Boris Sees the Light by Andrew Joyner, 72 pp, RL 1.5

I'm kicking off my week of reviews of a new category of books I'm calling Bridge Chapter Books with Boris because I think that Joyner's series is a great example of what I mean when I say "Bridge Chapter Book," along with being the easiest read of the series in this category. Joyner's books feature colorful, engaging illustrations and interesting, likable, sweet characters perfectly suited to the average age of readers who have reached this stage in their reading careers. Admittedly, Joyner, an Australian, has hit a home run with the creation of Boris, a warthog, who lives with his parents in Hogg Bay in an old bus that used to travel all over the world but seems permanently parked in their garden. Boris is a dreamer, and adventurer and an animal loves. His wishes that the bus would take to the road again. Boris also aspires to bake the perfect carrot cake and get a komodo dragon for a pet. The story possibilities are endless, but the great thing is that Joyner also infuses Boris with a thoughtfulness and creativity rather than the obnoxiousness, zaniness and potty humor that is the usual hook for emerging (boy) readers.

In Boris Sees the Light, we find Boris and his best friends Alice and Frederick preparing for a camp out in Boris's backyard. The tent is pitched, marshmallows are toasted and assurances are made by Boris's parents that there is plenty of room in the bus should anyone have a change of heart. After Frederick plays his recorder and songs are sung, a burping contest is had and shadow puppets are made, the three warthogs begin to feel a bit anxious about the sounds and lights outside the tent. I hate to give the plot away, but it's so brilliant that I just have to share it here. When the three cautiously approach a strange light in the backyard, they discover Mr. Blume, Boris's neighbor. Turns out Mr. Blume couldn't sleep so he slapped on his caving helmet and went out into the backyard to try out his new putter! Reassured about the true nature of things that go bump in the night, the three friends decide to head into the bus for the night anyway, pitching their tent over Boris's bed and snuggling up in their sleeping bags.
I can't tell you how excited I am about Boris and Branches - I just wish they'd been around two or three years ago when my youngest was learning to read! That said, I am so happy knowing that I now have a great selection of chapter books to suggest to kids and parents when they come looking for chapter books for their emerging readers.
Source: Review Copy