Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Third Grade: The Wackenteach Series is a children's educational concept book written by JCM. The Specialists are excited to be returning the following day to Pagic Elementary School. They can't wait to find out who their third grade teacher will be and what their year will be like. Secretly, they're all hoping it will be Mr. Wackenteach, but no one will know until the start of school in the morning. Fortunately, the last day and night of summer pass very quickly, and, before they know it, the Specialists are assembled at the door of their third grade class. At first, they find it locked and the curtains all closed, but then they hear a tapping noise coming from inside the room. This time, when they try the door again, it opens. The room is dark, however, but when they turn on the lights, there's Mr. Wackenteach lying in a hammock and soundly sleeping. But he can't be sleeping on the first day of school, can he? Not if the Specialists have anything to do about it.

JCM's The Wackenteach Series just keeps on getting better and better. Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Third Grade had me smiling and enjoying the excitement of the third graders' first day of school almost as much as those Specialists did. As it's now third grade, JCM expands the scope of the story including music and film into the curriculum, as well as revisiting math and English. I loved his simplified approach to learning the musical notes and introduction to the keys of a piano, and found myself mesmerized by the film he shows his Specialists. This year's special luncheon feast is filled with action, drama and...lots of food. The image of Mr. Wackenteach excitedly running around to see all the goodies on each table is a marvel and the battle of the teachers is priceless.

This book is brimming with excitement, laughter, posture and the profound sense that Mr. Wackenteach's students are confident, fearless, and very much aware of their status as being very special indeed. And armed with that knowledge, it's no surprise how well they perform at math challenges and English exercises. Mr. Wackenteach Teaches Third Grade is a grand read for children and specialists of all ages, especially those very lucky ones who are about to start third grade. It’s most highly recommended.