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Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day
- By Kate McMullan
- Genre: For Beginning Readers
Common Sense Media says
Mouse’s bad day makes a relatable, engaging easy reader.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know there is nothing to be concerned about in this school tale. Wagner isn't coping well with the day, but the practical jokes are harmless and no one treats him unkindly.
What's the story?
Wagner’s day starts badly when he oversleeps and is late for school. But it gets worse as friends and teachers trick him with April Fools’ Day jokes. He doesn’t find it funny, and he isn’t sure what’s a joke and what isn’t. When his teacher announces a math test, he thinks that’s a joke too -- but it isn’t. The day gets worse when his friend Pearl won’t be his dance partner in gym class. Finally, Wagner is able to turn his day around -- by playing a practical joke of his own.
Is it any good?
The third in the series by Kate McMullan and R.W. Alley, ONE FUNNY DAY offers relatable material, appealing characters, fun text, and short chapters. Young readers and their parents will readily empathize with poor Wagner, who isn’t in the mood for April Fools’ Day shenanigans and doesn’t like being on the receiving end of all the practical jokes. Nothing seems to be going right for him, and even worse, everyone else is having so much fun. It’s a lonely, frustrating feeling, and Alley’s illustrations capture his dejection.
The easy-to-read text is broken up into manageable chunks by Alley’s engaging artwork. The relatable plot will likely encourage reluctant readers to keep turning the pages.
Expressive, lively, and funny artwork adds great appeal to the story.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about practical jokes. Do you like it when someone plays a practical joke on you? How do you feel if they keep tricking you?
Do you like to play practical jokes? What jokes might you try on April Fools' Day?
What do you do when you're having a bad day? How do you try to turn it around?
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| Author: | Kate McMullan |
| Illustrator: | R.W. Alley |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | For Beginning Readers |
| Publisher: | Dial Books |
| Publication date: | March 5, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 40 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 5 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 5 - 5 |
| Read alone: | 6 - 6 |
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