Genre: Humor
Protagonists: Animals, mostly male pronouns
Reading Level: H
Series: Currently six titles and ongoing, part of the Acorn imprint.
Originally reviewed in June 2019
Review: Acorn books is Scholastic's new easy reader series, a step between leveled readers and the Branches books, which are a step before chapter books. Some of the Acorn books are new and some will feature familiar easy reader characters like Pilkey's Dragon and Rylant's Poppleton.
I have been eagerly waiting for Fenske's contribution to this new line - kids love his silly easy readers like the nut series and his picture books. Fans of Barnacle is bored and Plankton is pushy will be delighted to see all his ocean critters joining a new character for this series; Crabby.
Crabby, a grouchy red character with lowering eyebrows and a determined frown, is having their usual crabby day. They meet Barnacle, "He is always hanging around" and get sloshed by a wave. But the real fun (or frown) doesn't begin until they meet pushy Plankton. Plankton is determined to get a smile out of Crabby. They try jokes, introducing Crabby to some not-so-crabby crabs, and even baking a fantastic cake. Will Crabby get over their crabby mood? Or are they just meant to be crabby?
The deadpan humor of Fenske's other books is here in full force and will have kids who appreciate the more subtle jokes laughing hysterically as they read the goofy story. I am curious how long it can be sustained as a series - does Crabby have enough dimension to have more books with three chapters each? But I have faith that Fenske will make them funny, whatever happens.
Verdict: There's no doubt that Acorn is going to be a hit in libraries, schools, and homes. The only question is how many copies you'll need to buy for your Barnacle and Plankton fans.
ISBN: 9781338281507; Published April 2019 by Scholastic; Purchased multiple copies for the library, for my outreach library, and for prizes.
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