Fudge and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret are two kidlit classics written by Judy Blume that parents may even have read when they themselves were kids. But you may not know Ms. Blume has teamed up with illustrator James Stevenson on a new series of illustrated chapter books for gradeschoolers: the Pain & The Great One books.
Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, currently priced at $4.99)
MEET THE PAIN:
My sister’s name is Abigail. I call her The Great One because she thinks she’s so great.
Who cares if she’s in third grade and I’m just in first?
MEET THE GREAT ONE:
My brother’s name is Jacob Edward, but everyone calls him Jake. Everyone but me.
I call him The Pain because that’s what he is. He’s a first-grade pain. I’ll always know exactly what he’s thinking. That’s just the way it is.
These seven warm-hearted stories will give readers a peek at how a brother and sister relate to each other.
Friend or Fiend? with the Pain and the Great One (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, currently priced at $4.99)
What’s the difference between a friend and a fiend?
Jake is so embarrassed by a reading circle blunder, he vows never to speak in class again.
Abigail believes she can no longer trust one of her best friends.
Their teenage cousins have turned into fiends. And on the perfect snow day, who jumps on Jake and washes his face in snow? And who rescues him?
Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, currently priced at $4.99)
THE PAIN AND the Great One hardly agree on anything. But deep down, they know they can count on each other, especially at school, where it often takes two to figure things out.
Like when that first baby tooth falls out on the school bus. Or when an unwanted visitor on Bring Your Pet to School Day needs to be caught. Or worst of all, when a scary bully says you’re burnt toast.
On days like these it can feel good not to go it alone.
(And don’t forget Fluzzy the cat, who knows a thing or two himself.)
Going, Going, Gone! with the Pain and the Great One (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, currently priced at $4.99)
THE PAIN AND the Great One are going places!
In these new stories the kids are on the go—the Pain needs a trip to the emergency room; the family goes to the mall and not everyone stays together; the kids visit a county fair and want to ride the Super Slide; and a beach outing includes a boogie board.
Lots more action and adventure for the dynamic duo who never stay still.
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