Sunday, March 1, 2015

The Emerald Berries by Poppy Green -- ADVISABLE

Green, Poppy The Emerald Berries (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse #2), illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell. Little Simon, 2015. $5.99. Content: G.

When eight-year-old Sophie Mouse hears about the fabulous green dye made from emerald berries, she is determined to have some for her own artwork. Unfortunately, the berries are in Weedsnag Way, the scariest part of the whole forest. Will Sophie and her best friend, Hattie Frog, survive the journey to Weedsnag Way and make it back home unharmed?

This beginning chapter book has a large font, a simple plot line, and illustrations throughout, making it perfect for students who are newly ready to move on from traditional picture books and early readers. While it has a slow start, once the story gets going it's a great adventure tale with two brave heroines and some smart, resourceful thinking. It's also a nice lesson in not judging something you're not familiar with, as well as good encouragement for the artistically inclined. Although this is the second in the series, it stands on its own just fine.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

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