Early Chapter Book Review: Heidi Heckelbeck and the Cookie Contest

Heidi Heckelbeck and the Cookie Contest
Written by:  Wanda Coven
Illustrated by:  Priscilla Burris
Published by: Little Simon, 2012
Ages 5-7

* This book is the third in the Heidi Heckelbeck series.  My daughter and I have read all three and find them very enjoyable.  This is a great new series for the newly independent reader.  The book is broken up into short chapters with illustrations on almost every page. In book one we are introduced to Heidi, who used to be homeschooled but is now starting second grade at Brewster Elemntary School.  She meets Melanie, who teases and picks on her, and continues to do so throughout the series.  But Heidi also meets a new friend, Lucy. We also discover that Heidi is a witch! 

This third book opens with Heidi signing up for the Brewster Elementary cookie contest.  After much deliberation she finally decides to make her family's famous chocolate chunk cookie recipe.  But after hearing about the different cookies her classmates plan on making, Heidi thinks that her cookies are too plain.  So even though she's not supposed to use her witching skills in everyday life, she of course uses a Cookie Charm spell to jazz up her cookies.  Unfortunately, the cookies don't turn out as expected and Heidi learns a lesson that sometimes simple is best. 

We are enjoying this series and will be reading number four in the series Heidi Heckelbeck in Disguise soon!

This book was borrowed from the library.

Family Rating: 1 1/2 thumbs up.

This post is shared at The Children's Bookshself @ What Do We Do All Day

Early Chapter Book Review: Mrs. Noodlekugel

Mrs. Noodlekugel
Written by:  Daniel Pinkwater
Illustrated by:  Adam Stower
Published by:  Candlewick Press, 2012

* This book is aimed at the transitional reader who is past the beginning reading stages but not quite ready for large chapter books. In this book Nick and Maxine discover a little house behind their tall apartment building.  They learn about a secret door in the boiler room that leads to Mrs. Noodlekugel's house.  Here you can find a talking, standing, piano-playing cat and four far-sighted mice who like to help make cookies.  They eventually discover that Mrs. Noodlekugel will be their babysitter.

This didn't feel like a complete book to me....more like an introduction and meeting of Mrs. Noodlekugel.  The writing seemed a little awkward, with the scene between Nick and Maxine discussing their meeting with Mrs. Noodlekugel, especially sticking out in my mind.  The illustrations though were cute and abundant!

 My 6 year old daughter and I read this early chapter book together over one weekend.  As critical as I am about the book, I have to remember that it's target audience is right around my daughter's age.  For her it was an entertaining and enjoyable read. She enjoyed this book and is looking forward to reading the next book in the series Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice which comes out later this year.

This book was borrowed from the library.

Family Rating: 1 thumb up.