Kidsday: Hooked on Crochet Soiree

Something special about my school is the club called Crochet Soiree. Soiree is a French word for party or celebration. The club is pronounced crochae sworae. It is for third-, fourth- and some fifth-grade students. Our school librarian, Ms. Erica Lutz, is the creator and director of the after-school club. Sometimes Ms. Lutz's Grandma Gloria drops by and teaches us new patterns. Some of the styles we are learning are how to chain and single stitch. Crocheting is really simple once you learn how to do it. You can make scarves, blankets, gloves, hats and even stuffed animals. Just remember that nobody is perfect, so you won't be able to make much the first time you try. If you keep trying, though, eventually you'll become great and will be able to make anything you want.

Crazy for KooKoo Kennel Dogs

Guess what is the best toy ever? It's the KooKoo Kennel Golden Fetcher Dog (Jay at Play). The KooKoo Kennel Dog is a brightly colored stuffed animal toy.

The KooKoo Kennel is soft and cuddly. It has floppy ears and a bright pink tongue. When you hug it, it makes a crazy barking sound. You can do anything with it. It can be a dog lover's best friend. There are 12 KooKoo Zoo Koollectibles in all. It's best for kids ages of 3 to 8. It would be a great gift for kids who love dogs or love collectibles. You can get a small one (pictured here) or one that is almost the size of a pillow. Also it could be great to cuddle with when you travel.

RATING: 4 out of 5

--Kidsday Reporter Maeve Kennedy

Book review: Secret Agent Jack Stalwart

Jack Stalwart would be a normal boy if he wasn't a secret agent. I just finished the book "Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: The Mission to Find Max" by Elizabeth Singer Hunt (Weinstein Books). He is part of the GPF, Global Protection Force. Jack and his brother, Max, work for the GPF, but his brother went missing during a mission. Now Jack is looking for his brother all over the world. In previous books in the series, they found clues that tracked Max to Egypt where the book takes place. Jack also found out about the magical crown. It was important to King Tut. Could this mystery be the reason why Max was missing?

This book gave me a thrill.

I would recommend this book to ages 7 to 9.

--Kidsday Reporter Nicholas Camson

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Kathryn Dunleavy's fifth-grade class, BRANCH BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Smithtown