published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2003
6 x 9, 48 pages, isbn 0-8037-2573-6
Easy-to-Read series, ages 5-8, grades K-3
and, coming in January 2005,
a Scholastic Book Club edition in paperback.
Junior Library Guild Selection, 2003
A 2006 New Jersey Garden State Children’s Book Award
A little robot trouble for Wagner.
Pearl and Wagner are wonderful characters. Which is easy to understand, since Kate McMullan is a wonderful writer; and a very prolific writer (just look her up).
Here’s the story as described by the publisher:
“”Meet Pearl, a hardworking rabbit, and Wagner, a daydreaming mouse. At school they build a robot together, impress a judge at the science fair, and tell each other the truth at all times (that’s the best part of the stories). But friendship isn’t always easy. Sometimes a robot doesn’t turn out quite the way it’s supposed to , and sometimes a pair of new green boots can cause a fight. Through it all, Pearl and Wagner show that they know how to make up and stay good friends no matter what.”
Here are some reviews:
“From the first page of this launch title of a beginning readers series, the audience will feel like they’re enrolled in Ms. Star’s class, deciding what to make for the science fair along with the adorable Pearl (a rabbit) and her friend Wagner (a mouse). Alley’s illustrations enhance this effect with their knee-level or just-at-the-next-desk perspectives. McMullan moves the story forward with simple, authentic dialogue. “I’m going to make a robot,” says Pearl while Wagner dreams, “I’m going to win a prize.”
--Publishers Weekly
“McMullan, a former teacher, skillfully integrates key aspects of classroom friendships into her story with understated humor and some funny situations and dialogue. Alley’s delightfully detailed illustrations use watercolor and pen and ink to bring the assorted animals to life, especially through the appealing facial expressions. He adds tiny details to the backgrounds that young readers will enjoy (such as escaping insects from a science project) as well as accurate illustrations of the projects.”
--Kirkus Reviews
A little robot trouble for Pearl.
published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004
6 x 9, 48 pages, isbn 0-8037-2574-4
Easy-to-Read series, ages 5 and up, Grades K and up
Junior Library Guild Selection, 2004
2005 Capitol Choices Master List (Washington, DC)
Booklist Top Ten Easy Reader, 2004
"Tell me the first word," said Pearl.
Wagner put his hands over his mouth.
He shook his head.
More stories starring Pearl and Wagner as they try to figure out what it means to keep a secret. One thing it seems to mean is that a field trip to the ice cream factory isn't as much fun as it should be. But, a birthday party at the amusement park ought to fun, right? After all, how could a ride on the gigantic Zoomer rollercoaster not be fun? Well...
Take a peak...
Everyone on the roller coaster screamed like crazy.
And, here's a very nice review:
Starred Review for Pearl and Wagner: Three Secrets
School Library Journal
June 1st, 2004
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
