Return to Sender

Whitaker writes to TV superhero Frogman—and receives an impossible reply in bright green ink.

This gentle and funny middle grade book from Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes will appeal to fans of Frindle by Andrew Clements and Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.

When Whitaker writes a letter to Frogman, a TV superhero, his family laughs, but they stop laughing and start wondering when he receives an answer... His parents chalk the note up to a neighborhood trick, yet doubt creeps in once a second green-ink envelope lands in the mailbox.

Life in Franklinville is full of small adventures while Whitaker waits for another sign from his hero.

• Sibling Dynamics: Whitaker teases his little sister Molly with tall tales about space creatures, but he still climbs the backyard apple tree to rescue her runaway pet snail.
• School Drama: A dull indoor recess in Room 103 turns into an airborne rescue mission when new classmate Felicity declares the classroom floor is made of quicksand and poison.
• Funny Books for Kids: From an unruly family car nicknamed the Zebra to a sofa stained with fluorescent ink, everyday suburban life offers plenty of laughs.
• Friendship Books for Kids: Between backyard batting practice against a garage strike zone and quiet chats on the front porch, mailman Barney offers patient wisdom to a boy who is not quite ready to let go of heroes.
• Also by This Author: Chrysanthemum, Kitten’s First Full Moon and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.