Introduced by a song sung by kids, this adventure revolves around whether or not Arthur will get over his chicken pox in time to go to the circus with his family. In the meantime, D.W. makes her own plans to invite a friend to go as Arthur's replacement and feigns chicken pox herself in a bid for attention from her family. At the end of the story, in a nod to justice, Arthur recovers in time, but D.W. comes down with spots on the morning of the circus.

About the Author

Marc Brown is the creator of the bestselling Arthur Adventure book series and co-developer of the children's PBS television series, Arthur. He has also created a second book series, featuring D.W., Arthur's little sister, as well as numerous other books for children.

Prizes

An Arthur Adventure

Reviews

Arthur's back, but he's not feeling so hot. The agreeable aardvark has come down with the chicken pox, and it looks as though he'll miss a family excursion to the circus. But there are compensations: Arthur (wearing his furry bunny slippers--and a decidedly smug expression) gets to slurp chicken noodle soup on the sofa while sister D.W. is forced to eat spinach at the dinner table. And Grandma makes quite a fuss over him, providing soothing baths, back rubs and hot tea. Meanwhile D.W. (who dots her face with a pink marker in a doomed attempt to garner similar attentions) makes sure that Arthur witnesses her phone call inviting her friend to use the extra circus ticket. But Arthur recovers in time for the outing . . . and youngsters will be amused to discover who breaks out in genuine pox just as the family prepares to leave. With its animated art and breezy text, Brown's 19th Arthur adventure is another winning slice-of-life tale. Ages 4-8. (May)

K-Gr 3-Author Marc Brown's reading of Arthur's Chicken Pox is lively entertainment for listeners. Introduced by a song sung by kids, this adventure revolves around whether or not Arthur will get over his chicken pox in time to go to the circus with his family. In the meantime, D.W. makes her own plans to invite a friend to go as Arthur's replacement, and feigns chicken pox herself in a bid for attention from her family. At the end of the story, in a nod to justice, Arthur recovers in time, but D.W. comes down with spots on the morning of the circus. Equally entertaining is Brown's reading of Arthur's First Sleepover. The possibility of aliens making an appearance during Arthur's campout with his friends adds to the excitement. Of course, D.W. is making her own preparations to provide an alien so the boys won't be disappointed. Once again, humor abounds with Arthur's efforts to get even. Listeners will delight in hearing Mar Brown's interpretation of the characters and enjoy these stories with their predictable and satisfying endings.-Marcia Brightman, Mark's Meadow Laboratory School, Amherst, MA