The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

Geronimo Stilton, intrepid reporter for the biggest newspaper in Mouse City, receives four plane tickets to Brazil. He's off to the Amazon with sister Thea, cousin Trap, and nephew Benjamin, to help Professor Von Volt find the temple of the ruby of fire. That is, if he can survive overenthusiastic hotel managers, jellyfish, a needle-happy doctor, and more strange encounters!

This is a popular series at both the libraries in which I work, so I decided to try the audiobook. I'm not sure if it was the story itself or the melodramatic (but talented) reading of it, but I rolled my eyes more than I smiled. It's a silly story and doesn't suit my (admittedly weird) sense of humor like the Captain Underpants story I read did (I told you I had a weird sense of humor). Furthermore, I was annoyed that the story became a lesson in environmentalism with a ton of oversimplification that, in my opinion, doesn't do justice to the issue or the children reading the story. Bill Lobley was an excellent reader, though, adding sounds effects (laughter, burping) and having such varied voices for the character that it almost made it sound like a full-cast audio. I'm not planning on reading any more of the series myself, but I would recommend them to the right reader without hesitation. ( )

Geronimos first epic adventure

I really don't like this series, but the kids do. This was withdrawn from the local public library, and I couldn't resist the price, 5 books for $1.00!
"Geronimo Stilton" is a mouse who runs a newspaper, and loves to write adventure stories. This tale of adventure takes place in the Amazon jungle, on a quest to find the legendary Ruby of Fire before some other nasty rodents get there first.
A more advanced chapter book, 108 pages, with full colour illustrations on every page, lots of slang, humour and cheesy silliness. Typography changes frequently to emphasize descriptive words (colours, adjectives). Suitable to read aloud to grade 1-2 or for advanced readers to read alone. Includes some real facts about the Amazon rain forest at the end.
The books are originally written in Italian, and the author's name is not acknowledged. The translator is Joan L. Giurdanella. Copyright is owned by Edizione Piemme S.p.A. in Italy. ( )