Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude

By Kevin O'Malley

Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley, Carol Heyer, and Scott Goto

Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 3rd graders

Want to start off this short week with a laugh? Check out 'Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude'. The boy and the girl narrating the story have to tell their favorite fairy tale to you, the reader. But since they can't agree on which fairy tale they like best, they tell their own. At least, that's what they try to do. She has one idea that involves princesses, pretty ponies and spinning gold. He, on the other hand, favors rotten-toothed giants, volcanoes and one very cool motorcycle dude. These two very different views of a good fairy tale come to an ending that satisfies both. Sort of.

'Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude' is a great read aloud for two people, preferably one male and one female. Why don't mom and dad try reading it out loud to the kids after dinner, before everyone heads off to do homework? Talk about some dinner table fun! The three illustrators each take a point of view, making the artwork very distinct for each character. The princess and her ponies are so pretty done in pinks and purples. The motorcycle dude's coolness is reflected in dark, bold colors.

This is another title from the 2009 Monarch Award list and one that is sure to get lots of votes in the spring. Enjoy it now because it won't stay on the shelves once everyone has read it!