Book Buddies: Roger Takes a Chance - by Cynthia Lord

About the Book

"Roger the chick almost never gets the chance to do things on his own -- he's always attached by Velcro to his mother, Olive the hen, who prefers a quiet nap to any excitement. The two Book Buddies even come as a pair when they're borrowed from the library, so Roger doesn't go on many solo adventures. One day, a boy named Liam is persuaded by his little sister to borrow Roger and Olive before picking up Grandpa from the airport. While Liam is preoccupied with showing Grandpa how grown-up he is, however, Roger the chick wriggles free, only to be accidentally left behind. Could this be the chance that Roger's been waiting for, or will his airport adventure -- complete with a too-playful dog and a looming top of the escalator -- prove too exciting even for him? If Liam admits his mistake, will he have a chance to show how grown-up he is -- and help Roger get back from the Lost and Found?"--

Book Synopsis

Longing for independence and adventure brings Roger the chick more than he bargained for in a Book Buddies episode offering plenty of charm.

Roger the chick almost never gets the chance to do things on his own--he's always attached by Velcro to his mother, Olive the hen, who prefers a quiet nap to any excitement. The two Book Buddies even come as a pair when they're borrowed from the library, so Roger doesn't go on many solo adventures. One day, a boy named Liam is persuaded by his little sister to borrow Roger and Olive before picking up Grandpa from the airport. While Liam is preoccupied with showing Grandpa how grown-up he is, however, Roger the chick wriggles free, only to be accidentally left behind. Could this be the chance that Roger's been waiting for, or will his airport adventure--complete with a too-playful dog and a looming top of the escalator--prove too exciting even for him? If Liam admits his mistake, will he have a chance to show how grown-up he is--and help Roger get back from the Lost and Found?

Review Quotes

Written by Lord, whose Rules (2006) was a Newbery Honor book, this attractive story shows her strong sense of themes that matter to elementary school children and an admirable ability to turn stuffed animals in full-fledged, individual characters. With a simple, direct writing style and expressive, grayscale illustrations, the fourth book in the lovable Book Buddies series is just right for kids who are beginning to move up to chapter books, but still enjoy the interplay of words and pictures.
--Booklist

Weatherford's heartwarming text is complemented by vivid, cozy illustrations in this picture book that follows a group of close-knit friends as they spend time together in their favorite spots. . . . Amid a soothing palette, Brown depicts and celebrates a diverse group of Black boys defying harmful and hateful stereotypes and showcases them in times of joy, friendship, and brotherhood. . . . The love and care that each of these unnamed characters has for one another is palpable in these gorgeously and thoughtfully illustrated pages.
--Booklist

About the Author

Cynthia Lord is the author of award-winning middle-grade fiction titles such as the Newbery Honor Book Rules, Touch Blue, Half a Chance, A Handful of Stars, and Because of the Rabbit. She is also the author of the Hot Rod Hamster picture book and early reader series as well as the Shelter Pet Squad chapter book series. Cynthia Lord lives in Maine.

Stephanie Graegin is the author-illustrator of Little Fox in the Forest and the illustrator of many other picture books, including You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan and Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins. Stephanie Graegin lives in Brooklyn.