Joe’s New World: A Me and Mr. P Adventure

Gr 3-6–This third book in the “Me and Mister P. Adventure” series introduces 11-year-old Joe Beechcroft and his family, who are in the process of moving to a new country for his father’s job. Of course, his opinion was not consulted about this life disruption, and Joe is distressed at leaving his grandmother, dog, friends, and musical band behind. Upon arrival, his suitcase does not appear, although a huge polar bear with Joe’s name and address tumbles down the conveyor belt. This is the start of the family’s adventures with Mr. P., a humorous, cozy bear who comforts the boy, brings him popularity at school, and even saves his life during a blizzard. Joe is a talented guitar player with a witty sense of humor who uses a wheelchair. The narrative’s large-size font is interspersed with full- and half-page pencil illustrations, as well as text messages between Joe and his old school friends.