Gareth P. Jones

Fart, poop, and bum humor soars to guarantee tons of giggles and laughs...but there's a little knowledge wrapped up in the pages, too.

Class is about to begin, and what does the teacher find when she enters the room? One of the kids is just finishing up the drawing of a bum on the chalkboard. So, the teacher decides to nip this in the butt before it takes off...but she might not be able to steer this in the direction she was hoping it would go. Instead, her explanations lead from one show more silliness to another and in unexpected directions, too.

If you're looking for a book to liven reading time, especially with a group of kids, then this is that book. It immediately grabs attention and holds it the entire way through. And yes, even reluctant readers...maybe, especially reluctant readers...will pay attention during this one, too. Or at least, laugh quite a bit. While the humor holds high, there's also a little information subtly tossed in. Not much, but a tiny amount is there.

The text flows well to create a nice read-aloud, which is fitting to the age group. The illustrations are bright and lively. This isn't only about humans, either but slides in the animal kingdom as well...and this adds another layer of silliness. It's a funny book for fans of this type of humor. show less

I didn't know that I was looking for a book with ghost protagonists (and one plucky living kid) until I picked up this one and got lost in the rules and procedures of the world of the dead.

Sam Toop has always lived above the funeral parlor with his father and he has always been able to see ghosts. Usually they just ask for help with their unfinished business but he's about to be drawn into a much more serious business: that of saving the ghostly world -- with the help of ghostly boys, dogs show more and bureaucrats.

Though it's marketed to middle grade readers, I thought the story was well-written enough to please older readers too. It takes a bit of effort at the beginning to get used to switching between multiple narratives (it changes each chapter between three or four story lines) but once you learn patience, it pays off with a story where you find yourself truly caring about the fates of ghosts. Because, though Sam is the main living character of the story, I'm not sure that he's any more important than ghostly paper-pusher Lapsewood, young and transparent rogue Tanner, or the comical and clearly insane Marquis.

http://webereading.com/2014/09/rip-ix-constable-toop.html show less

Something mysterious and terrible is happening throughout Victorian London: Ghosts are disap­pearing. When this reaches the attention of the Ghost Bureau, the diligent but clueless Mr. Lapsewood, a paranormal paper-pusher, is sent to investigate, and what he discovers is grave. The Black Rot has arrived—a voracious spiritual infestation whereby empty haunted houses suck in unsuspecting ghosts and imprison them. Lapsewood’s investigation weaves through the plotlines of several other show more memorable characters—both living and dead—including an undertaker’s son who can see ghosts, a serial throat-slasher reminiscent of Jack the Ripper, an evangelical exorcist, and many more. The living and dead must work together if they hope to destroy the Black Rot—before it destroys both the ghost and human worlds. show less

I love this cover so much, from the smirk on the meerkat's face to the excellent subheading above the series title that pretty much booktalks the whole book for you, it is sheer awesomeness. Sadly, these cool British/Australian series with quirky plots never seem to be as popular as I think they will be, but I plan to give this one a generous chance at success.

The Clan of the Scorpion, four tough ninja warriors, set out on a mission to thwart the plan of the evil Ringmaster. Yes, there are show more evil clowns in this story. The meerkats are all martial arts experts and are led by the smart and quick-thinking Chuck Cobracrusher. The other three members include the super fast and hungry for glory Jet Flashfeet, Donnie Dragonjab the inventor and "master of gadgets" and Bruce Willowhammer, the not-too-bright required muscle. They are guided by the ancient Grandmaster One-Eye with his mysterious Meerkat sayings.

On their adventures they encounter evil acrobats, diabolical poodles, inquisitive children and are forced to use some clever disguises. Of course there are many hilarious moments and sudden twists and turns. My favorite quote, "Hong Kong has one of the deepest harbors in the world, so Bruce had plenty of time to reflect on his life as he and Jet sank to their almost certain death. Mostly, he found himself regretting not having eaten more."

Verdict: This series may not have staying power, but its wacky adventures and silly humor will entertain quite a few kids. If you need more beginning chapter series, it's definitely worth considering.

ISBN: 9781250016645; Published January 2013 by Square Fish/Macmillan; ARC provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter 2013; Purchased for the library show less