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A review by jessalynn_librarian
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
5.0
Picture book
For elementary grades
Buddies Eamon and James stay with grandparents and go to nature camp, having the best week ever in a funny book where the words and pictures tell slightly different stories.
Some picture books seem to exist just to remind us that the format isn't just for preschoolers. James and Eamon are old enough to spend a week away from home - with Eamon's grandparents - and go to nature camp (and have a secret handshake), and the book's readers should be old enough to "get" the humor of the book. The text tells us that James was "very sad when his mother drove away," but the picture shows us a cheerful boy yelling "bye!" The boys get sugar-highs, reject grandpa Bill's idea of visiting a penguin exhibit, make fun of nature camp, and practice quiet meditation (play video games), all very tongue-in-cheek and suited perfectly to Frazee's cheerful, quirky illustrations. Ultimately, though, the boys do end up enjoying nature - and find the perfect way to connect to the grandparents. This would be a great title to share with a child who's beyond the more babyish picture books, but still enjoys a good read-aloud or story time, or for a child who's learned to read but doesn't want to leave the picture book format behind.
Booklist's review hits the nail on the head, describing the energy and humor of the book as well as the fact that it's one of few picture books that show a friendship between two boys. The School Library Journal gives a good feel for the book, but recommends it for preschool-kindergarten, which seems too young an audience, compared to Booklist's more reasonable K-3rd grade.
August 2018 - Ben thought it was funny, although I think we were laughing at different things. I still love this book.
For elementary grades
Buddies Eamon and James stay with grandparents and go to nature camp, having the best week ever in a funny book where the words and pictures tell slightly different stories.
Some picture books seem to exist just to remind us that the format isn't just for preschoolers. James and Eamon are old enough to spend a week away from home - with Eamon's grandparents - and go to nature camp (and have a secret handshake), and the book's readers should be old enough to "get" the humor of the book. The text tells us that James was "very sad when his mother drove away," but the picture shows us a cheerful boy yelling "bye!" The boys get sugar-highs, reject grandpa Bill's idea of visiting a penguin exhibit, make fun of nature camp, and practice quiet meditation (play video games), all very tongue-in-cheek and suited perfectly to Frazee's cheerful, quirky illustrations. Ultimately, though, the boys do end up enjoying nature - and find the perfect way to connect to the grandparents. This would be a great title to share with a child who's beyond the more babyish picture books, but still enjoys a good read-aloud or story time, or for a child who's learned to read but doesn't want to leave the picture book format behind.
Booklist's review hits the nail on the head, describing the energy and humor of the book as well as the fact that it's one of few picture books that show a friendship between two boys. The School Library Journal gives a good feel for the book, but recommends it for preschool-kindergarten, which seems too young an audience, compared to Booklist's more reasonable K-3rd grade.
August 2018 - Ben thought it was funny, although I think we were laughing at different things. I still love this book.