Aladdin QIX

Aladdin QUIX is a new series for emerging readers from Simon and Schuster. It is at a level similar to Scholastic's Branches series and features low vocabulary, a straight-forward plot-line, large text, illustrations, and short chapters and book length. Somewhere between an easy reader and a chapter book, Aladdin QUIX selections are a great choice for readers making the transition to chapters. Child friendly topics and humor are used to create a product that kids will enjoy reading. Each book begins with a cast of characters, and a table of contents. The book concludes with a word list defining some of the trickier words contained within the story and some questions for reflection, comprehension or discussion. Four titles launch this new series coming out this month. Besides the two titles below there are two previously published and repackaged Miss Mallard mysteries by veteran author and illustrator Robert Quackenbush. This series is visual and welcoming to the target audience. Released simultaneously in both hardcover and paperback, it will surly find its way into most libraries, classroom, and homes.

Our Principal is a Frog!
Stephanie Calmenson
Aaron Blecha, Illustrator
Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2018 46 pages
Grades 2-4
Humor/Fantasy

When a bumbling magician accidentally turns beloved Principal Bundy into a frog, he doesn't let it slow him down. With a nod to the classic fairytale The Frog Prince, Principal Bundy makes children promise to let him serve as the frog-principal if he retrieves their ball. Of course the children agree--and then must keep their promise, resulting in hoppy hijinks. By book's end the magician figures out how to turn the principal back to his former self, but a sequel, set to be released in September, 2018, will continue the transforming adventures of Mr. Bundy after he gets swallowed by a wolf. Kids will immediately be comfortable with the story's school setting and love that the main authority figure finds himself in a hilarious and humbling predicament. Originally published as a picture book in 2001, this eye-catching title will incite giggles galore.

A Royal Rescue
Helen Perelman
Olivia Chin Mueller, Illustrator
Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2018 69 pages
Grades 2-4
Fantasy
Royal Sweets series #1

Princess Mini is very excited to start her first day at the Royal Fairy Academy. Imagine her surprise when, while riding her unicorn Butterscotch to her first day of classes, she finds a small troll stick to a bush. With the help of some frosting she frees the little guy and the two become instant friends. Once at school the princess is happy to be reunited with her best friend, Princess Taffy, but not so happy to be in the same class as her tricky cousins. She wants to introduce Taffy to her new Troll friend, but can she do so without her cousins finding out and causing trouble? This over-the-top saccharine story will appeal to lovers of Fairy Magic and the Candy Fairies, by the same author. Royal Sweets is in the same world as Perelman's original series, simplified for an even younger audience. Reading this story reminded me of watching Strawberry Shortcake with my kids. The sweetness is a bit nauseating for adults, but young children, especially girls, will find it comforting and a dream come true. Fairies and candy: what could be better? Even though there is a character list at the beginning I had a hard time distinguishing between the character names. Maybe a picture would help by the name list at the beginning to create a visual or add a bit more variation in the confectionery-themed names. Second and third grade girls will eat these frothy creations right up and ask for second helpings, which are scheduled for delivery September, 2018.