January 2009 Book Club Selection
Print/braille edition, $5.95
Ages 4-8
In both uncontracted and contracted braille.
Aggie and Ben bridges the gap between picture and chapter books with three short chapters about young Ben choosing and playing with a new pet. The sentences are simple and the words are short, yet author Lori Ries keeps things interesting and cohesive.
Three short chapters trace a day in the life of Ben and his new puppy, Aggie. In the first chapter, Daddy takes Ben on a surprise trip to the pet store. Ben doesn't want a mouse, a snake, or even a cat. But when a certain puppy makes Ben laugh, a lasting friendship is formed.
In "Just Like Aggie," the second chapter, Ben mimics the pup's routine of panting, sniffing, and playing chase. But Ben draws the line at drinking out of the toilet, saying simply, "I am done being a dog."
In the last chapter, Aggie gets cozy on Ben's bed, but when the lights go out, they seem to see scary things in the dark. They discover, though, that they're just toys, or shadows. Parents will love the gentle conclusion as they ready their own kids for bed:
Aggie lies down to sleep, too.
There is nothing scary.
Just me and Aggie.
These warm and universal tales will prove a welcome addition to any collection for emerging readers.
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