Marilyn Sadler

A paperbackswap find; [b:Alistair's Elephant|6145924|Alistair's Elephant|Marilyn Sadler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1337053023l/6145924._SX50_.jpg|2392674] that I'll be offering back out to any (US) requestor.

First of all, I don't like zoos. So, let's just not pay too much attention to that part of the story.

Now:
Is this just a funny story, in which a wild(ish) elephant shakes up the life of a very well-behaved boy? Yes & no. It is that, and it is show more worth reading and rereading on that level.

But it's not just that.
It's also the story of a persnickety little old man in a boy's body, with a domineering mother, who unconsciously realizes that he needs a little wildness in his own life... at least on weekends.

This is one of those all ages, different for each reader, fables that I love. If you love them too, be sure to also read the picturebooks by [a:Jon Agee|87516|Jon Agee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1484213052p2/87516.jpg] and some by [a:Arthur Yorinks|11352|Arthur Yorinks|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1561051156p2/11352.jpg], especially [b:Hey, Al|526077|Hey, Al|Arthur Yorinks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586096083l/526077._SX50_.jpg|513903]. show less

Aliens! Monsters! Lost Library Books!

Alistair is a Very Good Little Boy. He's always clean, always on time, always organized. He always knows just what to do. Which is good, because this Very Good Little Boy ends up in some straaange situations. Only Alistair, on his way to return library books, would get kidnapped by aliens! (Fortunately, he's an excellent navigator and gets them all home safely). Only Alistair would end up with an elephant, find previously unknown monsters while scuba show more diving, or be able to deal with an alien invasion.

The completely insane situations contrasted with Alistair's consistently deadpan face and Very Good Behavior, will keep you giggling all the way through!

Verdict: Although these books are older, they're not at all outdated. Great fun if you find a used copy or buy the still in print paperback.

Alistair in Outer Space
ISBN: 978-0671666781; Published January 1984 by Simon & Schuster (paperback edition in print)

Alistair's Elephant
ISBN: 978-0671666804; Published September 1983 by Simon & Schuster (out of print)

Alistair Underwater
ISBN: 978-0671694067; Published June 1990 by Simon & Schuster (out of print)

Alistair and the Alien Invasion
ISBN: 978-0671759575; Published April 1994 by Simon & Schuster (out of print)

Alistair's Time Machine
ISBN: 978-0130223517; Published April 1986 by Simon & Schuster (out of print) show less

Marilyn Sadler, a prolific author of humorous picture books and easy readers, adds a silly counting book to the well-known Bright and Early Books for Beginning Readers imprint.

Gwen, the red hen, is excited about her first clutch of eggs, but not as excited as the little rooster, Red. He's busy taking care of Gwen when the first egg hatches. Overjoyed, Red rushes off to buy a worm for his new chick. But when he gets back with ONE worm, there are TWO more chicks! Red rushes frantically back show more and forth, trying to keep up with counting chicks, worms, and coins until all ten eggs have hatched, there is a worm for each, and a kiss from Gwen for the sweet little rooster.

Fleming's art has a vibrant, retro flare with bold colors and lines. The backgrounds are neutral colors, emphasizing the text and colorful characters.

The text is a large font, very friendly to young children beginning to read. The text is a step above the very beginning books, which normally have only a handful of words per page, and includes longer words like "beautiful," "surprise," and "hurried." The sentences are brief and simple, with the numbers emphasized in all caps. The simple exercises in addition flow naturally through the text, although some children may be distracted by trying to count and read at the same time.

Verdict: This is an excellent choice for children who are ready to move up a step from the absolute beginner books. The lightly humorous story and child-friendly art are appealing and the math adds a unique aspect to the story. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780449810828; Published 2014 by Beginner Books/Random House; Purchased for the library show less

This book is cute in design and the illustrations are well done. I feel like this is something children will definitely enjoy and find humor in.

My only gripe is the glamorization of bullying and teasing by Hunnys brother. I feel there was a missed opportunity to encourage good familial relations.