Sometimes it is hard to be brave. Seth and Marco Polo find out that being brave is easy when you have friends.
This book is second in a series called “Book Buddies”. The author uses personification to create lovable characters that go on fun adventures with real children. These stories are fun first chapter books for young readers and would also make great read alouds. The topics invite discussion and the illustrations complement the text to further aid in comprehension. These stories will be favorites for fans of “Toy Story.” ( )

This is a clever idea for a book series, one that promises so much more than a cute read...so much more.

Marco Polo started his life as a Christmas tree ornament, but he didn't like the idea of disappearing into a box with the other ornaments for the year. Luckily, his 'owner' reads his mind and decides to add him to the Book Buddies at the local library where she works. He's a bit on the small side, but she hopes he'll be loaned out like the other animals and receive lots of stories in his journal. Unfortunately, his small size makes him often overlooked or parents fear he might easily be lost. One day, though, a boy sees him and decides Marco Polo might be perfect for a certain experieince.

I did not read the first book in the series, nor is that necessary since these stories can easily be read on their own and in any desired order. Each one centers around one animal, who is a member of the Book Buddies. Marco Polo is adorable right away, not only because he's so small, but he has tons of spirit and a super-sweet personality. The adventure he experiences has a bit of tension, a dash of action, and a tiny bit of danger, making it exciting from start to finish...but definitely nothing more than even sensitive readers of the age group can handle. It's a grabbing tale from start to finish.

The writing flows very well and is perfect for those, who are sure of their words but not ready to tackle larger reads. The vocabulary fits the age group and still throws in a word, every now and then, to help expand the vocabulary. The font is larger and well-spaced for easy reading. Add the wonderful illustrations, and it's a read which visually draws in and doesn't scare even more reluctant readers away.

While all of these things already make this a lovely read, my favorite aspect of this series is the idea behind it. Libraries with this series can develop a new program just like these buddies. I get that the entire COVID scare of the last years does, perhaps, add a little hesitation to the loaning of toys (which I'm sure will change quickly soon), but this is extra special in that the story also promotes the idea of each toy having a journal, where kids write down the adventures they had with the animal while they were loaning them out. It's a great way to incorporate reading with writing and make in inviting for the age group.

My only criticism is that the next book isn't expected to come out until 2023...so, we're in for a bit of a wait. ( )