Hardware Helper! (Mike Delivers: Ready-To-Read Level 1)

PreS-Gr 2--This beginning reader contains a winning combination of simple, repetitive sentences and engaging illustrations sure to appeal to young readers. Mike the hedgehog "delivers, in the town of Happy Rivers." But when he delivers a package to his friend Hardware Dan and finds a line outside the door, he realizes that Dan, a red panda, has a broken leg and is having trouble helping his customers. In swoops Mike to save the day and help his friend, until they realize that "Mike does not know this hardware stuff. The customers have had enough!" The two friends eventually find a way to play to their individual strengths to help the people of Happy Rivers. Rhyming text, along with level appropriate words and an occasional challenging word, such as brilliant and thought, make this fun to read aloud. Readers, wanting to know how the problem is solved, will be motivated to keep going. The animal inhabitants of Happy Rivers have a distinct Richard Scarry vibe with their brightly colored clothes and detailed accessories and surroundings. VERDICT A wonderful addition to the growing array of captivating beginning reader books. Recommended for all collections where leveled readers are in demand.--Kristy Pasquariello