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Argyle Fox By Marie Letourneau Best for: Ages 4-8
Argyle Fox loves to play outside. One fine spring day he heads outside to play cards, but the wind blows his house of cards down. So, he tries other outdoor activities: playing pirate, scary spider, soccer and more. Every time, the wind whooshes in and messes with his fun. Argyle is ready to give up, but Mama Fox encourages him to think what he might be able to play in the wind. Using some of his creativity and all his toys, he builds a kite and finds a way to play outside in the wind. Letourneau’s illustrations offer a wonderful balance between calming and engaging, offering a pleasing palette and plenty of detail. This is a good story for children who get frustrated by the weather or simply struggle to find something to do.
What’s good: Fun delivery of a good lesson on making the best of any situation.
What’s bad: Not much.
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine By Caroline Star Rose Best for: Ages 10-14
It's 1897 and gold has been discovered in the Yukon. The 16-year-old Mel and his younger brother, Jasper, escape their alcoholic father and head for Alaska, hoping to strike it rich. It's not that easy, of course. Jasper stows away on a steamer to keep up with his brother. While aboard the ship, Jasper hears a rumor about One-Eyed Riley's lost mine. If Jasper and Mel can solve the mysterious clues, they could stake claim to the mine and riches beyond their dreams. First, they have to survive villains and the Yukon wilderness. Full of mystery, danger and action, this tale will enthrall anyone who dreams of striking it rich.
What’s good: Warm characters make it easy to get invested emotionally.
What’s bad: A little too much melodrama-to-action ratio for younger readers.
Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! (A Monstertown Mystery) By Bruce HaleBest for: Ages 8-12
How well do you know the people who work at your school? That’s a big question in this, the second book in the Monstertown Mystery series. We met our heroes Carlos and Benny in Curse of the Were-Hyena, and they are back to solve this action-packed mystery adventure. This Goosebumps-inspired story finds Carlos and Benny embroiled in a creepy mystery. Why are the lunch ladies so grumpy? And why would boys and girls have different meals? Are the sightings of overgrown bugs in the lunchroom real? Benny and Carlos aim to find out.
What’s good: Fast-paced mystery with plenty of humor.
What’s bad: If you don’t like Goosebumps, you likely won’t like Monstertown Mysteries.