Pain and the Great One Series

This dynamic bestselling author/illustrator duo captures the ups and downs of everyday life in this chapter book offering fun and perfectly narrated short stories—for kids who can already read, like the Great One, or for kids who are learning to read, like the Pain. Friend or Fiend? is the fourth book in a quartet of hilarious and warm-hearted stories that showcase the joys, the fun, and the frustrations of sibling rivalry and devotion, as seen through the eyes of those sassy siblings, the Pain and the Great One.
 
What’s the difference between a friend and a fiend? The Pain and the Great One are about to find out!

Jake is so embarrassed by a reading circle blunder, he vows never to speak in class again. Abigail believes she can no longer trust one of her best friends. And on the perfect snow day, who rescues Jake when someone jumps on him and washes his face in snow? Finally, Jake and Abigail decide to plan a birthday party to celebrate the date when their beloved cat Fluzzy first became part of their family. But only Fluzzy knows what really happened on that dark and stormy night a year ago. And he’s not telling—or is he?

THE PAIN AND the Great One are going places! In these new stories the kids are on the go—the Pain needs a trip to the emergency room; the family goes to the mall and not everyone stays together; the kids visit a county fair and want to ride the Super Slide; and a beach outing includes a boogie board. Lots more action and adventure for the dynamic duo who never stay still.

The perfect chapter book!

The Pain and the Great One hardly agree on anything. But deep down, they know they can count on each other, especially at school, where it often takes two to figure things out. Like when that first baby tooth falls out on the school bus. Or when an unwanted visitor on Bring Your Pet to School Day needs to be caught. Or worst of all, when a scary bully says you’re burnt toast. On days like these it can feel good not to go it alone. (And don’t forget Fluzzy the cat, who knows a thing or two himself.)


A Parents’ Choice Recommended Award Winner

MEET THE PAIN:
My sister’s name is Abigail. I call her The Great One because she thinks she’s so great. Who cares if she’s in third grade and I’m just in first?

MEET THE GREAT ONE:
My brother’s name is Jacob Edward, but everyone calls him Jake. Everyone but me. I call him The Pain because that’s what he is. He’s a first-grade pain. I’ll always know exactly what he’s thinking. That’s just the way it is.

These seven warm-hearted stories will give readers a peek at how a brother and sister relate to each other.