Ellie McDoodle: Best Friends Fur-Ever by Ruth McNally Barshaw

Ellie McDoodle: Best Friends Fur-Ever by Ruth McNally Barshaw
(Grades 2-4)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans! Don't miss the Ellie McDoodle series, including this third installment, Best Friends Fur-Ever. It has just arrived at our library and is as funny and creative as ever.

Ellie is a middle child that loves to doodle and share stories about her kooky family and school. The series is written in diary format which is peppered with her own illustrations and loopy handwriting. In Best Friends Fur-Ever, Ellie's family (well, except for Mom) wants to add a variety of pets to their household mix. Coincidentally, her school assigns a big project on animals and Ellie must choose an unusual animal to report on in front of her class. When a chance pet-sitting job arises, Ellie has found her subject! But will the pet-sitting go as smoothly as she'd thought?

The series is a page-turner, each a hilarious account of Ellie's daily experiences including a typical family dinner told in coversation bubbles, "Which must rhyme. All of the time," or a random two-page spread entitled,"How to Build a Geodesic Dome." The story flows like a bedtime conversation you yearn to have with your child about their day. Funny, smart, creative - not to be missed!

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other books at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel

Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel, by Ruth McNally Barshaw
(Grades 2-4)

When Ellie's parents leave for a family funeral Ellie is dragged along on a camping trip with her aunt, uncle and cousins. While she's kicking and screaming (at least in her diary) Ellie is filling her diary with illustrations and character sketches of the family around her. She finds it more entertaing to dislike in her aunt, uncle and cousins than to like them, and her exaggerated portrayels of her family are play up their faults. But when her cousin gets a hold of her diary and writes, "No one likes you, either!" Ellie takes a step back from her diary to consider how her words and illustrations affect others. Part narration, part illustration, Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel is a funny, entertaining and enlightening read.

The library's Book Buddies group unanimously gave this story two thumbs up!

Look for the sequel: Ellie McDoodle, New Kid in School

Find this book and more at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff