Daisy's Decorating Dilema by Brandi Dougherty

Daisy is a flower fairy in charge of the decorations for an upcoming party, the Blossom Bash.  Each of her flower fairy friends wants the decorations to look like their favorite flower.  Daisy doesn't want to offend any of them, but they can't all have their way, can they?

This is the first in the new chapter book "Wild Fairies" series.  The story is not that special, but the color illustrations are darling.  At the end of the book, Dougherty includes information about  each of the fairies, a recipe, a "spot the differences" game, and a game to find your "fairy name". I think I would have loved that kind of thing when I was seven. The text density is pretty low, so I think I will be recommending this book for kids who like Princess in Black, but are looking for the next step up in reading level.  (2018, 97 p.)

Inspector Flytrap in The President's Mane is Missing by Tom Angleberger

This is another in the very silly intermediate series by Tom Angleberger.  In this one our hero, a Venus flytrap PI, is called upon to find a missing mane of a statue of the President (who is a horse).  The story involves giant flies from outer space and is nearly too ridiculous for words.  Bell's illustrations match the over-the-top tone of the story. The thing is, I could imagine that a 6 year old might think it was hilarious. (2016. 96p.)

Murphy and the Great Surf Rescue by Gill Lewis

Murphy has always wanted to be a surf rescue dog.  When it comes time for him to earn his surf rescue badge, he finds that the waves in the ocean are much bigger and scarier than he had imagined.  After he fails on his first attempt, and embarrasses himself in front of his hero, he is afraid to try again but when he sees a boy in real trouble, he finds the courage he needs.

I didn't realize when I took this book off of the New Book cart that this is in the same series as another intermediate I read, Star on Stormy Mountain. This book had almost the exact same plot as that one did.  That is not necessarily a bad thing for an intermediate series.  If all the books have similar plots, it helps emerging readers gain confidence and speed because they don't have to spend a lot of effort figuring out what is going on.  This book has simple black and white illustrations that add to the kid appeal and is a good choice for any dog lovers. (109 p. 2016)

Beep and Bob: Too Much Space by Jonathan Roth

Bob lives 200 years in the future and attends a school in the rings of Saturn.  He has a friend alien, Beep, who goes everywhere with him and talks kind of like Elmo.  In this adventure they visit the dwarf planet, Pluto, and later, a black hole.  The author adds some scientific notes at the end. 

This is a cute little intermediate with simple plot, language and characters.  There is absolutely no attempt to be scientifically accurate in descriptions of space or space travel, but the note in the end includes a few interesting facts about Pluto. The book is illustrated with cartoon line drawings.  Not a likely award winner, but not a bad choice for younger kids looking for science fiction. (2018, 104 p.)

Big Foot and Little Foot by Ellen Potter

Hugo and his Sasquatch family live in a system of caves deep beneath the forest. The first rule for little Sasquatches, or Squidges, is that they must never be seen by humans. Hugo longs to see the outside world, sail the ocean, and have adventures, but he knows that he will probably live his whole life in the village's cavern. Then one day, during stealth training outside the cave, he happens upon a human boy. Can they possibly be friends when their races fear and distrust each other?

This is a gentle story written in accessible language and featuring child-friendly black and white illustrations. Potter's message of overcoming prejudice is timely but not heavy handed. This is a good choice for fairly young kids who might like a little bit of excitement, but not too much. (2018, 136 p.)

Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan by Frances 0'Roark Dowell

Sam wants to earn some money like his sister does, but there are not many jobs for a 7 year old boy.  Finally he finds one tending the neighbor's chickens while she is on vacation.  Sam likes the chickens so much he decides he wants to buy one of his own, one that lays blue eggs.  His parents loan him the money to buy it, but now Sam has to find a way to pay back his parents.  Meanwhile he can hardly wait for his chicken to lay her first egg.  Henry needs a plan to earn money and pass the time before the first egg comes. 

This is my intermediate book of the month. I chose it because the 3rd in the series got a starred review.  It is a cute story with a likable character written in simple language.  I wouldn't call it particularly thrilling, or even funny but it has a good message about perseverance. It is maybe a good choice for a quiet kid who doesn't need a lot of excitement.  (144 p. 2016)

A Case in Any Case by Ulf Nilsson

This is the third in the Detective Gordon series.  In this one Detective Gordon is on vacation, and Buffy is minding the police station.  One night something comes scrabbling outside the police station.  Buffy is so worried she decides it is time to go and get Detective Gordon.  No sooner does he return, than two children go missing.  Detective Gordon and Buffy must work together to solve the mystery, but will Buffy ever discover who the mysterious scrabbler is?

This is a charming intermediate that feels a lot like the old Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel.  There isn't really anything that is scary and no real villain. All the characters are nice and good and the conflict comes from small mistakes the characters make. It has simple color illustrations every couple of pages. This would be a great choice for a child that was an advanced reader at a young age or for a visiting grandparent to read aloud over a couple of evenings. (2017, 95 p.)

Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

Children's book lovers will probably recognize the name of Doreen Cronin as the author of several very successful picture books, including Click Clack Moo and Diary of a Spider.  This is (I believe) her first attempt at writing longer fiction. 

J.J. used to be a rescue dog, but now lives as an "outdoors" dog on a farm.  He tries to keep his rescue skills alive by protecting the other farm animals.  When a  mother hen comes to him and explains that one of her babies has gone missing, J.J. is on the case. 

This was cute.  J.J. talks like an old fashion gum shoe detective.  There are some funny moments when the rival house dog tries to look cool, but is foiled by the cone around his neck.  The baby chicks turn out to be more intelligent than they seem at first.  It was not an awesome novel, but a decently amusing one for a 6 or 7 year old. (114 p.)

The Jolley Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon by Jonny Duddle

Matilda is a girl that lives in a coastal town that has been plagued by pirates. She is friends with Jim Lad who is the son of the captain of the Jolley Roger, a fairly friendly pirate ship and crew.  When the Jolley Roger is accused of the theft of valuables from the village museum, Matilde and Jim Lad set out to discover who the real culprits are and how to stop them.

This is an intermediate that has received some starred reviews.  I didn't think it was particularly spectacular, but it was a cute story appropriate for the 2nd-3rd grade target audience.  It has a little bit of danger, a little swashbuckling, but mostly, just a successful completion of a mission.  It has cute cartoony illustrations that match the lighthearted mood of the writing. (123 p.)

Skunked by Jacqueline Kelly

Here is an intermediate featuring the characters from the Calpurnia Tate series.  When Travis, Calpurnia's animal loving brother, finds a baby skunk, he just can't leave it to die in the forest.  He brings it home and hides it in the barn, hoping to raise it as a pet.  Calpurnia thinks he is crazy, but has a soft spot for her kindhearted brother.  Stink and mayhem ensue as they try to care for the skunk (and later, skunks, plural), without their parents finding out. 

This intermediate got some starred reviews, and with good reason.  It is just a fun, simple story, with several funny scenes.  The sweet sibling relationship that permeates the whole is an added bonus.  I will recommend this to kids who like Akimbo and the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series. (106 p.)

Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina

Juana lives in Columbia and her best friend is her dog Lucas.  She loves her mother, she loves her school friend, and she likes her teacher.  She is a pretty good student, until they start learning English at school.  English is just too crazy, and the "th" sound tickles her tongue.  She wonders why she even needs to learn English.

Here is an intermediate book that has received starred reviews and deservedly so. It is even on some of the potential Newbery lists.  The writing is fun and full of energy.  There are a lot of Spanish words inserted into the text, but their meanings are clear from context. The illustrations on every page have a lot of kid appeal. I think non-native English speakers will love it, but native English speakers will, too, and it will help them understand a little the challenge of learning our wacky language.  I don't think this one will win the Newbery, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wins the Geisel  (the award for the best early reader) or at least a Belpre (for best book showing the Latin American experience) (88 p.)

Captain Awesome Meets Super Dude by Stan Kirby

Here is my intermediate book for the week. Eugene (aka, Captain Awesome) is super excited to learn that his idol, Super Dude, will be visiting the local comics shop.  As the big day draws near Eugene notices an increase of activity among the local super-villain population. Is it possible they are planning a group attack on Super Dude? Captain Awesome and the other members of the Sunnyview Superhero Squad are determined to warn Super Dude before it is too late.

This is the latest (#17) in a fun series about a kid with a really active pretend life. The humor is in the double meanings. Young readers will enjoy being "in on the joke" as Captain Awesome foils the evil Mr. Drools (a slobbery overly-affectionate dog), Queen Stinkypants, (Eugene's diaper wearing little sister) and other neighborhood "villains."  I love the fact that when they little boy puts on his superhero suit his parents play along and start calling him "Captain Awesome." Even though the book has almost 150 pages, it is on a fairly low reading level, with large print and lots of fun black and white illustrations. This is a great transition intermediate for the superhero loving crowd. 148 p.

Goldie by Ellen Miles

Here is my intermediate book of the week.  Charles and Lizzie want a pet dog in the worst way.  They ask their mom every day, but each time she answers that she doesn't feel like they are ready for a puppy yet.  One day Charles' father brings a puppy home from work, a refugee from a house fire.  Lizzie's mother agrees they can keep the dog as a foster pet until they find a good permanent home for her. 

This is the first in a series "Puppy Place" for young dog lovers.  The writing is above average and the author works in a lot of good information about puppy care.  Although the book seems totally predictable, I must admit I didn't know if the kids were going to be able to keep the dog or not in the end, so kudos to Miles for adding a little bit of suspense.  Parents beware, if your child reads this book and doesn't have a dog already, they are going to want one by the end.  76 p.

Star on Stormy Mountain by Gill Lewis

Star is a student at the Puppy Academy.  Her mother is a champion sheep dog, and everyone expects Star to be one, too.  Unfortunately, Star doesn't seem to have what it takes to herd sheep.  She is too fast and reckless, but she keeps on trying.  On the day of the mountain sheep herding class, a storm comes up.  The other puppies race back to the lodge, but Star realizes there are lambs and humans still lost in the storm.  Will her fast feet and reckless courage help her help them?

This is my intermediate of the week. It is a cute story written on a good level for an emerging novel reader. Cartoon illustrations scattered throughout add to the book's kid appeal.  There are other books in the Puppy Academy series, and it seems like they are all about puppies discovering their true vocation.  It is an old theme, aptly presented here for a new generation. (115 p.)

Ruffleclaw by Cornelia Funke

Ruffleclaw is an earth monster who has a strange interest in humans.  One day he decides to explore a human home and meets a little boy, named Tommy.  Tommy decides he kind of likes Ruffleclaw, even though the monster is rude and destructive.  Eventually he convinces his parents to let him keep Ruffleclaw as a pet. 

I chose this as my intermediate of the week because of the author.  Funke has written a lot of good fantasy books that I have enjoyed but I ended up not liking this book very much. The idea is ok.  A little boy becomes attached to a monster who, though uncouth, has some endearing characteristics.  The problem with this story is that the monster has no endearing characteristics.  It really is just rude and destructive.  So I ask myself, would a child like this?  Maybe.  Maybe the idea that a little creature could be totally naughty and still be loved could be really appealing to some child.  Still, I am not going to go out and buy an extra copy of the book for the collection or anything.(102 p.)

Where are You Going, Baby Lincoln by Kate DiCamillo

Baby Lincoln is not really a baby.  She is an old woman who has spent her life living in the shadow of her bossy older sister, Eugenia.  One night Baby Lincoln has a dream that she takes a trip on a train and when she wakes up she decides to make the dream come true.  Although she rarely does things on her own, she bravely packs a bag, goes to the train station and buys a ticket.  Once on the train she meets three people who help her see herself in a new way, but as the trip comes to a close, Baby Lincoln wonders how--and if--she will ever get home.

This is my intermediate book of the week and the third installment of the Tales from Deckawoo Drive.  Like the second, Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Racoon, this one is about an adult on a journey of discovery.  It almost feels like this is a children's story that is really written for adults. Many adults will sympathize with Baby Lincoln's quiet struggle to define herself separately from her sister.  It could also be a good story to read to a child who is under the influence of a over-domineering friend.  Either way, the message is clear, but not overbearing and the story is sweet in a subdued kind of way.  (88p)

Mango and Bambang: The Not a Pig by Polly Faber

Here is this week's intermediate.
Mango lives with her father who is always busy "balancing books."  She tries to stay busy, too, but is often lonely, until the day she meets Bambang.  Bambang is not a pig, but a tapir from a far away land. He is very nervous about living in the big city, but Mango is kind and gentle with him, and soon they are best friends. When Mango finally faces something that makes her nervous, Bambang knows he must step up and help his dear friend, the way she has helped him. This book is a treat, both literarily and visually. With simple language Faber creates a wonderful story of friendship and kindness. Vulliamy's cover even looks like a treat;  a box of candy or a popcorn bag. The interior illustrations are also charmingly done in the same two tone purple. Gentler than Junie B. Jones or Ivy and Bean, this is a great choice for a young child who is an advanced reader, or anyone who has a tender soul. (135 p.)

Princess Posey and the Crazy Lazy Vacation by Stephanie Green

Here is my intermediate book of the week.  Posey is in first grade and the book starts the last day of school before a week long school break. Her friends talk about the exciting things they will do over the break, like visit grandparents in a different state, or go to Disney Land. When Posey talks with her mother, she finds out that they aren't going anywhere. Instead Posey's mom has taken the week off work and they are going to have a "stay-cation" at home. At first Posey is disappointed, but she ends up having a very good time playing with her mom and even learning to ride a bike. The reason the series is called "Princess Posey" is because when Posey is faced with something that is difficult, she puts on her favorite pink tutu and becomes "Princess Posey." Princes Posey has the courage to try hard things that were too scary for regular Posey, like getting back on the bike after her first crash.  The text is simple enough that it would make a good transition book from easy readers, and a bridge book to Junie B.Jones or Clementine.(84 p)

Inspector Flytrap by Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell

Inspector Flytrap is, you guessed it, a Venus flytrap.  He lives in a pot and has a goat assistant, Nina, who pushes him around on a skateboard.  He is always looking for "Big Deal" cases to solve, and he finds them. During the book Flytrap is able to solve several short mysteries, each taking one chapter of the book.  The only problem is that in solving the cases, Inspector Flytrap and Nina seem to make more enemies than satisfied customers. 

I was pretty excited to hear that Tom Angleberger and his wife, Cece Bell, had collaborated on an intermediate reader.  As I started to read it, my first impression was that this was just too silly for me. Come on, a talking venus flytrap and a goat that eats everything?   But I stuck with it, and was delighted how Angleberger pulled elements of each of the mysteries together into a fairly clever finale.  I think 2nd graders are going to love this.  The second in the series was just released.  (98 p.)

(Note to librarians.  When I was ordering it I couldn't tell if it was going to be a comic book or an illustrated book.  It is an illustrated book. Just fyi)

Tashi, by Anna Fienberg

Tashi is Jack's imaginary friend who wears a pointed hat and curly shoes. Jack and Tashi sneak away from Jack's parents and share wonderful stories about magical adventures in exotic lands. The writing is simple but lovely, and the book is illustrated with whimsical black and white line drawing on every page. I think it took me about 15 minutes to read. It is an older book, written in 1995 by an Australian author but the most recent Tashi adventure was written in 2014.  (57 p)