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Shermy and Shake #1
Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor
Will summer break be a drag or a blast for meticulous Shermy when rambunctious Shake moves in next door? From Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson comes a bighearted chapter book about two boys’ friendship.
When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson creates a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer—and to unexpected friendships.
When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson creates a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer—and to unexpected friendships.
96 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2024
10 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Kirby Larson
48 books436 followersKirby Larson went from history-phobe to history fanatic while writing the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY. Her passion for historical fiction is reflected in titles such as THE FENCES BETWEEN US, THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL, as well as the sequel to HATTIE BIG SKY, HATTIE EVER AFTER, and her two latest titles, DUKE--which was nominated for 5 state Young Reader Choice awards as well as being a finalist for the Washington State Book Award-- and DASH--which has garnered two starred reviews, a NAPPA Gold Award and a Capitol Choices nomination. She will have two new books out in 2016 -- watch for them!
In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE.
Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it.
In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE.
Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 2, 2023
Shermy is not happy when a disruptive neighbor moves in. Shake is self-centered and rude. He's not a bully or purposefully mean, but he just doesn't realize how his actions affect others. Shermy likes to have things orderly and quiet, but Shake is loud and chaotic. Can these two find some common ground and become friends?
This was a cute book! I liked the character development as the boys learn to get along. I really loved the adorable illustrations and cute art style.
The writing is a little disjointed though. The pacing of the story is odd. Each chapter ends in a weird place, as the boys are about to do some activity. We don't actually see them doing the activity, but we sometimes hear about it in the next chapter when it is days later in the story. I felt like the timeline was a little weird, and things are left unresolved.
Other than that funny quirk in the writing, I liked the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This was a cute book! I liked the character development as the boys learn to get along. I really loved the adorable illustrations and cute art style.
The writing is a little disjointed though. The pacing of the story is odd. Each chapter ends in a weird place, as the boys are about to do some activity. We don't actually see them doing the activity, but we sometimes hear about it in the next chapter when it is days later in the story. I felt like the timeline was a little weird, and things are left unresolved.
Other than that funny quirk in the writing, I liked the story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
September 6, 2023
Not a flashy story, but an authentic-feeling one about making friends and managing conflicts of interest. Shake can be quite selfish, but he also brings some excitement into Shermy's summer, and while there are lessons here about learning to share, standing up for yourself, and valuing what you have, the story doesn't feel preachy.
December 29, 2024
Listened to the audio version so missed out on the illustrations. Always hard to rate juvenile fiction when reading it as an adult, but this one was ok and I one I think some of my students would read.
July 1, 2024
Prolific author Kirby Larson joins debut children’s book illustrator to create a new early chapter book series for readers in grades 1-3. Shermy is just beginning his summer after 1st grade and has all sorts of plans for his fun when Ms. Brown’s grandson arrives to spend the summer with her. Shermy likes to read, is meticulous about the right way to do a jigsaw puzzle and arranges his books just-so on the bookshelf but Shakes is a whirlwind of making messes, his own rules for games and sending food crumbs everywhere. As the summer progresses, both boys begin to appreciate what the other has to offer and by the end, the next summer’s visit seems so far away.
Great messages about compromise and friendship with bits of humor thrown in as the two boys’ differences collide. Only 85 pages, plenty of white space, large font to make the reading easy on the eyes and the brain and frequent black/white drawings to add interest and aid comprehension. Highly recommended for grades 1-3. Book 2 has the boys reconnecting in second grade.
Note: While the boys are only 6 or 7, based on the beginning of second grade setting for book 2, they seem a bit older in their reading ability and their independence in playing board games, buying ice cream from the neighborhood truck and picking blackberries by themselves in an empty lot near their home. Third grade readers will likely not find the books “babyish” at all, regardless of Shermy and Shake’s ages.
A 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
Great messages about compromise and friendship with bits of humor thrown in as the two boys’ differences collide. Only 85 pages, plenty of white space, large font to make the reading easy on the eyes and the brain and frequent black/white drawings to add interest and aid comprehension. Highly recommended for grades 1-3. Book 2 has the boys reconnecting in second grade.
Note: While the boys are only 6 or 7, based on the beginning of second grade setting for book 2, they seem a bit older in their reading ability and their independence in playing board games, buying ice cream from the neighborhood truck and picking blackberries by themselves in an empty lot near their home. Third grade readers will likely not find the books “babyish” at all, regardless of Shermy and Shake’s ages.
A 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
November 13, 2023
Shermy is a quiet kid who enjoys reading and doing puzzles. Shake moves in with his grandma next door in the summertime while his parents are on vacation. Shake is nothing like Shermy, but wants to hang out with him constantly and interrupt his reading. He even goes on their Fourth of July vacation with them. Eventually, summer ends and Shake goes home with his parents. Shermy realizes that he has made a good friend and misses getting interrupted while he reads.
This was a really cute story about two very different boys becoming friends. Children can learn that being nice to people isn't so hard and you may even make a friend out of it. The story flowed well and time did pass quickly, but it didn't feel like the reader was missing anything. The only odd part was at the end of the book when a girl in the neighborhood was having an animal fair. That storyline felt like it came out of nowhere, it was not developed, and the animal fair was not described in the story. If the author had removed that entire chapter, it wouldn't have changed anything. It didn't take away from the story though and I would recommend this to anyone who is moving or new in town, or for someone who wants a book about friendship or dealing with people you may not like.
This was a really cute story about two very different boys becoming friends. Children can learn that being nice to people isn't so hard and you may even make a friend out of it. The story flowed well and time did pass quickly, but it didn't feel like the reader was missing anything. The only odd part was at the end of the book when a girl in the neighborhood was having an animal fair. That storyline felt like it came out of nowhere, it was not developed, and the animal fair was not described in the story. If the author had removed that entire chapter, it wouldn't have changed anything. It didn't take away from the story though and I would recommend this to anyone who is moving or new in town, or for someone who wants a book about friendship or dealing with people you may not like.
December 5, 2023
Shermy is looking forward to summer vacation. Lots of time for reading! But then - Shake comes to spend the summer with his grandmother, who lives next door to Shermy, and turns Shermy's world upside down.
I was going to say Shermy is quiet, but the book opens with him making loud slurping noises with his cereal - mostly to annoy his older sister. But still - not necessarily quiet. Definitely meticulous - everything has its place and when things are out of place, it upsets Shermy.
Shake, on the other hand, is a bit more boisterous and messy? And a bit sad - his mom has just remarried and Shake is staying with his grandmother while his mom and new step-dad go on a three month honeymoon.
At first, Shermy is very annoyed with Shake. But then -- he and Shake develop a really great friendship, bonding over books and disappointments that turn into OK adventures.
This is a great beginning chapter book. Funny in places and definitely relatable. The adventures take place in Washington State.
I was going to say Shermy is quiet, but the book opens with him making loud slurping noises with his cereal - mostly to annoy his older sister. But still - not necessarily quiet. Definitely meticulous - everything has its place and when things are out of place, it upsets Shermy.
Shake, on the other hand, is a bit more boisterous and messy? And a bit sad - his mom has just remarried and Shake is staying with his grandmother while his mom and new step-dad go on a three month honeymoon.
At first, Shermy is very annoyed with Shake. But then -- he and Shake develop a really great friendship, bonding over books and disappointments that turn into OK adventures.
This is a great beginning chapter book. Funny in places and definitely relatable. The adventures take place in Washington State.
December 3, 2023
Book 1 in a new MG series.
☀️
Summer is here and Shermy is ready for a quiet break filled with puzzles and reading. Too bad his new neighbor, Shake, has different ideas. Shake is visiting his grandmother for the summer and wants to do things like play board games and street hockey. As Shake pushes Shermy out of his comfort zone, he realizes maybe he’ll miss him a bit after the end of the summer.
☀️
This was just announced as a @txbbaward nominee for 2024-2025 and I had to grab it right away. This was a cute book that promotes empathy, patience and trying new things. Kids will enjoy Shermy and Shake!
☀️
Summer is here and Shermy is ready for a quiet break filled with puzzles and reading. Too bad his new neighbor, Shake, has different ideas. Shake is visiting his grandmother for the summer and wants to do things like play board games and street hockey. As Shake pushes Shermy out of his comfort zone, he realizes maybe he’ll miss him a bit after the end of the summer.
☀️
This was just announced as a @txbbaward nominee for 2024-2025 and I had to grab it right away. This was a cute book that promotes empathy, patience and trying new things. Kids will enjoy Shermy and Shake!
May 17, 2023
Shermy is looking forward to a quiet summer of reading and relaxing when loud and energetic Shake shows up. Shake is staying with his grandma while his mom and stepdad are on their honeymoon, and now Shermy is stuck with him. Will they learn to get along, or will it be the longest summer ever?
Shermy & Shake is an excellent, short, illustrated chapter book perfect for 2nd or 3rd grades. I thought it was delightful and I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series of Shermy & Shake books. They are unlikely friends, but I love how they grow to appreciate each other and their differences.
Shermy & Shake is an excellent, short, illustrated chapter book perfect for 2nd or 3rd grades. I thought it was delightful and I’m hoping this is the beginning of a series of Shermy & Shake books. They are unlikely friends, but I love how they grow to appreciate each other and their differences.
April 24, 2024
Really liked the "classic" feeling of this ... not a ton happens, but you get to know the characters, and they experience realistic situations.
However, the blurb for Book 2 says they are entering second grade. They read older than that in this book, especially since they are allowed to wander the neighborhood, so hopefully my upper elementary students will read it for RICBA since age is never mentioned. And be inspired to wander around their own neighborhoods instead of sitting inside.
However, the blurb for Book 2 says they are entering second grade. They read older than that in this book, especially since they are allowed to wander the neighborhood, so hopefully my upper elementary students will read it for RICBA since age is never mentioned. And be inspired to wander around their own neighborhoods instead of sitting inside.
June 19, 2024
This book grew on me. It is going to be a LONG summer for Shermy. His next-door neighbor, Mrs. Brown, has a grandson, Shake, who is more than she can handle. Suddenly shake is coming over to Shermy's house more than Shermy would like. With plenty of humor, Kirby Larson builds the relationship between these two VERY DIFFERENT boys. At summer's end, Shermy & Shake are truly friends and it is hard for them to say good-bye.
June 24, 2024
Great chapter book about two unlikely friends. I expected more conflict between the two boys, but was pleasantly surprised that most of the book was about the fun they had over the summer, despite Shermy not always realizing he was having fun with Shake. There were a lot of sweet moments and this book really has a lot of deeper truths masked within a simple story. I recommend for 1st-4th grade readers, with the sweet spot in 3rd grade.
August 20, 2024
Shermy’s got a new friend — sort of. His neighbors grandson is in town for the summer and Shermy is required to okay with him. But shake, the neighbors grandson, is kind of annoying. He bugs Shermy when he reads, he’s always hungry, and he never leaves Shermy alone. But as the summer wears on, they learn to appreciate some things about each other. If you like to read about friends -and enemies— you’ll love this.
August 26, 2024
Each book focuses on a three months period. This one is summer break, which includes the 4th of July. Has a fun end teasing us to the start of a series.
Shake is spending the summer with his grandfather, and he is extrovert, filled with energy and an outdoor kind of kid, totally different from the bookworm Shermy, but they have a lot of fun together learning from each. Easy to read, short chapter book. Pretty artwork.
Shake is spending the summer with his grandfather, and he is extrovert, filled with energy and an outdoor kind of kid, totally different from the bookworm Shermy, but they have a lot of fun together learning from each. Easy to read, short chapter book. Pretty artwork.
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June 26, 2023It's June, and Shermy is excited for a quiet summer of reading books--from his meticulously alphabetized shelves--and collecting items for his treasure pouch. Then his next-door neighbor's grandson Shake moves in for the summer and all those well-made plans fly out the window. Can these very different boys learn to become friends? They've got three months to find out.
Reviewer 13
Reviewer 13
October 4, 2023
I suppose 4* would make more sense. The bar for odd-couple chapter books is really, really high, and Shermy and Shake aren't even eccentric animals nor are there the moments of transcendence that some of those books have. Still, as I've said of another book lately, if I liked everything about a book, and have nothing bad to say about any of it, why not 5*.
October 28, 2025
An Otter award nominee. Perfect for early elementary students. Sometimes we don’t realize how fun living life can be when we don’t step out of our comfort zones. Shermy doesn’t like Shake (who is staying next door with his grandma for the summer) at the beginning of summer and reluctantly joins in on adventures and by the end of summer is sad to see Shake go back home.
February 7, 2024
Two thumbs up for this book! The length, illustrations included, humor, and the theme of friendship/being new all add to the book. It was nice to see a book for our beginning chapter book readers! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
March 14, 2024
This is a bluebonnet book nominee. It’s about a boy who discovers being left alone during the summer isn’t exactly what he wants. It’s a story of annoying friends that can sometimes fill your life in unexpected ways.
June 5, 2024
A series of vignettes that place over a whole summer, in which Shermy learns to appreciate his often-annoying neighbor, Shake.
This would make a good family read-aloud.
(ALSC Summer Reading 2024)
This would make a good family read-aloud.
(ALSC Summer Reading 2024)
June 10, 2024
I really liked this book. My plan is to read it with my students towards the beginning of the year. I loved the relationship the boys have at the end.
Two polar opposites find that they aren’t all that different after all. Things you could teach with this book: character interaction and the changes they undergo, plot, theme, inferences, etc.
Two polar opposites find that they aren’t all that different after all. Things you could teach with this book: character interaction and the changes they undergo, plot, theme, inferences, etc.
August 13, 2024
Very basic book about two very different boys thrown together for the summer. Not sure how it was a Bluebonnet nominee. Shermy is quiet and likes order and books, Shake is more outdoors and wild but by the end of the summer they become friends.
November 16, 2024
Shermy & Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor is a cute book for early elementary kids. It reminds you that even when someone annoys you sometimes, they can still be a great friend. It’s a quick read even for newer chapter book readers.
May 16, 2025
Would be a great book for first graders to read along to and/or read to themselves. Short chapters and conflict resolution. This book reminded me of having to hangout with my cousins all summer and all I wanted to do was read and they wanted to play or annoy me. Like Shake.
July 31, 2025
Cute story about a structured, serious child having a carefree unstructured child next door. Friendship is forced upon the serious child who deals with it as best he can until he realizes that the new kid has grown on him and a friendship has formed.
May 31, 2023
Super cute early chapter book!
October 28, 2023
Good old kid doesn't like new kid and then they become friends story. Would make a good read aloud for 5+ and independent read for 2nd-4th.
August 21, 2024
Eh...read this aloud to my third graders...it won't be a repeat...
September 18, 2024
Great beginning reader about developing friendships even when someone bugs you.
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October 29, 2024The ending was cute and sad at the same time and I loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews