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Parents' Guide to

Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Mouse’s bad day makes a relatable, engaging easy reader.

Book Kate McMullan For Beginning Readers 2009
Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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