Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor

March 1, 2023
Grades 2-4 Shermy is taking out the trash when he hears a robotic voice say, "Gree-tings, Earth-ling." But when the invisible stranger demands a blueberry Toaster Tart, Shermy gets tough, demanding, "Show yourself . . . or no Toaster Tart." Shake, Shermy's next-door neighbor's grandson, jumps down from a tree and introduces himself as Falzar, from Jupiter. While his mother and stepfather are away on their honeymoon, Shake is spending the summer with his grandmother. A high-energy kid who sees no reason to share when he can shove both the remaining Toaster Tarts into his mouth, Shake tries Shermy's patience repeatedly throughout the summer, but he can also be lively, fun, and even emotionally honest with a friend he trusts. Readers can decide for themselves whether Shermy will miss Shake when he goes home. Children new to chapter books will appreciate the book's wide-spaced lines and its many attractive black-and-white illustrations. Larson, whose Hattie Big Sky (2006) was a Newbery Honor Book, builds a strong foundation for the Shermy and Shake series in this appealing early chapter book.

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March 6, 2023
An improbable friendship develops over summer vacation in this understated slice-of-life story from Larson (the Audacity Jones books). The beginnings of Shermy’s school break are unassuming, involving bickering with his older sister, fielding gentle reprimands about not wearing his glasses, and dutifully completing chores. Things take a sudden turn, however, when Shermy meets the neighbor’s visiting grandson, Shake, who in short order claims to be from both Jupiter and Walla Walla, then gobbles the last Toaster Tart in Shermy’s kitchen. Shermy, who enjoys orderly pursuits including puzzles and reading slowly (to “taste every word”), finds much irritating about energetic Shake, who loses a favorite Frisbee, enters Shermy’s room without knocking, and spoils the plot of a half-finished book. But an organic companionship nevertheless slowly builds between them, taking root across brief episodes that give tender credence to Shermy’s frustration and Shake’s desire to connect. Shake helps manage Shermy’s disappointment when a Fourth of July celebration falls flat, and Shermy starts to appreciate Shake as a lonely child parted from his honeymooning mother. Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom. Occasional b&w illustrations from debut illustrator Fujioka show the protagonists with pale skin. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Kilkelly, LK Literary.

April 1, 2023
A new neighbor upends Shermy's plans for a quiet summer. Shermy's looking forward to an entire summer of his favorite activities--reading, doing puzzles, and collecting small treasures--but he hadn't counted on the arrival of Shake, who's spending the summer with his grandmother, Shermy's next-door neighbor, while his mom and stepfather are on their honeymoon. And from the start, Shake disrupts Shermy's routine. Shake hogs snacks, interrupts Shermy's reading, accidentally knocks his puzzle pieces to the floor, loses Shermy's favorite Frisbee, and nabs the last rocket pop from the ice cream truck. Shermy attempts to hide out in his room, but his mom keeps inviting Shake over to play. Almost imperceptibly, however, Shermy's attitude begins to change. By August, Shermy even misses Shake when no one comes to interrupt his reading. So he goes looking for him and finds Shake wiping away tears, homesick for his mom. Without realizing it, the two have become fast friends. Divided into three sections, each titled by month, this fast-moving tale features short chapters and black-and-white illustrations throughout. Those looking to transition into longer chapter books will find this one accessible, and the storyline will resonate--readers will be eager to read more in this series. In the artwork, Shermy presents as Asian, while Shake reads White. A relatable scenario sets up future books for more summer fun. (Fiction. 6-9)

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