I couldn't locate an Accelerated Reading number for this book, but in my mom's opinion I have to say that I think they've got the wrong age range listed. What I've seen suggested elsewhere and here at Amazon is that this book is for 9 to 12 year olds... BUT in my opinion, it's probably best suited for the 4 to 8 y.o. crowd. The problem isn't the book, which should appeal to a fairly broad age range, but the online activities which are just too simplistic to engage any of today's 'hip computer using' youngsters for very long.

For example, once you log onto the website you'll find 4 initial choices: Freddies' Faves, Sam's Picks, Spencer's Extras, and Carly's Choices. Under each one of these are a further four options, but rather than run those down, let's take a look at two of the activities under "Carly's Choices" so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

In option one, 'Studio Style', there are 7 sets of lights that kids can choose for the iCarly set (singly or in combination). There's also a button that activates a subroutine which causes two static images of the 3 principal characters to slide into view on that stage. Carly has a conversation bubble that says "Love the set".

I can't tell you how exceeding dull my children found this. They literally ran through it twice, and after figuring out there was nothing else to do on that page, went on to something else, never to return. [They are currently boy and girl; 7 and 9]

The second example is "Shoe Me". On this page children get to decorate one of three slightly different tennis shoes. They can paint their chosen shoe from a limited selection of colors and/or from a palette of black and white patterns, but only within pre-designated areas.

Now, not all of the other activities are this lame, but in general, I have to say that there are better free sites on the internet and that these games are reminiscent of what we found in the preschooler software we've used.

Further gripes about the website:::
Let's assume for the moment that you have a kindergartener who likes iCarly and that you're considering buying this book. Let me tell you about some of the quirks that annoyed me. First, there's no 'log-in' memory for the password. (At least not on Firefox.) This means that your child, or more likely YOU, will have to type in the password each time you want to play.

Secondly, if your child uses the back arrow they will find themselves propelled out of the game..., after which someone--again, most likely YOU, will be forced to type in the login password.

The book:::
Now, to end on a positive note, let me say that the book is actually a lot of fun. The editors used a montage approach, so that there's lots of color and large, fun photos of Carly, Spencer, Sam and Freddie.

Content-wise, the book recounts various episodes from the iCarly show, including the one where the chicks got loose in the apartment, and the "Can you drink spaghetti and meatballs?" episode.

In addition, at the end of the book there's an "I know iCarly" quiz as well as a "How to Use This Book" guide.

Ultimately though, I have to say that I don't think I'd buy this book for anyone over 6. It would, however, be a nice gift for any iCarly fan under that age, although very young children will probably have to have an adult sit with them.

Pam T~
mom and reviewer for BooksforKids-reviews