Poppleton in Winter: Book 8 (Poppleton)

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Summary: Three tales of what Poppleton did during the winter
Review: In Book 8 of the adventures of Poppleton, the popular pig enjoys winter in a trio of short stories. "Icicles" finds Poppleton admiring the very long icicles that grew on his house, while everybody else in town only complains about them. In the end, Poppleton learns there are something in life even better than beautiful icicles. "The Bust" tells how each winter Poppleton finds a new activity to keep him busy. This winter he decides to make a bust of Cherry Sue, the goat who lives next door. The only problem is, he cannot always remember the details of her face. Finally, "The Sleigh Ride" is about the trouble Poppleton has finding someone to go with him on a sleigh ride on a snowy day. Unfortunately, all of his friends are busy baking treats and no one has time to go. If only Poppleton had remembered what day it was. The Poppleton books tell appealing stories aimed at beginning readers that can also be told aloud to younger children. Cynthia Rylant's stories are fun and each one develops a sense of anticipation, since kids pick up that there is going to be some sort of payoff to each humorous situation. The pencil and water color illustrations by Mark Teague use lots of nice bright colors that will delight the eyes of children (and he has a wonderful two-page picture of Poppleton and his friends on a midnight sleigh ride to impress their parents). This is an excellent book for beginning readers, even if you live someplace that does not have snow and icicles half the year...

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Summary: As always, Poppleton is a joy to read
Review: This latest book of Poppleton is just as sweet and gentle as the others, and it is easy reading for my 2nd grader. You can't go wrong with this book. "The Bust" chapter is the funniest with Cherry Sue, in which Poppleton wants to sculpt a bust of Cherry Sue, but can't remember what she looks like. "The Icicles" chapter in which he meets a clumsy little finch, Patrick, and the "Sleigh Ride" are also good-natured stories that bring the feel of winter to the reader which is perfect for the upcoming snowy season.