Two years ago I reviewed the first four books in the Jalen’s Big City Life series by Dorothy H. Price. Since then, the series doubled! Today, a young reviewer gives her opinion of the books.
REVIEW
Jalen’s Big City Life is a series of amusing stories for K-second grade about a kid named Jalen (J.C.) and his family. Living in an apartment in the city, J.C. and his family work through everyday problems together. These books are meant for young readers. Some of the books in the series are titled, The Park Cleanup, Baking Buddies, Onstage Jitters, and Moving Day Helpers.
I thought the best written story was Baking Buddies. J.C. and his grandfather are trying to bake cupcakes. Annoyingly, they can’t because his baby sister won’t go to sleep. Finally, they remember they haven’t given her some milk. Once they warm it up and give it to her, she falls peacefully asleep, and they bake the cupcakes. J.C. has to learn patience and persistence to accomplish his goal. Little kids can connect to this story because they are familiar with seeing their mother or father baking or cooking, and they can understand getting annoyed at brothers or sisters.
My least favorite in the series is The Park Cleanup. It is a good lesson like the others about problem-solving; however, I don’t agree with their undesirable solution: They pick up litter for homeless people in a public park meant for families and children to play in, not for people to live in.
Some of the other problems J.C. faces are getting nervous in front of a crowd and impatience with his parents. Adults will like that the books are simple and teach mostly favorable problem-solving strategies.
GIVEAWAY
I have this set of gently read books to give away. As always, if you are an educator or media specialist, let me know. I’m happy to include your name twice. Giveaway ends June 3.
OUR GUEST BLOGGER
Lucie B. is a 10-year-old homeschooler who attends Greyfriars Classical Tutorials in Matthews, NC. She enjoys horseback riding, crafts, and playing with her pet hamster, Diamond. In lieu of her picture, she wanted you all to meet Diamond.
Sounds like a great book series to introduce to elementary librarians in my former district and then place in the little free library I steward.
Thanks, Melanie. Your name starts the list- twice!
Thank you for this thoughtful review Lucie❤️
Thanks, Donna. I was impressed with Lucie’s review also. Isn’t it great to have thoughtful young readers? Agree with her or not. It’s good thinking skills!!
Thanks for a helpful review, Lucie! Love the picture of the book with your ?hamster?
Thanks, Kathy. Lucie was delighted that her hamster made it into the spotlight!