In the story, 'Old Cricket' by Lisa Wheeler, Old Cricket isn't in the mood to 'ready their roof for winter.' Being the clever old bug that he is, Cricket devises a plan to avoid any kind of physical labor. He tells his wife that he has a creak in his knee; his cousin the Katydid, that he has a crick in his neck; and his Uncle Ant, that he has a crack in his back. Having no intention of seeing the doctor for these invented maladies, Cricket's plan to avoid all work is going exactly as planned. However, his devious plan goes awry when he meets Old Crow who intends to make a meal out of creaky, cracky and cricky Old Cricket. How does a clever old bug get out of this mess? With this book's vibrant illustrations, entertaining verse, and humorous content, 'Old Cricket' will have the young reader reading and laughing out loud.

Similar authors: Arnold Lobel; Eric A. Kimmel; Tim Myers; Stephen Krensky

Similar books: Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel; The Ant and the Grasshopper by Luli Gray; The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney; The Outfoxed Fox by Tim Myers; Anansi and the Talking Melon by Eric A. Kimmel

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0689845103

ISBN-13: 9780689845109

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Old Crump is based on a true story of the trip west by a family during the California Gold Rush. Old Crump is an ox, who carries the kids on his back through the heat and drought of Death Valley. This faithful ox kept going when all of the others had given up. His stamina, and perseverance, helped the family reach their new home, where, in return for his loyalty, he lived out the remainder of his days with them, contentedly grazing in the San Joaquin Valley.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 5/18/2009

ISBN-10: 0823416089

ISBN-13: 9780823416080

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Who is the stinkin', rotten varmint who is stealing all her beans, Old Granny would like to know. Madder than a swarm of bees, Granny sets out to tell the Sheriff to catch her bean thief and lock him up behind bars. On her long trek to get the sheriff, Granny comes across a friendly snake, a tiny pecan, a smelly cow patty, a prickly cactus, and a polite alligator, all wanting to ride home with her on her return trip. With the sheriff off fishing, Old Granny is on her own. Desperate for company and heading for home, Granny decides to take the snake, the pecan, the cow patty, the cactus and the alligator with her. But don't despair; Old Granny's unusual friends have an ingenious plan to catch that bean-stealing critter. 'Old Granny and the Bean Thief' by Cynthia DeFelice is a hilarious story of how working together always gets the job done.

Similar authors: Steven Kellogg; Janice Lee Smith

Similar books: One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice; The Real True Dulcie Campbell by Cynthia DeFelice; When Grampa Kissed His Elbow by Cynthia DeFelice; Gullible Gus by Maxine Schur; Waynetta and the Cornstalk: A Texas Fairy Tale by Helen Ketteman; Jess and the Stinky Cowboys by Janice Lee Smith

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/8/2011

ISBN-10: 0374356149

ISBN-13: 9780374356149

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Albert has always been a little afraid of the Pine Manor Nursing Home. But when Mr. Spears, a volunteer friend who helps Albert with his reading, has a stroke, and can no longer live alone, Albert must overcome his fear.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0374356254

ISBN-13: 9780374356255

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Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They are bound by a set of rules, such as not being allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. When a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules so she can finally have a friend. But Georgie keeps reminding her about the rules' and YOU CAN'T BREAK THE RULES!!!

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0618430180

ISBN-13: 9780618430185

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