Tag: Kallie George

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Our Classroom Rules! is a great way to send ’em off… and welcome them back

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Our Classroom Rules!, by Kallie George/Illustrated by Jay Fleck, (June 2023, Rodale Kids), $12.99, ISBN: 9780593378786

Ages 3-6

I know there are a lot of classrooms getting ready to press pause as we’re moving into summer, but I’ve got a book for you! It’s one of those adorable reads that can send your classes off for the summer and welcome a new class come the fall. Kallie George (loved her Magical Animal Adoption Agency chapter books) and Jay Fleck (Tiny T Rex is a fave) bring a sweet classroom of animal friends together for Our Classroom Rules, a cheerful, upbeat story about all the ways these students learn and play together. The title is a cute play on words as the narrative offers classroom guidelines (the “rules”) and reasons why their classroom is great (“RULES!”): “…we try to be on time… and ready to learn”; “We listen to our teacher… and our teacher listens to us”; “We clean up. We line up. And if we mess up, that’s okay. Mistakes are part of learning”. It’s an affirming book, assuring readers that you don’t have to be THE best, but YOUR best; kindness and curiosity are the ways to succeed. Colorful, kid-friendly digital and pencil illustrations show friendly animal students coming together. It’s a lovely addition to your school stories collections and it’s perfect for Pre-K and Kindergarten classes.

 

Posted in Animal Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, Middle Grade

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is open for business!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

cover66347-mediumThe Magical Animal Adoption Agency, Book 2 The Enchanted Egg, by Kallie George/Illus. by Alexander Bolger (Nov. 2015, Disney Book Group), $14.99, ISBN: 9781423183839

Recommended for ages 8-12

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is back, and so are Clover, whose gifts with animals surpass any magic she may not have, Mr. Jams, the proprietor, and Dipity, the green magical cat Clover rescued from the witch in the first book. In this second book in the series, Clover must once again keep an eye on the adoption agency while Mr. Jams is away – but a large egg has hatched early, and the newest member of the adoption agency is keeping Clover on her toes!

This series is a feel-good read. Clover is a sweet, gentle soul who learns about herself and what she’s capable of in each book, going from a self-conscious, clumsy girl in the first, to a more confident young girl who realizes that she doesn’t need magic to take care of magical creatures in this book. There are positive messages about self-esteem and caring for others, taking responsibility, and most importantly, the value of being kind.

This is a great series for kids, especially those who love fantasy or just love animals. The first book was well-received at my former library, and I can’t wait to get these two books into my new patrons’ hands. Animal fiction does really well with middle graders, and a series like this, that pairs the fantastic within our everyday world gives readers a necessary spark of magic in their lives.

Magic Tree House fans, Critter Club fans, steer them all to these books. They’ll love you for it.

Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, Middle Grade

Give The Magical Animal Adoption Agency a home on your shelves!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

cover53711-mediumThe Magical Animal Adoption Agency: Clover’s Luck, by Kallie George (Feb. 2015, Disney Book Group), $14.99, ISBN: 9781423183822

Recommended for ages 8-12

Clover feels decidedly unlucky, despite her name. One day, walking through the woods, she comes across a cottage in the woods – it’s an animal adoption agency! It’s not just any adoption agency, either – it’s a magical animal adoption agency, and Clover manages to convince the owner to let her work there as an assistant this summer. When the owner has to leave unexpectedly, Clover’s in charge – and finds herself faced with a very strange customer. Can Clover make sure the animals are safe, and manage to find some of them good homes?

This book is perfect for kids just stepping into chapter books. Aside from being one of the sweetest books I’ve read lately, The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is fun. Where else can you find out about the care and feeding of unicorns and baby dragons? The story is well-paced, sets up what promises to be a fun series, and has enough drama to get readers’ attention, without dipping into bleaker territory.  Add Alexandra Bolger’s adorable artwork, and you have a fully engaging story.

I’m looking forward to seeing what other magical animals come through the doors of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency. In the meantime, this one will be a fun addition on my Intermediate shelf.

There’s a great Magical Animal Adoption Agency website, where you can submit a wish for a magical pet of your own, draw pictures of your magical pet – or print out Lost! posters, if you should misplace yours, and even adopt a magical pet of your own. Send your stories and artwork in – the site publishes contributions!