Boris lives in Hogg Bay, in an old bus that used to travel all over the world, but now just sits there--until one day when his parents take him on an adventure. ( )

This Branches title is easier than several of the others and reads almost like an easy reader, not a chapter book.

Boris lives in a bus. Once upon a time, his parents traveled the world in their bus. But then he came along and the bus was parked for good. He's never been outside Hogg Bay. Boris dreams of adventure and one day...the bus is on the move! Boris is hoping they end up in Africa, but it turns out they're just going to the Greater Hogg Bay Conservation Park. But it turns out there's adventure everywhere - not to mention new friends.

The bright, cheerful colors of the illustrations make this simple story really pop and there's plenty of jokes and humor to keep kids interested. Again, this isn't a stand-out, must-have series but if you have an unending need for beginning chapter books, this will do well for the younger readers.

Verdict: There are a lot of simple elements in this story, but they all come together neatly to make a story that kids will enjoy and parents will approve. I'd put this in easy readers for the kids who aren't quite ready for chapter books yet.

ISBN: 9780545484428; Published May 2013 by Scholastic; ARC provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter 2013; Purchased for the library.

(152) Kirkus BEST BOOKS OF 2013 FOR NEWLY INDEPENDENT READERS ( )