Sword Play

If you can get past the name, Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson is a great read for a beginning reader. Most books aimed at new readers make use of alliteration and frequent repetition of words, but Stephenson breaks up the monotony by making Charlie’s actions surprising: Faced with “groaning beasties,” Charlie draws his sword … to cut up some sandwiches for the hungry creatures. He faces down a fire-breathing dragon … by offering him a drink of water. Those surprises, and Stephenson’s whimsical illustrations, have this book in heavy rotation in our household right now.

I do, however, have two quibbles: “Sir Charlie Stinky Socks” is not a name a kid pretending to be a daring knight would come up with. It’s a name that a grown-up would think a kid pretending to be a daring knight would come up with. And just try reading it aloud when tired: Pretty soon you’re referring to Sir Charlie Stinky Stocks or trying to Stir Charlie’s Sinky Socks.