Maybelle and the Haunted Cupcake

February 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-Maybelle, a cockroach, and Henry, a flea, meet Bernice, an ant. She has a cold and cannot smell very well so she is stranded at Maybelle's house. Bernice offers to make Maybelle her queen so that she can fetch her food (Bernice needs to work). Maybelle is excited about this prospect since all she can think about is food, and not having to hunt for it is very appealing. The only problem is that Bernice is a bit dotty, and Maybelle and Henry always have to rescue her from precarious situations. Speck's writing is filled with humor, and the story will have great appeal to children. Ratz de Tagyos's illustrations are simple but hilarious. With its easy-to-follow story line and short chapters, this is an ideal choice for readers who are just starting chapter books.-Mary Cass Mabbot, Indianapolis Public Library

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