Misty

Every day after school, Sophie plays with her neighbor and best friend, Stanley. Before he got a dog, Misty, they used to play in his yard. But Sophie is afraid of dogs, so now they play in hers. After Stanley hurts his arm, their teacher suggests that his classmates make a get-well card for him. Sophie offers to deliver it, but back home after school, she realizes that she must walk past Misty to reach his door. With Stanley calling out advice and encouragement through his window, Sophie takes her first steps toward conquering her fear. The first book in the Stanley & Me beginning-reader series offers an emotionally resonant story told in simple words and short sentences. The narrative is divided into four short chapters, ending with I Am Afraid and Being Brave. Meserve's sensitive drawings, washed with delicate colors, perfectly capture the story's understated charm. An engaging book for young readers, this would also be a heartening read-aloud choice to share with younger children, particularly those dealing with similar fears.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist

The first title in this new beginning reader series introduces Sophie and Stanley, neighbors and best friends. Four cumulative chapters tackle the friendships first obstacle, Stanleys new dog Misty. I would like to play in Stanleys yard, says Sophie, but I am afraid of his dog. The pair plays in Sophies yard instead, temporarily solving the problem, until one day Stanley hurts his arm. Sophies class entrusts her to deliver their get-well card to him, which means getting past Misty. The illustrations, with their long lines and soft washes of color along with purposeful layouts and perspective shifts, reinforce the story line while also bringing emotion and resonance to the easy-reader first-person text. Stanley calls out encouragement from his window, and Sophie finally braves the trip into Mistys territory for her friend. While the picture she drew on Stanleys card of them playing together -- with Misty -- is not yet the reality, she has found some initial courage. This gentle story suggests the beginning of a supportive multi-volume friendship. julie roach (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Stanley is my best friend. He lives in the house across the street. I play with Stanley in my front yard every day after school. But we did not always play at my house. We used to play in the big bush in Stanley's yard. Then Stanley got a dog. I am afraid of dogs. Every day Stanley asks, "Do you want to play in the big bush today?" Every day, I say, "No thanks, Stanley." I would like to play in the bush in Stanley's yard but I am afraid of his dog. Stanley's dog is big and black. Her name is Misty. She sits outside tied to a long rope. When Stanley and I play in my front yard, Misty runs and jumps and barks. "Misty says she wants to play with us," says Stanley. I do not know what Misty says. I do not speak Woof. Excerpted from Misty by Christine Dalzell All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.