double Trouble #1: Show & Tell"

By Abby Klein

Illustrated by John McKinley

For Ages 5 – 10

Abby Klein is at it again with "Double Trouble." Think "Ready, Freddy!" with twins. Rated 3.75 (mishchief, humor, pets)

Fans of "Ready, Freddy!" will be happy to know Abby Klein has a new series of adventures coming out in 2012. Freddy’s twin cousins, Kasey and Kelly, offer double the excitement in this new paperback series. Second grade will never be the same. When their class studies pets, everyone is allowed to bring one pet to school for Pet Day. Kasey and Kelly can’t wait, but they have a problem. Too many pets and no idea which one to take. How about Harry the tarantula or Zippy the turtle? Maybe their rabbit or hamster or gecko would be a good choice? Whether setting up an all-out pet race to decide which pet goes to school, teaching dogs new tricks or enjoying mayhem at Pet Day there is plenty of fun for young readers to enjoy in Double Trouble.

As a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Klein does a good job keeping young readers interested with relatable characters and situations while offering solid behavioral messages with which parents can agree. McKinley brings his energetic illustrative style, that readers have come to know in the "Ready, Freddy!" books, to "Double Trouble." So it will seem very comfortable for kids to begin this new series. Although the books may slightly skew to young girls, boys will find many of the stories just as entertaining as their favorite "Ready, Freddy!" books.