Not Really Buddies [Hardcover]

A laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book series celebrating the roller coaster highs and lows of life in a second grade classroom.

Buddy has a good feeling about second grade. He knows where to go, his best friend is in his class, and he’s ready for a great year. And then Bea shows up—new, tardy, and showing off brand new stitches. Buddy was not expecting Bea.  

Bea's fast talking and upside-down thinking leave Buddy feeling buzzy—and with his hair full of mayonnaise. How will he and Bea ever figure out how to get along in the same classroom community?

This funny and fast-paced series stars a hilariously unlikely buddy duo, making it irresistible to chapter book readers. Nicely pitched to the audience, this chapter book is full of the singular, buzzy energy and earnestness of second graders along with appealingly broad but not chaotic humor. . . . Cheerfully fun and lighthearted, with a relatable protagonist. —Kirkus Reviews

Carr (Star of the Party) employs cheerful wordplay, situational comedy, and classic personality clashes in this bustling story which offers glimpses of Buddy’s and Bea’s inner lives and lays the groundwork for future installments. —Publishers Weekly

Mukai’s boisterous cartoon illustrations are full of action and complement the energetic text. A funny and likable unlikely buddy comedy for independent readers. —BooklistJan Carr is the author of more than fifty books, including picture books and books in popular series. She has worked as a Head Start teacher, a book editor, and a magazine editor at Sesame Workshop. She lives in New York City, where she bikes, goes to theater and ballet,lCˆ