Best Of 2023 | Ty Allan Jackson: “Read or Else.”

The Captain Underpants series, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, follows the adventures of two fourth-grade pranksters, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who live in Piqua, Ohio. The boys create a comic book character named Captain Underpants, who becomes real when they hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp. The series is known for its silly humor, outrageous plots, and the friendship and loyalty between George and Harold. The books have been translated into more than 25 languages and have sold over 80 million copies worldwide. The series includes 12 main books, two activity books, colored versions, and several spin-offs.

This Stepping Stone edition of 'The Wizard of Oz' is an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic story, tailored for first chapter book readers. The book includes art from the original 'Wizard of Oz' and follows the journey of Dorothy as she is carried by a cyclone from a Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz, where she meets the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.

The book follows Greg Heffley, a middle school student, as he navigates the challenges of school and friendships. It includes his attempts to boost his popularity, his relationships with his family and best friend Rowley, and various misadventures such as the infamous 'Cheese Touch' and a disastrous school play. The book is known for its deadpan humor and engaging illustrated diary format.

This book is a junior novelization of the popular Dreamworks movie 'Shrek'. It tells the story of Shrek, an ogre who prefers to live alone in his swamp but is disrupted by various fairy tale creatures. Shrek embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, accompanied by an uninvited companion, Donkey. The story follows their adventures and the eventual promise made by Lord Farquaad to grant Shrek a boon for his rescue mission.