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Joe and Sparky
Joe and Sparky Go to School: Candlewick Sparks
“A humorous, high-interest package . . . a hit.” — The Horn Book (starred review)
The endearing and mismatched pals Sparky the turtle and Joe the giraffe accidentally latch on to a big yellow bus and leave the zoo for their first trip to school. There’s a lot to learn, and the goal of the day seems to be to get a star. But just when Joe fears that he may have to go home starless, Sparky reminds him of all the ways that his loyal friend already shines.
The endearing and mismatched pals Sparky the turtle and Joe the giraffe accidentally latch on to a big yellow bus and leave the zoo for their first trip to school. There’s a lot to learn, and the goal of the day seems to be to get a star. But just when Joe fears that he may have to go home starless, Sparky reminds him of all the ways that his loyal friend already shines.
48 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2013
5 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Michalak
43 books68 followersJamie Michalak is the author of more than thirty children's books, including the highly praised Joe and Sparky series of early readers; Frank and Bean; Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter; and Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites, co-written with Debbi Michiko Florence.
When not writing, she can be found singing off-key, playing outside, or hanging with her two sons. Jamie was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the same neighborhood where Dr. Seuss once lived. She now resides in Barrington, Rhode Island.
When not writing, she can be found singing off-key, playing outside, or hanging with her two sons. Jamie was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the same neighborhood where Dr. Seuss once lived. She now resides in Barrington, Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 15, 2013
Dynamic duo, Joe and Sparky are off on another fun adventure! Ever cautious Sparky the turtle finds himself unexpectedly on the roof of a bus headed for someplace called “school.” His adventurous giraffe buddy, Joe, sets off to rescue him. Once at school, Sparky and Joe are mistaken for students by the nearsighted and newly glass-less teacher. Joe and Sparky discover that learning is fun (especially the magic pond!) But Joe’s attempts to win a star fall flat. At the end of the day, Joe learns a lesson not found in any textbook.
Jamie Michalak does a great job pairing these personality polar opposites. With one always ready to explore and one always wanting to hold back; Joe and Sparky appeal to both outgoing and shy children. Though slightly longer than most picture books, this four chapter early reader is fast paced and will easily hold children’s attention. And Frank Remkiewicz’s bright watercolors complement the story perfectly, capturing the wit and whimsy of each scene.
With a literalist sense of humor, Michalak introduces young readers to important school concepts like: peas are for counting not eating, painting something you love does NOT mean actually painting on the thing you love, and restrooms are not a good place to get some rest. Whether children are going to school for the first time or returning for another new year, Joe and Sparky will help them see their classroom in a warm, wonderful and wacky way. This is a back to school story with lots of heart!
http://anniejenningspr.com/jenningswi...
Jamie Michalak does a great job pairing these personality polar opposites. With one always ready to explore and one always wanting to hold back; Joe and Sparky appeal to both outgoing and shy children. Though slightly longer than most picture books, this four chapter early reader is fast paced and will easily hold children’s attention. And Frank Remkiewicz’s bright watercolors complement the story perfectly, capturing the wit and whimsy of each scene.
With a literalist sense of humor, Michalak introduces young readers to important school concepts like: peas are for counting not eating, painting something you love does NOT mean actually painting on the thing you love, and restrooms are not a good place to get some rest. Whether children are going to school for the first time or returning for another new year, Joe and Sparky will help them see their classroom in a warm, wonderful and wacky way. This is a back to school story with lots of heart!
http://anniejenningspr.com/jenningswi...
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January 31, 2015Level: Intermediate – independent reading
Rationale: Giraffes are prominent on Natalie’s interest inventory. They are the first item on the “if an author wrote a book just for you” list, and one of her three wishes is to have a “real live pet giraffe. This book is about a giraffe and his friend Spark, a turtle, who end up on a school bus and eventually at school, so I think Natalie would really enjoy reading and imagining about a giraffe’s adventures at school, as well as on his way there.
Hook: Natalie: I’m excited to see that giraffes are one of your favorite animals and you’d even like to have one for a pet someday! Have you ever thought about what it would be like if a giraffe could talk—and came to school? Joe and Sparky Go to School is an awesome book and the adventures of Joe, a giraffe, and his friend Sparky, a turtle, and how the accidentally get a ride on a school bus, their adventures in school with the kids there, and their thoughts about their adventures as they return home to the zoo.
Rationale: Giraffes are prominent on Natalie’s interest inventory. They are the first item on the “if an author wrote a book just for you” list, and one of her three wishes is to have a “real live pet giraffe. This book is about a giraffe and his friend Spark, a turtle, who end up on a school bus and eventually at school, so I think Natalie would really enjoy reading and imagining about a giraffe’s adventures at school, as well as on his way there.
Hook: Natalie: I’m excited to see that giraffes are one of your favorite animals and you’d even like to have one for a pet someday! Have you ever thought about what it would be like if a giraffe could talk—and came to school? Joe and Sparky Go to School is an awesome book and the adventures of Joe, a giraffe, and his friend Sparky, a turtle, and how the accidentally get a ride on a school bus, their adventures in school with the kids there, and their thoughts about their adventures as they return home to the zoo.
December 4, 2013
Although this is a new series to me, I can see why it might have high appeal for young readers. It's hard not to love Joe with his long neck and irrepressible spirit, and it's easy to love his sidekick, Sparky. This adventure involves the friends boarding a school bus taking some school children back to school after a field trip. Joe and Sparky spend the rest of the day at school where Sparky earns plenty of stars, and Joe earns none. But loyal Sparky finds reasons to reward his friend. The book is filled with colorful images and a great message for friends. Plus, it will make young readers giggle.
February 21, 2023
A short chapter book that would be great for younger readers that are just starting to get into chapter books. In this book Joe and Sparky learn simple things about the world.
September 2, 2024
What a cute story! These two are so funny.
December 4, 2013
This is a fun beginning chapter book featuring two unlikely pals, a giraffe and a turtle (named Joe and Sparky, of course.) They make somewhat of an "Odd Couple" kind of pair, with the curmudgeonly turtle who just wants to warm himself on his rock and a fun-loving giraffe who thinks up all kinds of crazy adventures.
In this story, the two end up in school and spend the day with a class of schoolchildren. The narrative is quite silly, especially with a myopic teacher mistaking the two for students (and a hat.)
The illustrations are great and we immediately noted that the illustrator is Frank Remkiewicz, known to us best for his illustrations for the Froggy series with Jonathan London. The story is fun and it is a good introduction to chapter books.
We enjoyed reading this book together and hope that this author/illustrator team creates more books about this quirky pair.
In this story, the two end up in school and spend the day with a class of schoolchildren. The narrative is quite silly, especially with a myopic teacher mistaking the two for students (and a hat.)
The illustrations are great and we immediately noted that the illustrator is Frank Remkiewicz, known to us best for his illustrations for the Froggy series with Jonathan London. The story is fun and it is a good introduction to chapter books.
We enjoyed reading this book together and hope that this author/illustrator team creates more books about this quirky pair.
August 8, 2013
What happens when a giraffe and a turtle stowaway on a school bus that is headed back to school? They learn how to become STAR students for one thing. With the teacher's glasses broken, she accepts them as students in her class and expect their behavior to be appropriate. Sparky (the turtle) gets a gold star for being a good listener. But try as he might, Joe the giraffe, just can't get that star: he doesn't have a hand to raise, he eats the math lesson and breaks a chair, among other things. But at the end of the day, his friend has a nice surprise for him.
Students will love this beginning chapter book and the misinterpretations that that Joe and Sparky have about the school: the toilet is a tiny pond, for example, and when the teacher says "paint something you love", Sparky ends up with a green face!
Students will love this beginning chapter book and the misinterpretations that that Joe and Sparky have about the school: the toilet is a tiny pond, for example, and when the teacher says "paint something you love", Sparky ends up with a green face!
November 14, 2013
An inquisitive giraffe Joe and his sidekick friend Sparky the turtle end up on a grand adventure to school! They manage to hitch hike a ride on the school bus as it returns from a field trip to the zoo.
This colorful book is full of giggles that will delight and keep a young readers attention. The flow of the story goes well as Joe and Sparky are mistaken for students by the teacher Miss Hootie who accidently crushes her glasses.
Joe and Sparky try to become Star students. They complete various assignments and activities given to the class by Miss Hootie. Sparky excels while Joe struggles to earn a star.
The funniest part of the book is the "magic pond". That will sure tickle a kids funny bone!
In the end Sparky tells Joe that he is a Star in his eyes.
This book is told mostly from the animals point of view and they are a funny modern day odd couple.
This colorful book is full of giggles that will delight and keep a young readers attention. The flow of the story goes well as Joe and Sparky are mistaken for students by the teacher Miss Hootie who accidently crushes her glasses.
Joe and Sparky try to become Star students. They complete various assignments and activities given to the class by Miss Hootie. Sparky excels while Joe struggles to earn a star.
The funniest part of the book is the "magic pond". That will sure tickle a kids funny bone!
In the end Sparky tells Joe that he is a Star in his eyes.
This book is told mostly from the animals point of view and they are a funny modern day odd couple.
October 1, 2013
Unlikely friends, Joe (a giraffe) and Sparky (a turtle) attend school after they end up taking the bus back after the class trip. Miss Hootie, the teacher, confuses the animals for a student after her glasses end up damaged.
In short chapters, the friends make their way through daily routines and poor Joe tries his hardest to earn a gold star for good behavior.
This book reminded me of Morris the Moose Goes to School (one of my all-time favorites that an oldie-but-very-goodie).
Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations. Recommended for grades 1-3. Illustrations support text well, but this title is one that I;d recommend to readers who are almost ready for full-length chapter books.
In short chapters, the friends make their way through daily routines and poor Joe tries his hardest to earn a gold star for good behavior.
This book reminded me of Morris the Moose Goes to School (one of my all-time favorites that an oldie-but-very-goodie).
Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations. Recommended for grades 1-3. Illustrations support text well, but this title is one that I;d recommend to readers who are almost ready for full-length chapter books.
June 26, 2013
This isn't the first Joe & Sparky book, but each is stand alone. I didn't know the main characters were critters, so I had a lot of fun with the story elements of them ending up at a human school and trying to fit in. Great book to read and laugh along with a kid though as an adult I liked it just fine. Great illustrations and good color. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to review this.
September 7, 2013
This is a really beautiful book with great illustrations and loveable characters. The duo of friends is in and out of adventure and trouble, with one friend seemingly not being able to get it right. The sweet message at the end is a good one, and my children really enjoyed the story!
(I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.)
(I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.)
November 10, 2013
One of the most inventive early readers I've read lately. Kids will love the humor and the animals' point of view. ("The noisy short people got on the bus.") My favorite part might be when they discover the "magic pond" at the school, which empties and refills. Yep, the toilet. Joe and Sparky are fun and earnest, and I would like to bring them home with me.
October 16, 2013
Joe the Giraffe and Sparky the turtle accidentally wind up on a school bus headed from the zoo back to school, where Sparky excels and Joe flounders in his attempts to win a gold star of his own. This early chapter book hits kids right in the funny bone and keeps the vocabulary simple to appeal to those just ready for chapter books.
March 28, 2014
If you don't laugh at a giraffe hopping onto the back of a school bus to rescue his turtle BBF or a teacher with broken glasses confusing the two with Timmy and his funny green hat, or said pair thinking a toilet is a tiny magic pond, well, I can't help you.
Great bit of starting chapter books I can easily recommend. Cute and fun!
Great bit of starting chapter books I can easily recommend. Cute and fun!
February 28, 2023
Oh dear. Before you know it, Sparky finds himself on top of a school bus and Joe must climb on back of the bus to rescue him.
And is school ever a strange place?! Yes, it is, especially to a turtle and a giraffe.
Fun, fun, fun.
And is school ever a strange place?! Yes, it is, especially to a turtle and a giraffe.
Fun, fun, fun.
July 10, 2014
I read this book to my 6 year old. He was delighted with the adventures of the turtle and giraffe. His only complaint was he thought the giraffe should have been named Sparky and the turtle should have been named Joe. He wants to read more adventures with these guys.
February 26, 2025
When a school bus drives into the cageless zoo, Joe the giraffe and Sparky the turtle have to check it out. They accidentally get taken out of the zoo to school. A case of mistaken identity causes hilarity and challenges for Joe and Sparky. Fun illustrations.
July 17, 2013
Super funny little book, and good for those younger children still getting the hang of reading. The pictures are pretty hilarious. color illus.
August 8, 2013
Before Joe and Sparky realize what is happening they are on their way to school on the back of a yellow bus. Hilarious antics ensure and they both discover what true friendship really means.
November 28, 2013
my kids loved this book, they have reay it over and over again and i have as well :)
September 22, 2013
Cute and funny. Perfect for about second-third grade readers, transitioning into chapter books.
October 13, 2013
This story shows early readers that learning can happen at any time. I enjoyed seeing how Joe and Sparky fit in with the students.
February 18, 2014
I think this is a funny early chapter book that students will enjoy!
May 5, 2015
This book would be a fun book to read to a first grade class and they could read themselves if they are advanced in reading.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews