Publisher's Weekly Review
A bumpy first day of second grade heralds new friendships, nerve-wracking experiences, and ample commotion in this energetic chapter book series launch. Buddy Finn-Lee, who has round glasses and a stubborn cowlick, and whose dads describe him as a "poky little daydreamer," has been excited about being in class 2-108 all summer, eager to see his friends from first grade and the cool teacher who takes students bird-watching. Buddy is disappointed when new teacher Ms. Maple introduces herself as class 2-108's instructor, but a schoolroom surprise soon emerges in the form of Bea, a boisterous new student with plenty of forthright questions to ask. As Bea asserts herself as Buddy's new pal, Buddy finds himself being corralled into myriad humorous hijinks, resulting in unwanted attention from the whole school. Accompanying b&w illustrations by debut cartoonist Mukai depict an always-moving student body rendered with varying skin tones. Carr (Star of the Party) employs cheerful wordplay, situational comedy, and classic personality clashes in this bustling story which offers glimpses of Buddy's and Bea's inner lives and lays the groundwork for future installments. Ages 5--8. Agent: Andrea Cascardi, Transatlantic Literary. (July)
Kirkus Review
Buddy's first day of second grade is filled with unwanted surprises. Buddy Finn-Lee had thought that his teacher would be bird-watcher Jabari, but the new teacher, Ms. Maple, is someone no one yet knows. During roll call, nobody responds when Ms. Maple asks if Bea is present. Buddy's pal Joey's joke from first grade, saving a seat all year for a classmate who never appeared, seems worth repeating, so Buddy is slightly miffed when Bea turns up, late, full voiced, clad nearly all in pink, and ready to explain the blood on her shoe. (An injury from an encounter with a table: "Don't worry. I've had stitches before. A lot of times!") Bea, impulsive where Buddy is cautious, focuses on Buddy's cowlick, trying to plaster it down with spit and later with mayonnaise. She is bold and resourceful, finding the custodian when Buddy gets stuck trying to hide between two urinals. Will Buddy ever adjust to his new class? Nicely pitched to the audience, this chapter book is full of the singular, buzzy energy and earnestness of second graders along with appealingly broad but not chaotic humor. Ms. Maple's telling the students about the name her Filipino immigrant parents gave her makes for a poignant moment. Buddy presents Asian, like one of his two dads, in the lively cartoon artwork, while Bea is light-skinned, and the class is diverse. Cheerfully fun and lighthearted, with a relatable protagonist. (Chapter book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This early chapter book introduces bespectacled dreamer Buddy Finn-Lee, who has high hopes for his first day of second grade. But things do not go as expected. New student Bea makes a whirlwind late entrance, proudly displaying her sassy, extroverted personality and a show-and-tell of her fresh stitches. When Bea takes a seat beside Buddy, getting along proves to be a challenge. The clash of personalities leads to comical mix-ups and misunderstandings. Nine short chapters have plenty of zippy dialogue filled with playful exchanges ("Whoa," said Bea. "So you mean my buddy's name is Buddy? He's buddy Buddy?") and malapropisms ("Cow tongue!" "Cowlick!" said Buddy). Slapstick school situations in this series opener include Buddy getting stuck between two urinals, and Bea's attempts to tame Buddy's "sticky-up hair" with mayonnaise. Mukai's boisterous cartoon illustrations are full of action and complement the energetic text. A funny and likable unlikely buddy comedy for independent readers.
