Dear Flyary

K-Gr 2—Frazzle is a one-eyed, four-eared inhabitant of a distant planet, though his predicament will be familiar to Earthlings. When he receives his very first spaceship, he also receives a "flyary," in which he shares concerns about the Model 7's strange noises, exhibits relief when the vehicle does not "exboom," and demonstrates a fond attachment to the machine, even though a somewhat jazzier Model 8 has come on the market. Frazzle is as unflinchingly loyal to his prize possession as many children are to a beloved toy. At the end, the spaceship does require an entirely new engine, but Frazzle still grins "from ear to ear." Zany cartoon drawings add sparkle, and the diary format could be a useful model for student writing. However, the abundance of made up words such as "wervous," "blustrating," "snilkum," "gladdier," and "woppasopp" will make this story inaccessible to many students attempting to read it independently. The language might also limit its use as a read-aloud. An additional purchase.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT