This is a partnered post. Product was provided for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are those of the writer.
Chapter books = being a big kid. For my 1st grader, being able to read longer and more challenging books is a huge accomplishment. So we were thrilled to receive four books from author Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants and Sidekicks. Dav Pilkey is one of my favorite children’s authors, and, if you haven’t read any of his books yet, he’ll be one of yours soon.
Previously released in 2000, the Ricky Ricotta series features a small mouse from Squeakyville, and because of his smaller stature, he gets teased by some of the kids at school. It’s a little bit of a lonely existence for poor Ricky, but big help is on the way. Feeling a little unsure of yourself or ostracized is pretty relatable for most kids. In the first book of the series, Ricky is saved and then befriends a giant robot. The duo then are faced with various challenges and evil villains.
Here’s a little more about each of the four titles we received:
RICKY RICOTTA’S MIGHTY ROBOT
Little Ricky Ricotta has a problem: the bullies at school pick on him all the time. Until one day, he saves the life of a mighty robot. Together, Ricky and his Robot face the bullies, and save Squeakyville from a giant evil lizard monster. That’s what friends are for!
RICKY RICOTTA’S MIGHTY ROBOT VS MUTANT MOSQUITOS FROM MERCURY
Mr. Mosquito hates Mercury. The days are so hot, they melt his flip-flops, and the nights are so cold, his toothpaste freezes solid! He’s decided to take over Earth instead. Ricky and his Robot must stop his army of massive Mutant Mosquitoes!
RICKY RICOTTA’S MIGHTY ROBOT VS VOODOO VULTURES FROM VENUS
Victor Von Vulture hates Venus. His toasted cheese sandwiches are always way too gooey, and ice cream melts in a second! So he and his army of Voodoo Vultures try to cast a spell on the Earth. It’s up to Ricky and his Robot to stop them!
RICKY RICOTTA’S MIGHTY ROBOT VS THE MECHA-MONKEYS FROM MARS
Little Ricky Ricotta has a problem: the bullies at school pick on him all the time. Until one day, he saves the life of a mighty robot. Together, Ricky and his Robot face the bullies, and save Squeakyville from a giant evil lizard monster. That’s what friends are for!
The books are geared for children ages 4-8, but the fun story-telling and comic-book styling will intrigue an even wider audience. Some of the features we liked best were the short chapters (perfect for developing readers), mix of colorful and comic-book style illustrations, and Flip-o-Rama pages. If you haven’t read any of Dav Pilkey’s books, you’re in for a treat. They’re light-hearted and fun, yet still a great read.
Being new Ricky Ricotta fans, I was happy to find so many additional resources for my kids online through the Scholastic website. Build your own robot, download character cards, and read excerpts from the book for free. And while you’re there, follow Scholastic and ScholasticTeach on Twitter or like Scholastic Parents or Scholastic Teachers on Facebook.
My children wanted to share a little bit more about Ricky Ricotta. Check out their video review.
It’s a great feeling when see your child engaged with learning and loving to read. And to be totally honest, it’s a lot more fun to read with your children when the books are fun for you, too.
Do you have any favorite Dav Pilkey books?
Ellen Christian says
What a cute series. Definitely going to look for it.
Jen A says
My son loved the Captain Underpants books when he was little. Plus robots are fascinating so this series looks like another hit!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
These look fantastic! I homeschool, I so could see my son enjoying these!
Andrea Kruse says
These sound great! Just the think my KIndergarten aged child needs to go beyond those classroom “one sentence” books. These look like fun!
jenn m says
These look great. My daughter is a reluctant reader and a sensitive girl who sometimes gets bullied.
Tammy says
I have not heard of this author, although my daughter would have been just the right age for them when they were first released (she was born in 1996).
Chrysa says
These books look really fun. It’s a challenge getting my nephew to read. I am thinking these may help!
Cecile says
My son loved these books when he was younger! He loved to draw the characters too!
susan says
this seems like such a great series ! I am sure my daughter would just love this.
Xenia @ Thanks, Mail Carrier says
My daughter is a big fan of the Captain Underpants books, so I bet she would like these, too! I’m going to have to look for them!
Whitney @ Momma Knows Best says
I hadn’t heard of these books before, but they seem like they would be good for my daughter!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
Looks like a cute series. My girls are too old for it, but I like the idea of giving them to my nephews for Christmas. I prefer to give books than toys.
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
We love these books too! My son read them all in one day! We can’t wait until the next 4 are released!
Melissa says
These books are so fun! My first grader has been loving them too!
Rachel says
This looks like such a great beginner reader series! 🙂 I’ll have to check it out for my boys!
Liz Mays says
I’ve been hearing lots about these lately. If a series draws kids in this way, it’s a winner.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
My oldest loved Captain Underpants when he was young. I love series like this that entice kids to read!
HilLesha says
I never heard of these books, but I know my son would probably like them. 🙂
Mellisa says
I haven’t heard of these books yet, but I am sure my son has!
Kimberly Grabinski says
My son LOVES this author, we are going to have to check these out!
Kathleen says
I love that these aren’t just picture books, and that they are longer books but with reading that is at a lower level. It helps struggling readers be able to get into a more lengthy book without struggling through pages and pages of nothing but words.
Shell Feis says
I really like the illustration and stories in this series. My son really likes to read these with me.
Digna D. says
Yup, so true. Much more engaging when the books you are reading with your child don’t put you to sleep. lol! Missing those days now that mine are grown.
Donna says
Reading, and reading early is so important! My son was an early reader and I know it contributes to his doing so well in school now. These books look like something he would have loved when he was younger.
Penelope Guzman says
This is something my husband and son would enjoy together (my husband loved comic books and graphic novels growing up)
Karen Coutu says
I’ve never heard of this book series. It would really be perfect for my son who just entered the 2nd grade. He loves robots!!!
Marla Zickefoose says
I’m homeschooling my son this year due to his illness and I think these would be right up his alley. Something he is interested in while learning!
Denine, from WeKnowStuff says
Such a cute and well illustrated looking series! Can’t wait to look into it a little bit more!
Raijean says
I want to get one of these for my son, I know he would love it.
Marcie W. says
My son is in first grade and is loving the new world of chapter books. While he enjoys his sisters’ collection of Junie B Jones books, I know he would really appreciate a series geared toward little boys.