EARLY READER: Tony Baloney Buddy Trouble by Pam Munoz Ryan

Tony and his stuffed buddy, Dandelion, are excited about going to school for Books and Buddies, but a messy glitter mishap at home means Tony and his big sister can't go. For revenge, Big Sister puts Dandelion into the diaper bag for their younger siblings playgroup. When Dandelion comes home, he's pink and stinky. Can Dandelion be saved? Will Tony and Big Sister ever make up?

This was a cute story with very real problems for kids - their loyalty to their stuffed critters and sibling rivalries. It's formatted in chapters which has an appeal for some of my new readers at school (they feel so grown up, reading a book with chapters). I bought this book in a preview pack from Scholastic for our upcoming spring book fair - I can't find the book on either of the big online booksellers I usually use. I think my students will enjoy this new story about Tony and his family.

EARLY READER: Tony Baloney - School Rules by Pam Munoz Ryan

I apologize for the crummy picture of this great book - I could not find a listing for this book at Barnes and Noble's website or on Amazon for some reason. This was a Book Fair book for my school this fall, and it's a great one! It's Tony's first day of school and it's not turning out at ALL like his big sister's stories of her first day. Tony's not the line leader and he's even gotten into trouble for not following all of his teacher's rules. Will anything go right for Tony on his first day?

This is a sweet, honest and fun story. I think it would be a great addition to a Kindergarten library (although the reading level might be closer to 2nd grade) or even first grade since it deals with the nervousness of starting school. I am eager to get this one cataloged and on my library shelves because I know my students are going to enjoy it!

4.5 out of 5 stars
No AR rating at this time