Marty Frye, Private Eye

by Janet Tashjian

This beginning chapter book is broken up into three short chapters, each featuring a different crime for poetry loving rhyming detective Marty Frye to solve. There are plenty of black-and-white cartoon illustrations to interest young readers and build interest. Tashjian leaves her characters loosely developed, relying on the clever dialogue to carry the story. Unfortunately the rhyming feels forced at times and the final case is so transparent that the ending is rather disappointing.

1 of 5 stars.

Star of the Week

by Caroline Adderson

The first in a new series of transitional chapter books featuring Jasper John Dooley, a quirky and creative young boy. Jasper is finally Star of the Week although it does not run as smoothly as he had planned. From his less than interesting lint collection show-and-tell, to his dismal family tree, to his forgotten science experiment, Jasper worries that he will have to forfeit his "star" status before weeks end.  Add in his new quest to convince his parents that their small family needs an addition and it's clear that Jasper has a lot on his mind.  Adderson creates a wonderfully believable character in Jasper with easy to read text. The occasional black and white line drawings add additional depth.

4 of 5 stars. Recommended.

Freedom! : Miss Annie

by Frank Le Gall

In this first book of a new series, readers are introduced to a young black & white kitten, Miss Annie. Although Miss Annie gets into typical kitten mischief, she also befriends a mouse and ventures into the scary outdoors. The simple text and graphic novel format will appeal to young readers.

4 of 5 stars. Recommended.

The Great Cheese Conspiracy

by Jean Van Leeuwen

In this fifth book of a series, Merciless Marvin the Magnificent is tired of small time heists involving popcorn machines and candy bars and decides his gang of mice is ready for the "Big Time". Can they leave the relative safety of the movie theater and pull off a foolproof plan to rob a nearby cheese shop? Van Leeuwen creates a lighthearted caper of short chapters and easily read text. Unfortunately, most of the movie humor will be lost on the targeted audience.

2 of 5 Stars. Recommended.

The Ball Hogs

by Rich Wallace

In the spirit of Matt Christopher, Wallace introduces younger readers to a new soccer series. Nine-year-old Ben knows he's a good athlete and is excited about playing on his first soccer team. But new classmate Matt is not only creating problems at school, but he's also hogging the ball during practice and during their first game. Wallace creates a likable character with believable emotions in this quickly paced easy chapter book.

3 of 5 Stars.  Recommended.