Surprise Island

Growing up in the same town as Ms. Chandler, I was lucky enough to go to the library to hear her read her stories. I loved them. I wasn't sure if my kids 30 years later would love them as much as I did. I think we've read the Boxcar #1 at least 6 times. The kids just love the idea of setting up a home, without adults, and taking care of themselves. Who doesn't love the pink cracked cup and the stream cooler. I wasn't sure if Surprise Island would have the same kind of magic. It did! Not only did it have a lot of the same elements as the first one, my boys loved the kids finding Indian relics, and mystery of who Joe was and of course why can't they go into the yellow house? (read #3 for that one). It is so refreshing that a book written so many years ago can be relevant today, that you don't need potty humor,TV show references or violence to engage children's imaginations.

When I say "So many surprises," I really mean it! For example, the children find Indian artifacts, when they never thought they would. Benny and his friend found a mini-cave. I like this book because it had so many surprises!

I have many of the Boxcar children books. They are really colorful on my bookshelf because of the differnt colors of the spines of the books. OK, once you read the first book, you have to read the second one. It is really good for people who are adventurous just like the Boxcar Children. This set of books are perfect for young readers. Parents, These are perfect for your kids. They are short and sweet. I recommend this for children in the Third and Fourth Grades

Four children go to an island, find one of their family members, and get very excited. They call their grandfather and have him come to the island in order to surprise him. That is why they call it Surprise Island.