Third grader Rosie Woods narrates the ups and downs of everyday life in these thoughtful, full-color illustrated chapter books. Rosie describes herself as “quiet,” a personality trait that gets some much-needed attention in these well-executed tales that find Rosie navigating friendships and the complex task of understanding one’s peers. In Rosielocks, Rosie learns how to successfully participate in a group project even though she isn’t comfortable with the different ways her group members approach the assignment. In The Three Billy GOATs, Rosie and her classmates face a third-grade competition that turns fierce. Newly independent chapter book readers will appreciate the short chapters and frequent, expressive illustrations. Discussion questions, further information on each book’s topic, and resources are appended at the end of each text.

VERDICT: Recommended for purchase in most collections where longer beginning chapter books are popular.

The action moves right along, and the straightforward language and simple declarative sentences are especially suitable for newly independent readers. This is an engaging addition for most libraries’ chapter-book sections.