Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple

By: Liz Garton Scanlon

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Meet Bibsy Cross, the precocious eight-year-old heroine of this charming chapter book series, as she navigates a relationship with a teacher who thinks that Bibsy is just too much.

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Most things are easy-peasy, regular-pegular for Bibsy Cross. She loves her parents, her cat, her best friend, Natia. And she loves going to school. She might just love that most of all!

This year, Bibsy has Mrs. Stumper for a teacher... and Mrs. Stumper doesn't seem too keen on Bibsy. She thinks Bibsy talks too much--especially about her science fair project.

But one day, when Bibsy talks a little too much, and goes a stone too far, Mrs. Stumper punishes her by punching a hole in her paper apple that hangs in the classroom. And Bibsy is devastated.

How can she make the best science fair project when she feels so rotten?

Critic reviews

★ "[A] poignant depiction of a child coming to terms with an uncomprehending adult, a trajectory that takes Bibsy from befuddlement to despair to speaking truth to power." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Pitch-perfect writing, a charming protagonist, and relatable conflict—what more could readers ask for?" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ Scanlon’s story, which is written in conversational free verse, combines an exuberant, endearing protagonist with an empowering, STEM-focused plot....Hopefully many more adventures will follow." —BookPage, starred review

"This new early chapter-book series starter offers readers a likable protagonist, believable problems, short chapters, and frequent artwork." —Booklist

"This is a fine story of friendship and individuality—sprinkled with some engaging science." —School Library Journal