Mrs. Peabody's uninvited guest!
Everything is always just so at Number 10 Grand Street. Only Mr. and Mrs. Peabody live there. They can assure you there are no bugs. But they would be wrong. Maybelle (cockroach) and Henry (flea) live there, too. Like the Peabodys, they have rules so that everything can remain just so: "when it's light, stay out of sight; if you're spied, better hide; and never meet with human feet." Now, due to an unfortunate window accident, Maurice lives here, too. As Maybelle and Henry try to rescue an injured Maurice, Mrs. Peabody is getting ready to host the Ladies' Spring Tea. She has made her special Chocolate Surprise Cookies for the occasion. Maybelle loves those cookies. She just wants a taste. Maybelle may have to break every rule to do it. Will she dare?
Young Reader (7):
At first, our first grader wasn't sure about a "cute" cockroach. But she quickly got wrapped up in the story, and we finished it in just two sittings. She was clearly paying attention because as the story progressed, she would remind us of the "3 rules" and let us know when Maybelle broke them (even when the author didn't). Although this was too advanced for her to read, she asked us to use our "reading finger" so she could follow along with the words.
Parent Perspective:
I never imagined there could be adorable cockroaches and fleas! There are cute illustrations throughout, but the text truly carries the action. Character names and humor help to engage readers and listeners alike. This is fun to share with pre-readers and then watch their excitement as they are able to read it on their own. Maybelle has a long shelf-life.
Maybelle, Henry, and Maurice are the most endearing insects on the planet. Funny events, silly character names, and a happy ending make this fun to share with pre-readers and independent readers alike.
None.
This is an illustrated chapter book for elementary readers.
In addition to being an easy reader, the story offers humor and suspense that keep kids turning the page. There are themes of friendship and compassion, as well as the value and pitfalls of rules. Maybelle learns an important lesson about herself, too.
3.6
8 to 10
5 to 9
Read with 7-year-old girl.
Buy. This is fun to read, and even when you know how it ends, you'll want to read it again just so you can laugh. You'll like it so much you'll want to find other Maybelle stories, too.
