Say Cheese

Gr 2-4–In the latest addition to this early chapter book series, odd-couple friends shy Buddy and headstrong Bea face the obstacle that is picture day. Bea, wearing an uncharacteristic pink puffy dress for the occasion, convinces Buddy that he should take off his glasses for his school picture. Buddy reluctantly agrees. When he cannot find his glasses after placing them down, Bea immediately decides to help Buddy find the culprit. The creative way that Buddy and Bea find his glasses is amusing, and young children will enjoy following along with rambunctious Bea’s wild ideas that both help and hurt the case. The choice of words is appropriate for the grade level with some more difficult vocabulary (such as “reattach”) mixed in. The dynamic between the two characters, along with the roughly drawn sketches throughout, will entice reluctant readers.