Mystery of the Missing Luck

July 1, 2011

Gr 2-3- Missing Luck features a Japanese girl and her grandmother, Obaachan, who owns a bakery. When the lucky cat statue in the window goes missing, Sara creates signs advertising a finder's reward, leading people to think that a real animal is missing. Obaachan does not smile now, partly because of the statue, but mostly because business has been slow. Sara convinces her to make special cat-shaped pastries for Saturday and asks her friends to come by the shop. All turns out well as the statue is found and the bakery flourishes. Something's Fishy features energetic Jamie, who is nuts about sharks. When the teacher asks for class pet suggestions, the second grader lobbies hard for his favorite animal. Instead, Mr. Claxton brings in a betta fish and puts Jamie in charge of it. He is thrilled when he's invited to play soccer at recess but then remembers Jaws. In a rush, he accidentally drops all the food into the bowl. In an attempt to save the fish from overeating, he sticks his head in the bowl and starts eating the fish food himself. As one would expect (the cover art sort of gives it away), he swallows the class pet. He wrestles with the horrible thing he's done, but finally admits the truth. He collects all his savings and purchases a new class pet-a gecko-along with crickets for food. In both books, 15 full-page, black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. Additional choices for beginning chapter-book collections.-Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2011
Grades 2-4 When Sara visits her Japanese grandmothers bakery after school, she learns that Maneki Neko, the old cat statue that used to greet customers with an upraised paw, is missing. In Saras mind, the bakerys luck left with the cat, since fewer customers are coming to the Obaachans shop. With her friend Jakes help, Sara involves the community in the hunt for Maneki Neko, and the outcome is good all around. This beginning chapter book ably portrays the two main characters and the bond between them. In a nicely handled subplot, an actual cat makes mysterious appearances and eventually leads to the finding of Maneki Neko. Saras awareness and determination are more compelling than the mild mystery. Still, the mysterys resolution is far more realistic than one usually finds in books for young children. Readers new to chapter books will find this paperback, with its many full-page drawings, a good place to start.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)