Available March 14, 2023
I love this sweet series. April and Mae are learning what being best friends means and having fun doing it. One of the most important things they're learning is that being friends doesn't always mean you like or are interested in the exact same things. I liked that April, who doesn't like scary movies, not only picked out one because Mae would enjoy it but gave it a try herself without automatically rejecting it. True, she wound up briefly hiding under the kitchen table with Mae's cat keeping her company, but she at least tried. Ironically, it's April's dog who keeps Mae company while she watches the movie after reassuring April, who opts to stay in the kitchen with the milk and cookies, showing even friends of best friends can differ. They all like milk and cookies, though, the post-movie treat. Special dog and cat treats for the pets, too, of course.
With a target audience aged 5-9, the stories and simple and straight-forward, as are the illustrations. April and Mae may be different with different likes and dislikes, but, as they conclude, "You like what you like". Children facing many of the fears and unknowns April and Mae are tackling as they grow should be able to relate. The words used are frequently repeated to aid budding readers and the illustrations add to the story without distracting. These chapter books should be fun for those targeted and perhaps instigate some discussion. All in all, a winner of a book (and series).
Thank you #NetGalley and #Charlesbridge for allowing me to drop in on April and Mae. I've got to admit, I'm with April on this one as scary movies scared me as a child, too.
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