Pearl and Wagner: Three Secrets

An excellent addition to the Dial "Easy-TO-Read" Series, the book consists of three interrelated stories--beginning readers may be proud to have their own "chapter book." Our heroes are Pearl the bunny, and Wagner the mouse, and in their first adventure they goon a field trip to--an ice cream factory! The problem: Lulu (a bunny) tells Wagner a secret; Pearl wants to know what it is, and Wagner feels he can't tell her. As the other animals happily view the giant ice cream machine (there are wonderful pictures throughout the book drawn with pen and ink, watercolor, and "a few colored pencils"), friends Pearl and Wagner aren't having any fun at all. They're so busy negotiating about the secret that they don't have a chance to look around or taste the ice cream. The story concludes with the teacher keeping a secret from her students, a clever twist but perhaps a confusing message for small fry. Some, however, may find it giggly amusing. In the second story, Lulu invites everyone to her birthday party (that was the secret in the first story) at an amusement park featuring "The Zoomer." Wagner has his own secret: He's a little afraid of roller coasters. In this brief story, Lulu exposes him to roller coaster-esque experiences on the play structure, and builds up his confidence by having him say "I RULE THE ROLLER COASTER." The third story has all the action and excitement of an amusement park birthday party. We see the various animals on bumper cars , spinning tea cups, and then--the "Zoomer." However, it's Pearl who begins to hesitate as she approaches the ride: "Pearl and Wagner looked up at the Zoomer. It was as tall as a skyscraper. It had lots of really big hills. This time she begins to give excuses ("I have to get a drink of water") instead of telling Wagner why she really doesn't want to go. While Wagner's confidence remains high ("'I rule the roller coaster!' said Wagner."), Pearl refuses to ride. Surprisingly, Wagner convinces Pearl to give it a try (I thought Wagner would suggest they go on the easier roller coaster to show what a flexible, supportive friend he is. Author McMullan's choice gives the story suspense and excitement.) When the ride stops, Pearl wants to go again, but Lulu (who had been very pro-Zoomer) "looked a little green." The story concludes on a happy note, with ice cream and presents, and Pearl and Wagner back on the Zoomer! The book has a soft touch about the complexities set up when one hides the truth, and how secrets can backfire. An imaginative teacher or adult might use the story for discussion about when (or whether) it's ok to tell a secret. Kids may feel proud of reading a book that's 48 pages long (you may wish to keep it a secret that the pages are smaller than many books), and the illustrations add a light, airy touch to the three stories. Note: Dial Publishing rates this as a Level 2 (out of 3) book, appropriate for "reading together," and featuring "short sentences" and simple dialogue. In con

This book is a hit with our whole family (kids ages 6 and 4)! The illustrations are engaging and the plot is unique and uplifting. Pearl and Wagner are buddies who are both invited to a party at an amusement park. Wagner is afraid of roller coasters, so Pearl coaches him for the big day. Adorable story!