Sizing Up Sequels: 3 Chapter Book Series

I finished a bunch of books this week that were all sequels and decided to review them together, since I've already reviewed the first in each series more extensively. So consider this a start to a new book list category of posts called "Sizing Up Sequels" to check-up on series continuations. Because, obviously, I've got to make sure they're still good...

The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde
Written by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0763665135
Publisher: Candlewick
Date of publication: February 9, 2016
Age: Grades K - 3
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: royalty, secret identities, bunnies, heroes, cuteness (yes, cuteness), humor

Princess Magnolia and her unicorn, Frimplepants, are on their way to have brunch when the Princess's glitter-stone ring rings—the monster alarm! After a quick change in the secret cave, the two become the heroic Princess in Black and her faithful pony, Blacky. But when they get to the goat pasture, all they can see is a field full of darling little bunnies nibbling on grass, twitching their velvet noses, and wiggling their fluffy tails. Where are the monsters? Are these bunnies as innocent as they appear?

The first was reviewed back here. The second, I actually didn't review because I didn't like it as much. But this one? Three words: "language of Cuteness." That is all. (GAH! The hilarious CUTENESS of it all!!)

Find it at your library or on Amazon

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The Enchanted Egg
(Magical Animal Adoption Agency #2)
Written by Kallie George, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-1423183839
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: November 3, 2015
Age: Grades 2 - 6
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: mythical creatures, magic, responsibility, pet adoption

There's a new resident at the Magical Animal Adoption Agency—Mr. Jams brought home an enchanted egg from his last journey, not knowing what's inside. He's off on another journey to discover what it could be, sure that he'll make it back before it hatches. But one morning when Clover checks on the cozy nest of feathers she's made for the egg, she finds it empty, and the baby animal is nowhere in sight! Can she run the agency on her own and find the unknown creature?

The first book in the series I didn't review so much as demand that it be recognized for its awesomeness. I anxiously picked up the second, to see if it would be as good...and success! Another adorable book that teaches a valuable lesson with a heavy dose of imagination and fun. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

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The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken: The Next Misadventure
(The Chicken Squad #2)
Written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

My rating: ★★★½

ISBN: 978-1442496804
Publisher: Altheneum
Date of publication: September 30, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Mystery, Humor

Themes: chickens, stolen property, detectives, humor,

Dirt, Sugar, Sweetie, and Poppy are the four members of The Chicken Squad, and business is booming. A weird blue bird has just flown into Chicken Squad headquarters squawking on about a house-napper (yes, house-napper), and it is once again up to the squad to uncover who is up to no good. But there is something NUTS about this story that the squad can’t quite put their feather on…and oh, brother, is it key to solving the case!

It's a special kind of funny. A tad juvenile, random, and hard to follow—so I'm sure kids will love it. I reviewed the first one back here, and I don't know that I really liked the second as much (I didn't understand Poppy's motive and thought this one a bit more jumpy). But it's just so quirky! I just may check in on the third...

Find it at your library or on Amazon