Author: Matthew Cordell
Cornbread and Poppy are best friends but they definitely enjoy different things. Poppy is ready for adventure…Cornbread, not so much. Poppy adores scary movies. Cornbread does not. Poppy loves exploring caves. Cornbread fainted. Poppy can’t wait to ride the biggest, fastest rides at the Carnival. Cornbread is not so sure.
This is the 2nd book Matthew Cordell has written about these two sweet little mice. This story of two friends reminds me of the Frog and Toad series. Like Frog and Toad, this early reader series is a good transition from picture books to chapter books. There is some repetition of key words within the text to help early readers who are beginning to read alone. The illustrations are fun and the story moves along quickly. Although young readers will likely be able to independently read this story, it would be a fun read aloud for parents and teachers. Can we make connections to our own lives and friendships? Are we more like Cornbread or Poppy?
Is the book well written? Yes, typical of early reader books, there is some word repetition but it flows well within the story.
Are the characters interesting and relatable? Yes, Cornbread and Poppy enjoy different things but their friendship and care for each other help them overcome their differences in a way that will resonate with young readers.
Is the language appropriate and wholesome? Yes, although the friends do not always agree, there is no name-calling or other objectionable behavior. The last chapter has an argument between the two about a found object they both want. In the end they come to a great resolution to the problem that readers will easily relate to.
Does this book conform to Biblical truths? While not a Christian book, the themes of friendship, helping one another, and appreciating each other’s differences are compatible with Biblical teachings.
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