Ollie the Stomper (Light Readers: Level 1)

PreS-Gr 3--In Ollie, the duckling main character doesn't want to hatch. Friends Gossie and Gertie wait, watch, and cajole, but still he will not come out of the egg. In the follow-up book, Ollie covets the brightly colored rain boots of his friends, and traipses after Gossie and Gertie until they each share one of their boots with him. Despite thin plots, rudimentary illustrations, and flat characters, the simple sentences and vocabulary of these books makes them accessible to beginning readers. In the accompanying audio downloads, the narrator's voice sounds computer generated with little emotion or inflection to draw listeners in to the story. However, the simple navigation of the downloads, separate listening and read-along tracks, and under-three-minute running times make these audiobooks a good fit for the youngest readers.--Tara Hixon, Cashion Public Schools, OK

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"With their simple watercolors and narrative, along with diminutive heroes who assert a budding independence, these tales demonstrate once again how well their creator knows his audience." Publishers Weekly, Starred

"Dunrea successfully adds to the 'Gossie and Gertie' cast with these endearing tales." School Library Journal, Starred

"Dunrea's keen awareness of young children's concerns and quirks translates into charmingly simple illustrations and text." Kirkus Reviews

Pre-schoolers will relate to Ollie's point of view and delight in his humorous reactions to the new world he's discovering. Booklist, ALA

Dunrea's text...is packed with toddler-sized drama, and Gossie and Gertie easily assume the roles of older sisters dealing with a pesky but beloved younger brother. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books