Bradford Street Buddies: Block Party Surprise (Green Light Readers: Level 3)

Gr 1-3--Jada Perkins and her twin brother, Jamal, are excited to be participating in the Bradford Street Fall Block Party, mainly because of the "big surprise" their dad has in store for them. After hearing a thumping sound, the twins look out the window and cannot believe their eyes. The backyard is full of mechanical dinosaurs! When their best friends Josh and Carlita arrive, the four kids work the controls and play with the robots until it's time to go set up for the party. But in the middle of all the preparations, bad news arrives when Mr. Perkins announces that the truck that was going to transport the dinosaurs to the party has broken down. The kids put their heads together and come up with wheeled solutions to getting each dinosaur to the party. The writing is solid and the plotline strong. Combine that with lively drawn ink and watercolor illustrations and multicultural friendships, and this chapter book is a first purchase for most collections. VERDICT An enjoyable read with broad appeal to independent readers.--Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Full-color, detailed watercollor illustrations show a welcome cast of ethnically diverse characters. This new offering is tailor-made for children who are ready for books they can read independently with confidence."
—Kirkus

"Ink-and-watercolor illustrations provide helpful visual cues while capturing the autumnal atmosphere and the distinct facial expressions of the multicultural cast...This approachable story will be rewarding for kids just getting into independent reading."
—Booklist