As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
To continue you need an active subscription to hbook.com.
Subscribe now to gain immediate access to everything hbook.com has to offer, as well as our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database, which contains tens of thousands of short, critical reviews of books published in the United States for young people.
Thank you for registering. To have the latest stories delivered to your inbox, select as many free newsletters as you like below.
No thanks. Return to article
148 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-9567-5$15.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
When Judy Moody is assigned to do a family tree project, she discovers what she thinks is a royal relative; from there it's full-steam ahead: Judy writes to the queen, starts wearing purple, and drops British colloquialisms. But classmate Jessica also seems to know a lot about royalty...could they be long-lost relatives? Judy's fourteenth amiably illustrated episode is timely considering interest in England's current royals.
127 pp.
| Candlewick
| March, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-9163-9$14.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Stink heads to Shakespeare Camp over spring break (the only boy attending, it turns out). Stink's in it for the Shakespearean insults and swordplay, but he learns that there is also kissing in Shakespeare's plays. Stink won't have to kiss his "sometimes friend, most times enemy" Riley Rottenberger, will he?! Reynolds's illustrations capture all the theatrics in this spirited chapter-book introduction to Shakespeare.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
To fit in with her left-handed dad and brother Stink, Judy pledges to do everything as a lefty for a whole day. This is harder than she expected: everyday activities like eating are a complete mess. But in typical Judy fashion, she persists--and manages to make a rare hole-in-one mini-golf shot to boot. This full-color transitional-reader spinoff series has all the appeal of the Judy Moody chapter books.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
On April Fools' Day (also Judy Moody's birthday!), third grader Judy wants to fool her favorite teacher, and a stick insect gives her the perfect idea. When a fifth grader says "there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy," Judy sets out to prove otherwise. As usual, the full-color illustrations pop and the series' characters shine in these transitional-reader spinoffs of the longer chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: April Fools', Mr. Todd! and Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
On April Fools' Day (also Judy Moody's birthday!), third grader Judy wants to fool her favorite teacher, and a stick insect gives her the perfect idea. When a fifth grader says "there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy," Judy sets out to prove otherwise. As usual, the full-color illustrations pop and the series' characters shine in these transitional-reader spinoffs of the longer chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: April Fools', Mr. Todd! and Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy.
131 pp.
| Candlewick
| February, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5554-9$12.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Stink names his Saturday Science Club slime mold Mr. McGoo. Recording scientific observations in his "captain's log," (à la Star Trek's Captain Kirk), Stink alternates between loving to watch it grow and worrying that Mr. McGoo might be out of control. When Stink's imagination runs wild, sister Judy steps in. With science, sweet-silly humor, and Reynolds's signature illustrations, Stink's chapter books are never disappointing.
161 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7995-8$15.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
After discovering a bucket list in her grandmother's purse, Judy decides to craft her own. In typical Judy fashion, she steadily crosses things off, some with more success than others, as is humorously documented in Reynolds's familiar illustrations. It's heartwarming to see Judy--with help from Stink, her family, friends, and her grandmother--discover it's about the journey and not the end product.
116 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7206-5$14.99
(4)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Judy is convinced she will win the Turkey Trot and bring home a turkey for Thanksgiving. With the help of Stink, Judy channels Sarah Josepha Hale ("inventor of Thanksgiving") to prepare for the race, with their efforts shown in Reynolds's ever-cheerful illustrations. The book contains many facts about Hale and her life, but it lacks a comprehensive/inclusive history of Thanksgiving.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
In three vignettes, Stink and Judy watch the night sky for a comet in a sweet sibling moment; Stink worries about (and prepares for) an asteroid hitting Earth; and Stink names a star. McDonald has done a stellar job of transferring the appeal of the original Judy Moody series into transitional readers; full-bleed illustrations bring the beloved characters to bright, colorful life.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
Judy navigates pet ownership in three chapters. In the first, Jaws (her Venus fly trap) is not doing well, so Judy and Stink get Jaws a plant friend. In the second, Mouse (the cat) sets up a psychic pet table. Lastly, toad Toady goes to obedience school. The easy-to-read book, with clear, supportive illustrations, works well for newly independent readers.
161 pp.
| Candlewick
| February, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6474-9$12.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
When Stink goes to a sleepover at the aquarium, he's very excited (he loves sharks) but also nervous (he's a bit afraid of sleepovers). Although the children are constantly cracking each other up with silly second-grade jokes, readers will also glean lots of factual information about sea creatures. Reynolds ably illustrates both the wondrous animals and the comical antics.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble and Rocky Zang in The Amazing Mr. Magic.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble and Rocky Zang in The Amazing Mr. Magic.
133 pp.
| Candlewick
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6520-3$14.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Siblings Judy and Stink find themselves stuck at home after a storm knocks out the power, and they come up with some creative ways to entertain themselves and their family. McDonald's simple structure and kid-friendly humor take the edge off a scary situation; Reynolds's full-color illustrations light up the pages. Includes suggestions for things to do if readers find themselves in the dark.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
Judy Moody's friends take center stage in two more spinoff transitional readers. As Judy provides ideas and support, budding journalist Amy hunts for news stories and Frank attempts to win a contest. Series illustrator Madrid brings the original characters to full-color life. The breezy, humorous books are great stepping stones for kids on their way to independent chapter-book reading. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Amy Namey in Ace Reporter and Frank Pearl in The Awful Waffle Kerfuffle.
(3)
1-3
Judy Moody and Friends series.
Illustrated by
Erwin Madrid.
Judy Moody's friends take center stage in two more spinoff transitional readers. As Judy provides ideas and support, budding journalist Amy hunts for news stories and Frank attempts to win a contest. Series illustrator Madrid brings the original characters to full-color life. The breezy, humorous books are great stepping stones for kids on their way to independent chapter-book reading. Review covers these Judy Moody and Friends titles: Amy Namey in Ace Reporter and Frank Pearl in The Awful Waffle Kerfuffle.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
When Judy gets "in a mood" again, she challenges herself be cheerful for a whole week. Whenever things get rough she resorts to finger knitting. By Good Mood Day #7 she has a gigantic ball of yarn and a wonderful surprise for her math class. Always-relatable Judy's efforts to fight off irritation are hilarious; Reynolds captures the high points in his expressive black-and-white illustrations.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Katherine Tillotson.
When Shoe Dog is adopted, the only thing he wants to chew is shoes--heels, sneakers, old, new, whatever. Until "She, Herself" brings home slippers shaped like cats: "Shoe Dog did not would not could not ever chew this new shoe!" The text's energetic pup-perspective language is charming; crayon and charcoal illustrations ultimately show loosely sketched Shoe Dog snuggling peacefully with Shoe Cat.
60 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5712-3$14.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
G. Brian Karas.
Bored and lonely on a winter day, Ant seeks the companionship of friend Honey Bee, who just wants to be left alone. The three chapters tap into the timeless emotions of childhood in the same spirit as Frog and Toad do. Both the gouache, acrylic, and pencil illustrations and the humorous, endearing text feature delightful details and gags for new readers to spot.
152 pp.
| Candlewick
| February, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6140-3$12.99
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Stink finds a freaky three-legged frog after swim class, and then starts running into frogs wherever he goes. The new pals inspire Stink and his gang to learn about amphibians. But is he turning into one himself? In his eighth winning chapter book with endearing-as-ever illustrations, affable Stink's inquisitive and humorous relationship with the unknown will make readers curious themselves.