TUESDAY: Stink

Anyone who has talked to me about children's books will know I am a fan of Stink Moody (and his sister Judy). There are 4 books so far in the Stink series featuring Stink and his friends Webster and Sophie of the Elves. In the first, Stink thinks he is shrinking (not a good thing for a guy who is already frustrated about being short). In the second, Stink discovers the value of a well-worded letter... and the value of a good friend. In the third, Stink gets to be a professional smeller. And in the fourth, he and his friends help find homes for 101 guinea pigs. They are listed for grade 2 through 4.

Stink and his friends are a lot of fun for kids, but also for the adults who read to those kids. The sibling banter between Stink and Judy is realistic without being overdone. Stink makes an appearance in the Judy Moody series of books, and Stink and Judy also share some adventures. The first book featuring both characters was The Holly Joliday and the second will be The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt coming out August 11, 2009.