The Worst Day of My Life (Little Bill Books for Beginning Readers) - Softcover

Grade 1-3-These two beginning chapter books deal with families, friends, and common occurrences in children's lives. Each one includes a letter to parents that discusses the book's theme and some tips for helping children deal with similar situations. When Little Bill finds what he believes to be one of the world's largest diamonds, he and his friends immediately start planning all the things he can do with his fortune. He learns, however, with a little help from his father's magnifying glass, that his treasure is actually a glass paperweight "made in Taiwan." In The Worst Day, Little Bill must spend a Saturday all dressed up in a suit and tie while his parents host a party. Many children will relate to the boy's boredom and his attempts to converse with the adult guests. Little Bill patiently endures the party, though, and, in the end, is quietly proud of the fact that he didn't do anything to upset his parents' special day. The stories are sprinkled with references and vocabulary that seem more suited for adults than children. For example, readers may find the mention of tax forms and central heating in The Day I Was Rich a bit confusing. Both books include primitive, striking illustrations that reflect the humor and action of the texts. These titles may be of interest where other books in the series are in demand, but they're not primary choices.
Maura Bresnahan, Shawsheen School, Andover, MA
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