Poppleton: Forever is a great transitional chapter book for young readers. The separate short ‘chapters’ make this book an easy read-aloud choice. First, the writing is clear and has simple text. There are only one or two sentences per page, plus wonderful illustrations that go along with the story. Second, the illustrations are warm and funny that enhance the story for early readers. Each chapter creates a short scene about Poppleton and his friends. For example, Poppleton wanted to put up wallpaper, but his friends were unable to help him. Therefore, he switched to paint where “his friends were the finest painters in town.” Being in a series, students will invest in the characters and become excited to read more about them. The big idea for this series is friendship and neighbors. ( )

Poppleton is a caring friend and a charming pig. In the first story in this book, "The Tree" he cares for his tree lovingly, but it appears it will die. His llama friend, Cherry Sue, finally gives him an unexpected solution that brings the tree back to life. In the second story, "The Cold," Poppleton sneezes the oranges that Cherry Sue brings to help him feel better all over the house. The reader really starts to worry in the end when Cherry Sue brings Poppleton a much more fragile gift. In the last story, "Wallpaper," Poppleton enlists his friends to help hang wallpaper and becomes frustrated when things aren't working. Finally, he settles on another solution. ( )