Pedro, First-Grade Hero - Fran Manushkin, Tammie Lyon

Pedro is one very busy student: he is collecting bugs for a school project (and hoping that his little brother doesn’t let them all go), trying out for goalie of his soccer team, forming a mystery club with his friends, and even running for class president. If anyone can do it, Pedro, First-Grade Hero (Picture Window, $4.95), can! Fran Manushkin’s latest book has short chapters that act as self-contained vignettes, which are simple enough for young readers to digest but full of fun. Tammie Lyon’s colorful and expressive illustrations help tell the story and bring it to life. Ages 6-8.