Countdown to Disaster

Trouble at Table 5 #6

by Tom Watson, Marta Kissi (Illustrations)

From the author of  Stick Dog   comes the sixth book in a highly illustrated early chapter book series about three best friends whose plans, missions, and schemes are sure to shake up their school. Uh-oh! Molly’s parents have a secret. They want to move to a new house—maybe even a new town. But Molly can’t leave her best friends Rosie and Simon behind! Now the trio from Table 5 only have three days to come up with a scavenger hunt that will remind Molly’s parents of all the things they love about their house and neighborhood…before the moving vans come and Molly has to go.  HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they're the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

Genres: Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

Published August 31, 2021

About the author

Tom is the author and draws the original sketches for all the Stick Dog stories. He lives in Chicago with his wife, daughter and son. They also have a dog named Shadow. Tom did not want to name the dog Shadow. He wanted to name him ‘Put Your Shirt On.’ It’s a long story. Sometimes when Tom is visiting schools, he shares the story.

Tom’s first jobs out of college were in politics. He worked for U.S. Senator John Glenn and as the Chief Speechwriter for the Governor of Ohio. He has also worked in marketing and advertising. He likes writing books for kids a lot more than writing speeches and other things for grown-ups. He thinks kids are way smarter than grown-ups.

He LOVES writing the Stick Dog adventures.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better books in the series--at least, no one was misbehaving or lying this time. Of course, the misunderstanding could have easily been cleared up if Molly had simply come to her parents and explained what she hear and how she was feeling, but I suppose then there wouldn't have been a story... I found the series extremely hit-or-miss, though my kids liked it. Even so, my sons picked up on some of the behavior of the kids in other books not really being something that we would consider model behavior and we had some good discussions about what we would have done differently.

[Ms. Nigeria Nigeria Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's better to ask a question when you over hear people conversing. But either way it worked out. Family time and a new baby.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth in the series.
Molly overhears her parents talking about moving and jumps to the conclusion that the family is moving away. Together with her friends, Rosie and Simon, she plans a memories day for the next Saturday to remind them how special their current home is. She gets a wonderful surprise at the end of the story.
Watson uses simple to follow text and treats Molly's need to count and have everything be even as simply part of who she is. Readers will enjoy the humor, and reluctant readers will appreciate the word counts and chapter check offs as they read the story.

[Maleeha Mubashiruddin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly overhears her parents talking one day when she goes back home to get her homework. It seems like she is moving, and she is not happy about it. She can’t leave her best friends Rosie and Simon behind. Not to worry this super smart trio come up with a plan on how to convince Molly’s parents to stay. Will Molly move? Will Molly, Rosie and Simon’s plan be successful? You will have to read this fun book about friendship to find out.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

87 pgs. This book features a common problem kids will be able to relate to. Molly's parents are discussing moving and it is very upsetting to her. She does not want to leave her friends, school, etc. Kids will enjoy this scenario. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/25/2023 ~ A mystery replete with a misunderstood (overheard) conversation. Kindness and creativity on the part of the kids. A lovely addition to this series.