Book Review and Giveaway: Danny's Doodles: The Jelly Bean Experiment by David A. Adler

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Danny's Doodles: The Jelly Bean Experiment by David A. Adler is the start of a new series from the author most will recognize from the Cam Jansen series. This book introduces fourth grader Danny Cohen and his new friend, who is 100% weird. Calvin Waffle like to follow his classmates around to collect data for science experiments and claims his father is a spy. Danny isn't quite sure just what to make of this quirky newcomer and his eagerness to thwart their strict teacher. But, with a report assigned and friendships forming this year looks to be interesting. Book two of the series, Danny's Doodles: The Donut Dilemma, is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2014.


Danny's Doodles seems to be a fun and entertaining new series about friendship. Danny is a good kid just trying to get through school and do well on his baseball team. He befriends Calvin Waffle, who says that his absent father is a spy and enjoys crafting social science experiments which involving watching people and plenty of jellybeans. When a school project comes up more friends enter the circle, and Calvin's joy in thwarting their teacher's many rules comes into play. I found the characters to be realistic and think that most children will relate to the characters and their story. I liked the ideas of empathy for others and the humor that is present through out the story.

Danny's Doodles: The Jelly Bean Experiment is a great start to another series that I think will be a hit with young readers, much like his Cam Jansen series. I would recommend this book, and the series that is sure to follow to students in around second grade on up through sixth. I look forward to seeing what adventures Danny, Calvin, and the rest face next.

About the Author: David A. Adler, a former math teacher and editor, is the author of more than two hundred books for young readers including the Cam Jansen Mysteries, the entire Picture Book Biography series and Don't Talk To Me About the War. He lives in New York.