STINK AND THE SHARK SLEEPOVER by Megan McDonald

* I received this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Stink and his friends get to have a sleepover at the aquarium where they learn all about hermit crabs, jellyfish and sharks. There's a campfire, pranks and a spooky story to make the sleepover complete.

I received an advance e-copy of this book from the publisher, Candlewick Press. Final artwork was not available, but I don't think you can go wrong with anything drawn by Peter H. Reynolds. The story was cute and informative. I have so many shark-crazy kids at school who are going to LOVE this! This will be a hit with Stink fans as well as shark fans.

4 out of 5 stars

This book releases on February 11, 2014.

CHAPTER BOOK: Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout by Megan McDonald (GUEST POST)

[This is a guest post by my son who is blogging under the code name of "Steve Rogers."]

Who has spiky hair, is short and is mutating into a frog?

It's Stink E. Moody! Stink is a second grader who has an older sister named Judy (who has her own book series and movie). One day after swim lessons, Stink went to the showers and found a frog there. He named the frog King Otto. The frog only had three legs. Stink thought the leg had been eaten by a bird, but later a naturalist tells him it is because of fertilizer. Stink goes on a frog observation one night to count frogs. After that, Stink gets licked by a blue frog and thinks he is becoming a mutant frog - which would help him reach his goal of swimming underwater to get quarters. In the end, Stink makes his goal (without turning into a frog), learning about frogs from his adventure.

I give this three out of five stars. This would be recommended for first graders and older. It is a fun adventure and hilarious along the way. [There's no AR level at the time of this writing.]

TUESDAY: Stink: Solar System Super Hero

The latest book from Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds in the Stink Moody series is a hit in our household!

Stink finds out Pluto has been demoted and he refuses to accept it. The boy who is small in stature (but big in ideas) just has to defend the small underdog of the solar system. In the process of fighting for Pluto's planetary status (at least in his second grade classroom), Stink learns some things about how to win friends and influence people.

[I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you click to Amazon from one of my blogs and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.]

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.