Three Secrets (Pearl and Wagner Series)

by Kate McMullan, R.W. Alley (Illustrator)

Overview

Pearl and Wagner are back, and they are full of secrets: Wagner tells Pearl an embarrassing secret, Pearl tells Wagner a surprising secret, and Lulu tells Wagner a secret that turns out not to be a secret at all. On a school field trip and at a birthday party, Pearl and Wagner learn that some secrets can bring friends closer together, while others can cause all sorts of trouble. In the end, no secret will ever come between Pearl and Wagner!

Beginning readers will laugh and recognize a little of themselves on every page of this charming, warm, and funny book about friendship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780448464725
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/16/2013
Series:	Penguin Young Readers Level 3 Series , #3
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	531,512
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	390L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Kate McMullan is the award-winning author of more than seventy-five books for children. She lives in Sag Harbor, New York.

R. W. Alley has illustrated more than sixty children's books. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 2-The appealing rabbit-and-mouse duo are back. When Wagner tries very hard to keep a classmate's confidence from Pearl, they both learn that secrets can strain a relationship. However, in the next two chapters, the friends discover that by sharing their private concerns they can solidify the bond between them; when Wagner reveals his fear of roller coasters to Pearl, she later admits that she is also terrified of them. McMullan uses short sentences and simple dialogue while successfully bringing forth a plot with complex emotions that youngsters can relate to. Done in pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencils, the vibrant illustrations complement the text-the animal characters have unique personalities that are clearly conveyed through their expressions. A humorous story that addresses common concerns for children who are progressing through the stages of early reading.-Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Pearl the rabbit and Wagner the mouse continue to develop the friendship introduced in the first volume in this easy-reader series, Pearl and Wagner: Two Good Friends (2003). In this funny entry, three short chapters highlight the sort of secrets important to first graders, focusing on the fear of riding on a roller coaster. Pearl skillfully helps Wagner prepare for their roller coaster ride, conquering his fear of the unknown, but the reality of the enormous roller coaster gives Pearl her own set of worries. Her fears are counteracted by Wagner's comforting presence as they ride the huge "Zoomer" side-by-side, along with their class of assorted animal friends. McMullan's subtle humor infuses the clever plot, which includes a field trip to an ice-cream factory as well as a birthday party at the amusement park. Alley's delightful watercolor-and-ink illustrations show a wide range of emotions, including the animals all screaming their heads off as the roller coaster cars careen downhill. Pearl and Wagner are a winsome pair of pals who will surely share more easy-reader adventures, perhaps next time over four seasons like another famous animal duo. (Easy reader. 5-7)

Kirkus Reviews