Review Detail

‘Our Principal is a Scaredy-Cat’ by Stephanie Calmenson, illustrated by Aaron Blecha, is about Mr. Bundy, the principal of PS 88. He doesn’t know what’s happening exactly, but he does know that there is something out there that is laughing at and teasing him, and he’s scared! He doesn’t know if it’s an invisible man, a ghost, or another spooky thing that is haunting him. He decides to call a magician, Marty Q. Marvel, to help get rid of the bothersome voice. What he doesn’t bargain for is that the magician himself is scared of what might happen.

The silly story is written in chapters, making it a great choice for young readers who are beginning to read longer books. There are cute illustrations in black and white, and a word list at the back of the book to help better understand the meanings and increase readers’ vocabularies. A handful of questions at the very end of the book are also welcomed, encouraging discussion of the book’s topics and themes.