Dork Diaries 14: Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever by Rachel Renee Russell

Reading Age: 9-13 years

Grade Level: 4-8

Publisher: Aladdin; Illustrated edition

Publication Date: October 22, 2019

It is summer and middle grader Nikki Maxwell and her friends plan to be the opening act for a popular music group called Bad Boyz as they tour cities around the country. The story infuses quizzes about the four members of Bad Boyz so that readers understand the personalities and traits of the members. Unfortunately Nikki’s rival, McKenzie, plans to inject herself into this experience any way that she can. Nikki’s histrionic personality is well depicted in text and illustrations which at times will have readers laughing and at other times have readers’ eyes zooming through pages to find out how cliffhangers end. As the story unfolds the audience learns that there is more to Nikki than her dramatic personality. My Book Eyes enjoyed the pedal boat escapade. This middle grade chapter book is a fun read that ends on a happy note.

I Love Dad with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Age Range: 3 years – 5 years

Publisher: World of Eric Carle

Publication Date: February 27, 2018

The Very Hungry Caterpillar journeys from one father child pair to another in this picture book. The audience learns why dads are loved. The words are sparse but well chosen. Only one to six words appear on two page spreads which makes this a great read for young audiences. Mr. Carle’s vivid collage designs on white background are eye-catching.

My Book Eyes remembers seeing Mr. Carle at a book signing at Barnes and Noble in New York City. He drew such a large and diverse crowd. The book signing line seemed never ending. He will be missed.