REVIEWS+

The Chestnut Challenge

by Tracey HECHT
illus. by Josie Yee. 64p. (The Nocturnals). Fabled Films Pr. Apr. 2019. Tr $5.99. ISBN 9781944020231.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–3—As Tobin and Bismark finish playing of Chestnuts, a game much like Checkers, a stranger approaches, eager to prove he is the real champion. The boastful stranger, a chinchilla named Chandler, challenges timid Tobin the pangolin to the next match. As they begin to play, Chandler creates several distractions. Bismark the sugar glider and Dawn the red fox notice the Chestnuts board has changed each time they return to the game. They quickly realize Chandler is a cheater, moving chestnuts as the friends turn away from the board. Dawn and Tobin impart words of wisdom about playing for fun with no cheap tricks. In the end, Chandler joins the Nocturnals Brigade for a cheerful game. Back matter points readers to free content online as well as facts about nocturnal animals.
VERDICT Fans of the series will find colorful illustrations interspersed with text to help young independent readers follow the story. Additionally, the theme of an honest game will likely resonate with this intended audience.
Reviewed by Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa and Polk County Public Schools. , Apr 01, 2019

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?