Bubba Begonia, You'll Be Sorry!

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

Bubba Begonia gets nervous. And when Bubba Begonia gets nervous he sticks his finger in his nose. Ew! Yuck!

Today Bubba is starting a new school. Mindful of his parents’ dire warnings that someday his finger will get stuck in his nose and determined to create a good first impression, Bubba sits at his desk, his right hand tucked safely under his butt.

Bubba’s nervousness increases as his classmates, Margo Marvelous, Rad Chad Disco, Harold Haymow, and Moonbaby Orbit, introduce themselves to their new teacher. Just as his turn rolls around, Bubba’s worst nightmare comes true. Out comes his hand. His finger heads straight to his nose, where it becomes stuck!

Principal Zitmeister, Nurse Needlebottom, and even Fire Chief McTorch are unable to extricate Bubba’s finger. Then someone remembers Bubba’s little sister in kindergarten. Fortunately, Becky knows just what to do.

Young readers will undoubtedly find Bubba’s finger-in-the-nose predicament highly amusing. Chapter titles such as “EW Yuckies” and “Kapoweeeeeee!!!” will be a source of enjoyment. Brenda Jones’s humorous illustrations introducing each chapter add to the fun.

For young readers who have just graduated to chapter books, Gerry O’Brien’s tale of overcoming bad habits is the perfect choice. Recommended.