This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This book is written as Eva's diary -- with Rebecca Elliott's owl-dorable full-color illustrations throughout!
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.
Not recommended for early or struggling readers
By Young@heart
The Good:Attractive, bright illustrationsShort ChaptersInteresting StoryThe Bad:Invented words, for example "winglish"This is not a good book for early readers, or children that are struggling to read, the story is cute, but the invented words will only confuse a child that is already having difficulty with reading.I looked at the book from the viewpoint of a parent with a child with learning disabilities, but some of the same points will also apply to children that are just learning how to read, The targeted age for this book is set too low, as I believe many children in Kindergarten will not be ready for a book that is this complicated.I think a good age group would be 8 to 9 year olds, as it it does mention "mean" girls, and that is a concept that is probably going to be slightly too mature for a Kindergartener.Recommended for ages 8-9, and not for early or struggling readers
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Eva, the Enthusiastic Owl
By Jenna of the Jungle
This is the first of a projected series (the next title is Eva Sees a Ghost, coming in June) in the "Branches" book line-- meant for kids who are "branching out" into chapter books. They're fast and simple reads, and this one suggests ages 5-7.I really like the whimsical artwork. Eva is an enthusiastic little owl who has a pet bat, a best friend named Lucy, and a worst enemy named Sue. Eva has a great idea to have a spring festival at school (it's never specified what grade she's in, which I think is smart) and her teacher okays the idea. But as the festival draws near, it becomes apparent that she can't pull it off by herself and will need her classmates' help.I thought the storyline had two little flaws: first, the turnaround with her worst enemy is too simple (she goes from being mean to helpful without any real development) and I wish Eva had enjoyed the festival.Overall, it's a cute story about teamwork and friendship that most young girls will enjoy, and it's a quick read with few words per page, good for new readers who get frustrated easily.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.A little birdie told me…
By Andrew Ellington
That little birdie was my daughter, and she told me she really liked this. The pictures are charming, the story is easy to understand and follow and my daughter raced through this (it took her less than an hour to read) and it taught her little life lessons (obvious ones) that made this a fun and educational little read. Learning about the importance of asking for help and the fact that people can change and work together is a great thing to learn. My daughter, who is in the suggested age range for this book, is a little above this, though. It was a breeze for her and she wanted more, to be honest, but it was a fun read and she enjoyed it and is looking forward to continuing Eva’s adventures. I just wish that the book was a little meatier, a little more detailed, because a seven year old can handle more than this.
