MOM AND DAD ARE PALINDROMES

The illustrations are handsome and the

jokes build nicely. -- The New York Times

 

(There's more on Palindromes below,

but the Times goes first.)

 

ARE YOU NORMAL?

A fun new book by Mark Shulman... The real point of the questions (and of the book) is to show that nobody is perfectly normal or perfectly weird. -- The Washington Post

 

 

SCRAWL

Scrawl is the rare novel written from the bully's point of view. It's useful to point out that much can hide under a hardened exterior.

--The Los Angeles Times

 

There's something special about this book,

it's all put together so pleasingly, with punch and wit and smarts, and in such a way

that the events and characters stay with you.

-- Publishers Weekly

 

A memorable debut. --Kirkus Reviews

 

With the potential to occupy the rarified air of titles like S.E. Hintons The Outsiders and Chris Crutchers Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes,

Scrawl paints the stereotypical school bully

in a different, poignant light. --VOYA

 

Readers seeking an unflinching look at

high-school politics from the perspective of

the disenfranchised will find in Tod an

illuminating guide. --BCCB

 

"Tod has a real way with words (the way he crashes, then dominates the spelling bee is priceless). Shulman establishes a nice voice for him, as Tod rips jokes so dry they can float away and shows some real heart dealing with his less-than-desirable lot in life An unusual sort of bully redemption story." --Booklist

 

"In a unique version of a story told in

journal format, the writing Tod does in detention becomes this book Through his own words, the reader grows to love this hard-edged character Tods voice is natural and consistent. Shulman captures the viewpoint of a believable eighth-grader, while conveying Tods maturity and sharp sense of humor. Tods back story is seamlessly woven into his narrative. This book will engage a wide audience, but it will appeal most strongly to junior high school boys, particularly those who may be bored by schoolwork or have trouble finding books that interest them." --Childrens Literature

 

"This is a different take on the bully story. It lets the readers inside the mind of a bully and see the reasoning for his actions. The story is true to life, funny, and shows that people who are seen as troublemakers can change Highly recommended." --Library Media Connection

 

 

ATTACK OF THE KILLER VIDEO BOOK

What a great book for aspiring filmmakers!

VOYA

 

A good choice ... that wont become dated

too quickly. -- School Library Journal

 

The layout makes good use of color boxes, tips on every page, and comic-style illustrations with a multiethnic cast of two boys and two girls. Young Spielbergs and Sofia Coppolas will probably mine useful nuggets. -- Booklist

 

Throughout, theres an understanding of the kind of limitations young filmmakers face, especially the financial (there are even suggestions on how to make films without a videocamera), but also the experiential, and the generous helpings of advice will bolster novices morale as well as provide them with helpful guidelines and creativity-prompting excercises ... Kids stuck taking endless videos of their pets while yearning to set their inner Scorsese free will find this just the boost they need to get into the lights, camera, and action. -- The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

 

... the book stands out for a number of reasons, particularly the authors ability to walk that fine line between making filmmaking seem cool to young readers while at the same time dispensing the kind of practical technical advice they need ... Readers will benefit by the outstanding organization of the text ... while at the same time enjoying the high-energy prose and lively illustrations. Adults will value the books underlying can-do theme ... Quill & Quire

 

A must-have for the budding director ... this fun, accessible guide explores every stage of video production, including conceiving an idea, scriptwriting, special effects and editing.

-- Todays Parent

 

An extremely informative and humorous text that captivates the imagination ... an excellent resource. -- Resource Links

 

MOM AND DAD ARE PALINDROMES

The illustrations are handsome and the

jokes build nicely. -- The New York Times

 

(It bears repeating.)

 

Retro art, inventive, typography, and

antic wordplay mix in this bright offering

...don't miss this wow of a detour .

-- Kirkus Reviews

 

Here is word play galore to inspire

young readers. -- Children's Literature

 

The author’s nonstop sense of fun and the illustrator’s upbeat, comic style breathe energy and interest into an unlikely topic.

--CCBC Choices

 

This is lots of fun to read aloud. Recommended. -- Library Media Connection

 

GORILLA GARAGE

This fantasy infuses a rhyming text and appealing artwork with plenty of

monkey business... this will have many children yearning for just such an excursion.

-- Booklist

 

The descriptive details of the garage, both in words and illustrations, will make this a favorite for repeat readings ... Young fans will surely be waiting for another visit to the Gorilla Garage. Recommended. -- Library Media Connection

 

FILLMORE AND GEARY TAKE OFF

Shulman's daffy tale of a boy and his robot pal off on a quest for ...misadventures. ..Even confirmed dog-lovers, human or otherwise, will undoubtedly agree [that this is the finest

out-of-print book in the English language -- ed.]

--Kirkus Reviews

 

Editor's emergency report:

There are a lot of books to clip reviews from. Well be back soon.