Morgan Gets Cracking

by Ted Staunton, Bill Slavin (Illustrator)

Overview

Morgan doesn't like the new kid, Curtis, who can juggle, do karate and play guitar, and loves to brag about it. But some of the kids in his class are impressed, especially when Curtis teases Aldeen, the Queen of Mean -- who isn't even mean back! Does Aldeen actually like Curtis? A game of egg toss at a neighbourhood party will show how Aldeen really feels. Who do you think ends up with egg on his face?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459500761
Publisher:	Formac Publishing Company, Limited
Publication date:	09/12/2012
Series:	Formac First Novels
Sold by:	De Marque
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
Lexile:	550L (what's this?)
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

TED STAUNTON divides his time between writing and a busy schedule as a speaker, workshop leader, storyteller and musical performer for children and adults. His previous books include the well-loved Green Applestreet Gang series, the Cyril and Maggie series, the Morgan series, Puddleman, Simons Surprise and the acclaimed Hope Springs a Leak. He has received numerous Canadian Childrens Book Centre "Our Choice" awards, a Silver Birch Award nomination and a Hackmactack Award nomination.

BILL SLAVIN is a celebrated illustrator who lives in Millbrook Ontario. He has illustrated over 40 books for children, including The Cat Came Back.

Editorial Reviews

Life as a third-grader can be very trying…. Between Aldeen, the Queen of Mean, and Curtis, the nearly perfect new kid, Morgan has his hands full. What's a boy to do? He and his best friend, Charlie, are just two ordinary kids, but unfortunately, they have to endure noogies from Aldeen and showing off from Curtis on a daily basis, even outside of school! In this continuation of the series (Music by Morgan, 2011), straightforward sentences with basic vocabulary describe Morgan's mild misadventures, from a school trip to a chicken farm to schoolyard games and a block party that promises fun for all (or does it?). While the characters are only minimally developed and the plot a trifle simplistic, young readers will appreciate the accessible text, action-filled black-and-white illustrations, discrete chapters that end on suspenseful notes and a slight twist on the usual bully fare, as chubby Morgan tries to find a way to stand up to the daunting Aldeen, who may not be quite as evil as she appears. A quick, solid read for youngsters just ready for longer chapters but not quite prepared for Wimpy Kid books, this selection mines a similar vein and includes some good chuckles, a likable protagonist and an anti-bullying message that doesn't take itself too seriously. A good choice for transitioning readers looking for a splash of humor. (Fiction. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews