Martin Bridge: On the Lookout!

November 1, 2005
Gr 2-4 -This beginning chapter book delivers the same type of fun as Kerrin's "Martin Bridge Ready for Takeoff!" (Kids Can, 2005). In the first story, Laila Moffatt shows up for Martin's birthday party a day late. At first Martin is upset that he has to spend time with Laila instead of playing -Park Rangers - with his best friends, Alex and Stuart. He is surprised when he enjoys throwing water balloons with Laila and loves her present, a -Park Ranger Super-Charged All-Night Flashlight! - In the second story, Martin forgets his permission slip for a class trip and must spend the day with last year's teacher and his class. The last story features Martin, Alex, and Stuart inadvertently letting the class parakeet escape. The boys make posters and after stealing the wrong Polly from the junior high, the correct Polly is returned. Kelly's full-page and spot cartoon illustrations, drawn with graphite and charcoal and shaded digitally, will support newly independent readers." -Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2006
Martin's second outing provides more of what made "Martin Bridge, Ready for Takeoff!" work so beautifully. Three episodes pit Martin against a variety of challenges (including being forced to spend an afternoon with an irritating classmate). Martin's predicaments are realistically portrayed and handled with a deft and light touch. The many breezy black-and-white illustrations emphasize the text's funnier moments.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from November 1, 2005
In Martin Bridge, Ready for Takeoff! (rev. 5/05), independent readers found a sympathetic and completely likable character whose elementary-school trials and tribulations were relayed with warmth and humor. Martin's second outing provides more of what made the first book work so beautifully. Three episodes pit Martin against a variety of challenges, including being forced to spend an afternoon with irritating classmate Laila Moffatt, forgetting his permission slip (and missing a museum field trip to see the new dinosaur exhibit), and coping with the wrath of his schoolmates when he's partly to blame for a beloved class pet's escape. Martin's awkward predicaments, embarrassing faux pas, and earnest (though sometimes bungled) attempts at righting his wrongs are realistically portrayed and handled with a deft and light touch. The many breezy black-and-white illustrations emphasize the funnier moments in the text and help to break up the long chapters; the generous leading and type size will also aid those new to reading longer stories. Martin Bridge is worth looking out for.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)