These are INCREDIBLE books to both enjoy and to use for a wide variety of teaching techniques. The way Kate DiCamillo develops her storyline, heightens character development, and implements enough rhythm for a struggling reader to find success is delightful. Chris Van Dusen is the perfect complement to her talent with TONS of details hidden within the illustrations. I use his images to teach my students how to 'picture read,' infer, and predict the story so that when we read Kate's creative text, my students can make wise, confident choices in word solving. These are the best teaching tools I have yet to find... and a child feels so proud that s/he can show that they have read a chapter book. THANK YOU, Kate and Chris!!!