Zorgamazoo

My feverish daughter is taking her cure by listening to me read this Seussian rhyme aloud. Unlike Seuss, however, Weston does not limit himself to 115 words. Consequently, the seemingly easy format, the fantasy/adventure-filled plot, and clever typesetting are laced with lovely language, demanding that the reader sit up and pay attention.

Here's a quick sample from p. 116:

"She came through the trees before coming to stop
on the rim of a cliff, near a treacherous drop.
She stood there a moment, perched out on the ledge,
on the verge of the mountain's most calamitous edge."

I can see giving this book to Intermediates, especially those who would benefit from the propulsion of the rhyme to help muscle them through some of the more demanding show more language. Other readers would also just enjoy the slightly dangerous story as well as the artful word choice that allows for the protracted rhyme--sort of Roald Dahl's and Sr. Seuss's love child. show less

My feverish daughter is taking her cure by listening to me read this Seussian rhyme aloud. Unlike Seuss, however, Weston does not limit himself to 115 words. Consequently, the seemingly easy format, the fantasy/adventure-filled plot, and clever typesetting are laced with lovely language, demanding that the reader sit up and pay attention.

Here's a quick sample from p. 116:

"She came through the trees before coming to stop
on the rim of a cliff, near a treacherous drop.
She stood there a moment, perched out on the ledge,
on the verge of the mountain's most calamitous edge."

I can see giving this book to Intermediates, especially those who would benefit from the propulsion of the rhyme to help muscle them through some of the more demanding show more language. Other readers would also just enjoy the slightly dangerous story as well as the artful word choice that allows for the protracted rhyme--sort of Roald Dahl's and Sr. Seuss's love child. show less

It's Dr. Seuss for (much?) older kids! And maybe adults!

No, wait, hear me out, it really is!

Zorgamazoo is a novel in rhyming, Dr. Seuss-like poetry, following the adventures of Katrina Katrell, an adventurous young girl, and Mortimer Yorgle, a decidedly unadventures zorgle who has been chosen to find the missing zorgles of Zorgamazoo. Heartwarming and hilarious hijinx ensue!

The poetry is really perfect, using infectious rhythm and unique words to suck you in and keep you from looking at anything else. The form allows some things to be simply TOLD (With a bit of a song, it was Morty's belief, / he could cope a bit better with feelings of grief.) so that we can move on to the story, but at the same time we're allowed to stop and really show more explore something for a few verses before we move on, all without losing track of the rhythm.

The plot and characters have a really fun blend of expected--the girl who believes in her fantasies and runs away from her evil governess--and unexpected, in the zorgle who's FATHER is adventurous and is bucking the tradition by being cowardly. Each character has a particular freshness, uniqueness, and individual motivation and none of that is forgotten as the story goes on. Also, and I won't spoil, I really really love the ending.

This would make an excellent read-aloud and vocabulary builder for younger kids, a great introduction to some of the possibilities in poetry, or just an exciting adventure to read to yourself. (Personally I read some passages aloud to myself just because I liked the words so much.) If you or your kids liked Seuss, Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, or The Edge Chronicles, this is the book for you. show less

What happens when Dr Seuss meets Lemony Snicket? Zorgamazoo! Go on a fantastical adventure with the courageous Katrina Katrell and her friends, as they venture deep into the earth, and even as far as the moon! A wild and sophisticated rhyming tale for all ages, and I'd say best read aloud. Such fun! Highly recommend.

This audio was read by Alan Cumming, which should really be review enough, because Alan Cumming is funny and brilliant and I love him. It's a kids book about a little girl with an evil guardian who discovers monsters living underground, and she goes on an adventure. It's written in verse and is rather clever and I sometimes found myself snorting out loud. Also, Alan Cumming narrates it (did I mention that?) and it's a wonderful listen.

4.5 stars

Children's fiction/a novel in verse.

"Here is a story that's stranger than strange.
Before we begin you may want to arrange:
a blanket,
a cushion,
a comfortable seat,
and maybe some cocoa and something to eat."

Does that not make you want to read this?! With charming Edward Gorey-esque drawings and a fresh cast of characters (sprinkled with lots of exciting new vocabulary words for youngsters to learn), this should definitely satisfy those girls and boys craving a bit more danger in their daily reads. Probably best for older grades, since some of the parts are quite scary (knives and teeth feature prominently).

Personal Response - The Dr. Seuss-style rhyme puts a new twist on reading - especially to a group. There are great pen and ink sketches and funny fonts to keep the kids interested. You don't get as attached to the characters or the plot, but it is pure fun.

Curriculum - Teachers might use the rhymes to introduce reluctant readers to poetry and fantasy. I would also use it as a fun read-aloud book for building group energy and collaboration. The fantasy element would transfer well to drawing and imagining what a zorgle on the moon might look like.