Judy Moody and Friends: April Fools', Mr. Todd!

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Title: April Fools', Mr. Todd!

Author: Megan McDonald

Illustrator: Erwin Madrid

Awards: N/A

Age Range: 7-9 years old

Summary: Mr. Todd teaches his class about April Fools Day and how it is celebrated in different countries. Judy tries to think of a way to prank Mr. Todd. She finally thinks of an idea when Stink, her brother, gives her a Walking Stick bug as her birthday present. Judy tricked Mr. Todd by telling him she started collecting sticks and leaving the cage of sticks on his desk. Judy's Walking Stick bug ends up crawling onto Mr. Todd and when he discovers it on his head she yells "April Fools." Mr. Todd enjoyed Judy's prank, but told her to watch out because he just might prank her back. Judy could not stop thinking about what prank Mr. Todd might do to her. She was overthinking so much that she forgot it was her birthday! She started to get sad because no one seemed to remember it was her birthday, but she began to have a little hope when Mr. Todd sent her to the office to pick up a package that she thought was cupcakes for her. Unfortunately, there were no cupcakes and no package. When Judy went back to her classroom she was shocked to find it empty. The principal helped Judy look in a different room for her class, and they surprised her with a birthday party.

Evaluation: I really liked this book because it was an easy read and it is actually broken up into three chapters. This book would be best for second or third-graders. I would definitely use this book in my class to help teach fun facts about April Fools Day. I think the students would really enjoy the story because it is funny. Also, I want the students to complete a writing activity where they either explain a funny prank they have done in the past or one they are hoping to do this year. After reading the book, I would take the opportunity to discuss pranks that are acceptable and pranks that are unacceptable.

Comments

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