Frank Modell (1917–2016)

I enjoyed reading this book! It was a cute and quick read that will work well as a read-aloud for April Fools’ Day! In my opinion, I think that this book is more appropriate for younger elementary students because of the amount of text and the light, innocent content. It would be fine in an older elementary classroom, but the students would be bored and uninterested. I think the illustrations within this book are fabulous! Although they are not extremely detailed, they allow the reader to see that innocence within the illustrations as well as the text and the story itself. In addition to the illustrations, I loved the silliness that the character Marvin portrayed when trying to trying to trick his brother Milton! Marvin knew that because he had to come up with new jokes to play on Milton, he used his surroundings to come up with the jokes rather than use the same ones he did the year before! For example, when Marvin says “Really, Milton. Look! Two big green chickens”, he is referring to the two trees shaped like chickens. But Milton just thinks Marvin is making it up rather than actually seeing the two trees shaped like chickens. Another reason I enjoyed this book is the ending and how the two brothers try to play the same trick on each other and it ends up being true rather than a trick! “Hey Milton, your shoelace is untied.” “Yours it too, Marvin.” “That’s funny – I was only kidding.” “I was, too.” “April Fool, Marvin.” “April Fool, Milton.” Having this funny and ironic ending is a good way to wrap up the story and tie in the holiday of April Fools’ Day! You will love it and your students will too!… (más)

I did not really like this book because of the illustrations but I did enjoy the main message. The illustrations were extremely simple and lacked details. They looked like they were drawn with pencils and color pencils. This was unappealing because the book was about a fun party with cake and ice cream, however, the pictures did not enhance the story. I feel that the book was a great opportunity to display exceptional illustrations.On the other hand, the main messages of determination and persistence were very appealing. Martin and Marvin used many resources, such as the baker and the ice-cream man, in order to throw an amazing Birthday party. The boys were very determined and never gave up. In the end, they had a very fun and exciting party. All of their hard work paid off!… (más)

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I liked the book because the characters were believable, Milton and Marvin's desire for a birthday party may relate to students whose parents do not throw them birthday parties. Also, students may relate to trying to make dessert but ultimately failing because they did not have a parents help.'"I think we need some expert advice," said Marvin' students may relate to a time where they needed expert advice on a situation. I did not like this book because it is not up to date, the pictures did not add anything extra to the story. The big idea of "Ice Cream Soup" is determination, Milton and Marvin were determined to have a birthday party and did not give up, they worked hard to achieve what they wanted.… (más)

Milton and Marvin are walking down the street, aimlessly talking about how they're going to afford to see the movies. Milton has some crazy ideas (get a plane and look for a dime!), which Marvin scoffs at.

They decide to find a little girl's dog for the reward when they see a sign posted. Hilariously, it's Marvin "I laugh at crazy ideas!" who picks up every dog in the neighborhood, and Milton who logically and calmly proceeds to visit the butcher and see if the dog is there.

It's a simple enough story, and it is funny in parts, but I wasn't that drawn in. I'll probably pass this one off to my niece's school.… (más)