Cody and the Fountain of Happiness

Description

Middle-grade readers drawn to Judy Moody or Clementine will find a funny and charismatic companion in Cody, star of this delightful series. For whimsical Cody, many things are beautiful, especially ants who say hello by rubbing feelers. But nothing is as beautiful as the first day of summer vacation, and Cody doesn't want to waste one minute of it. Meanwhile, teenage brother Wyatt is moping over a girl, Mom is stressed about her new job as Head of Shoes, Dad is off hauling chairs in his long-distance truck, and even camp has been closed for the summer. What to do? Just when all seems lost, Cody bumps into a neighborhood boy named Spencer who is looking for a runaway cat. With a new friend and a soon-to-be-found cat, Cody is on her way to the fountain of happiness.

Tricia Springstubb is the author of the award-winning novel What Happened on Fox Street and its well-loved sequel, Mo Wren, Lost and Found. She is also the author of the picture book Phoebe & Digger, illustrated by Jeff Newman. Tricia Springstubb has worked as a Head Start teacher and a children's librarian. She lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Eliza Wheeler is the author-illustrator of Miss Maple's Seeds and the illustrator of the Newbery Honor Book Doll Bones, written by Holly Black. Originally from northern Wisconsin, Eliza Wheeler now lives in Los Angeles.

Secondary characters are fully fleshed, allowing for a deep, satisfying reading experience for children ready for longer books. Cody is sure to make friends with many readers, who will cross their fingers and hope for further adventures. -Kirkus Reviews Every First Day of Summer should start with Cody. Whether communing with ants, spouting science, or curing a case of the whim-whams, Cody's story is witty, heartwarming, and wise. -Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody and Stink series Cody is perfectly charming and charmingly imperfect! I'm already hoping for more. -Sara Pennypacker, author of the Clementine series Every once in a while, a book comes along that has tremendous heart, wit, and a voice so original and full of pure charm that it practically sings. This is such a book, and Cody is such a girl. -Shawn K. Stout, author of the Penelope Crumb series Cody's heartfelt intentions do not always yield the expected results, but that's precisely the pleasure in this sweet story that celebrates friendship and community connections. Set in a multiethnic neighborhood and featuring a biracial, Hispanic family, this will be a great fit for libraries looking to strengthen the diversity of their collections. -Booklist Springstubb's (Moonpenny Island) multicultural neighborhood comes to life nicely through Wheeler's ink-and-watercolor illustrations.... Wise advice ("First days are always hard. But everything will work out") and vibrant imagery ("Search back through the mists of time, and you would not find a shoe salesperson who worked as hard as Mom") round out this pleasing tale of friendship and family. -Publishers Weekly Cody's lively voice and keen observational skills build an involving story line out of the seeming simplicity of a vacation spent at home. Wheeler's stylish spot illustrations throughout suggest a diverse cast in this suburban setting. -Horn Book Wheeler's monochromatic ink and watercolor illustrations add warmth and detail to the middle-grade-friendly text and its multicultural cast. Fans of Cleary's classic Ramona series or McDonald's Judy Moody titles may especially enjoy creative-minded Cody. -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Cody's rosy outlook, Springstubb's fresh and imaginative writing, and Wheeler's whimsical pen-and-ink illustrations make a winning combination. -School Library Connection Artfully drawn sketches. -School Library Journal