Marathon County Public Library

 learning • community • ideas • information
Holiday hours: All MCPL locations will be closed Thu., 7/4.

Staff Reviews: Easy Reader

Check out these "" reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library! (For reviews in all genres, visit our main Staff Reviews webpage.) Staff book reviews are also published at Goodreads.com; follow us for the latest updates.


'Cat & Bunny' by Mary Lundquist

"Cat & Bunny" by Mary Lundquist

★★★★★ This adorable book tells the story of Cat and Bunny, two of the very best of friends. Cat and Bunny are inseparable. That is until the day that they are playing in the park and the other kids ask to join their game. Bunny says yes but Cat doesn't want to share her friend. Cat storms off and ends up alone until she meets a kitten and starts a new game....

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader, Picture Book
'Pete the Cat and the New Guy' by Kimberly Dean, James Dean

"Pete the Cat and the New Guy" by Kimberly Dean, James Dean

★★★★★ Pete the Cat is easily one of my favorite children's book characters. In this story, Pete meets Gus the Platypus and tries to help him fit into his new neighborhood. When Gus has a hard time trying out everyone's favorite activities, Pete tries to cheer him up. What they learn is that Gus has a special talent that is unique to him that he can share with his...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Easy Reader
'Smick!' by Doreen Cronin

"Smick!" by Doreen Cronin

★★★★★ This adorable book of few words is perfect to share with beginning readers and older kids too. Smick is irresistibly cute as he does what dogs do, chases, fetches, and looks huggable. Smick is happy when a stick shows up, but how will he react when a chick appears? Actions, rhymes, and wordplay make this a fun and quick read that will help kids discover the...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Easy Reader
'Goodnight Football' by Michael Dahl, Christina E. Forshay

"Goodnight Football" by Michael Dahl, Christina E. Forshay

★★★★★ This bedtime story will bring back sweet memories of football season. Told in rhyme, it follows a little boy as he attends a Friday night game with his family. From concessions, to the players, to the roar of the crowd, you'll remember why we love this game so much, and the satisfaction we feel as our team wins and we head home to snuggle into bed. This is...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader, Picture Book
'Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)' by Josh Schneider

"Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)" by Josh Schneider

★★★★★ This is a really cute story, written in rhyme. All over the world, animals are trying to sleep. Fred however is not. This adventurous boy has a huge to do list and simply does not have time to waste sleeping. Kids will enjoy Fred's antics as he fights to get his tasks done before bedtime.  

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Easy Reader
'Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life' by Kimberly Dean

"Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life" by Kimberly Dean

★★★★★ This awesome little book shares Pete the Cat's favorite inspirational quotes with the added bonus of Pete's own wisdom. A great way to share these thoughts with kids, this book is just as much fun to read as the other books featuring this cool cat. Hang out with Pete and soak up some wisdom! My family loved this book!

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader, Picture Book
'Stick and Stone' by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld

"Stick and Stone" by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld

★★★★★ Stick and Stone are both alone without a friend in the world. Then, Stone is bullied and Stick intervenes. From that day forward they have a strong friendship. Well-written with cute illustrations, this book is an easy read with a great message about friendship. My kids and I loved it!  

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Easy Reader
'Monsters Love Colors' by Mike Austin

"Monsters Love Colors" by Mike Austin

★★★★★ Such a fun book to read with your kids if they are interested in learning about colors! The monsters in this book love colors and love to mix colors. Not only that but they love to scribble, mix, dance, and wiggle. Kids will have such a fun time learning about primary colors and how they mix to make other colors. My three-year-old wanted to read this book...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader, Picture Book
'Tony Baroni Loves Macaroni' by Marilyn Sadler, Lucie Crovatto, Chris Robertson

"Tony Baroni Loves Macaroni" by Marilyn Sadler, Lucie Crovatto, Chris Robertson

★★★★★ Tony Baroni loves macaroni so much that he eats it for every meal! His Nonna, or Grandma, tries to persuade Tony to eat a variety of other pastas in order to have him eat something else until he finally decides to eat something different entirely. This is such a light hearted book with some very beautiful illustrations! My three-year-old loved this book,...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader
'Ten Eggs in a Nest' by Marilyn Sadler, Michael Fleming

"Ten Eggs in a Nest" by Marilyn Sadler, Michael Fleming

★★★★★ Gwen, the hen, has laid her eggs but tells the soon-to-be father, Red Rooster, that it is bad luck to count your eggs before they hatch. Soon one egg hatches and proud Red Rooster goes to Worm World to buy a worm for his new chick. When he gets back, however, more chicks hatch requiring Red Rooster to make several trips back and forth to Worm World to buy...

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader, Read-Alouds
'Little Green Peas' by Keith Baker

"Little Green Peas" by Keith Baker

★★★★ The peas from the alphabet sensation LMNO Peas have returned for a new adventure exploring color. From green gardens to purple mountains to the red colors of fall, the peas see color everywhere. This book is recommended for toddlers and preschoolers who will gain color knowledge and letter knowledge from the vibrant, fun illustrations.  

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader
'Spark' by Kallie George, Geneviève Côté

"Spark" by Kallie George, Geneviève Côté

★★★★ Spark is a small, young dragon with a mighty flame.  In other words, he has problems controlling his flames.  He turns marshmallows to a crisp and cracks dishes while trying to dry them.  His family and friends encourage him and try to help him.   This is a cute first chapter book with engaging illustrations for beginning readers....

Audience: Children | Genre: Fiction, Easy Reader