Fiercely and Friends: The Big Something

Gr 1–3—When Jilli and Jim observe a neighbor wearing a pointy hat and a "Big Red Something" being built on the other side of the fence, their imaginations take over. Surely the woman is a witch and the house a Hansel and Gretel cottage. And they're convinced that Jilli's frisky dog, Fiercely, is in danger. What a delightful surprise when the children-emboldened by their makeshift scary costumes-approach the woman and discover that she is a popular teacher named Miss Barry. The red something turns out to be a schoolhouse, suggesting more adventures to follow. Oil pastel illustrations provide picture clues for the spare text. Giff understands the way young children try to make sense of the mysteries that confront them and creates dialogue that sounds natural and true. A perfect choice for new chapter-book readers.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT