Alvin Ho by Lenore Look

Alvin is a typical little boy.  He was born scared, so he carries his PDK (Personal Disaster Kit) with him all the time.  You never know when you might need it!

The subtitle to this book is:  Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects and Other Man-Made Catastrophes.  It is published by Schwartz & Wade Books in hardcover and is currently available in the market.  (Thanks for my review copy!)

Alvin's troubles all start when he goes to school and finds out he has forgotten that they have a field trip planned.  Thank goodness he has his PDK with him.  Then he finds out they are going to the Old Hill Burying Ground.  And, while there, he meets Ralph Waldo Emerson's ghost.  Ugh!  The worst part is that that isn't the only ghost he meets on the trip...

Ms. Look's writing style is perfect for children ages 6-10.  The illustrations by LeUyen Pham make Alvin stand out in your mind and add to the funny story.  Despite himself, Alvin survives his adventures in this book.  Not without a few disasters, though.

I'd recommend this book for young readers or reluctant readers.  Even those who read well will enjoy the antics of Alvin and his friends.  School time has never been so dangerous...

Visit your local bookstore and check it out.  I bet you take home a copy.  There are two earlier Alvin Ho books you might like want to eyeball, too.  Good fun can come in small packages.