Trouble at Hillside Hive

“This series features different animal protagonists, including an iguana, a cat, a dog, and more. While there are a few grayscale illustrations scattered throughout, the books lean heavily on text for phonics-based chapter books. Unlike other similar series, the phonics concepts being taught aren’t immediately obvious, making them less effective for direct phonics instruction. Including a brief explanation of the phonics focus along with practice words as an introduction to each story would have strengthened their educational impact. That said, as first-person, anthropomorphic animal stories, these books are lighthearted and entertaining, especially for young readers who enjoy animal adventures. Each chapter ends with a comprehension question, adding value for educators and caregivers looking to reinforce reading skills. VERDICT A secondary addition for library collections where phonics-based chapter books and animal stories are in demand.” —School Library Journal