by Carole P. Roman ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2015
Another trunk full of golden pirate treasure from Roman.
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In Roman’s (Fribbet the Frog and the Tadpoles, 2015, etc.) newest pirate adventure for kids, a new crew member rocks the boat.
It’s business as usual on the Flying Dragon, as Captain No Beard humorously laments that “Being a captain is hard work” while standing on deck and watching his crew do all the work. He’s a pirate with pride, however, and he’s diligently searching for a flag worthy of his beloved ship. He’s distracted from his musings, however, when a commotion breaks out. He soon discovers that Mongo the monkey has been derailed from his lookout duties on the mast by the newest crew member—a diaper-wearing baby named Zachary. He’s big-time trouble, as many toddlers are, and everything he touches seems to get destroyed, much to the crew’s dismay. Their love for him is clear, especially from his big sister, Hallie, but it’s also heartbreaking for them to see their ship and crew falling apart under his assault. The colorful, vibrant illustrations vividly portray the havoc Zachary wreaks upon the Flying Dragon as the crew tries to find him a job to do. No coconut or lion’s paw is safe from the club-wielding baby, but the crew admirably tries to stay positive despite the damage. Roman gently reminds young readers not to call people names, no matter how tough a situation may be, and deftly slides that lesson into the ongoing story. Hallie’s dismay when Zachary finally takes her job is endearing, and readers will feel the other crew members’ emotions as Zachary takes his toll. Captain No Beard’s selfless solution is a touching, beautiful display that shows how self-sacrifice can lead to greater things than one ever imagined; it also provides a gentle hug to older children who may be tormented by their younger siblings. Although Roman manages to blend a lesson or two into her text, this is a story of adventure, angst, loyalty, and creativity that will rivet young readers. It also has enough humor and depth to appeal to adults.
Another trunk full of golden pirate treasure from Roman.Pub Date: March 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-1507826928
Page Count: 46
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2015
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by Peter Brown ; illustrated by Peter Brown ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 26, 2023
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
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by Max Brallier ; illustrated by Douglas Holgate ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 13, 2015
Classic action-packed, monster-fighting fun
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New York Times Bestseller
It’s been 42 days since the Monster Apocalypse began, and 13-year-old Jack Sullivan, a self-proclaimed “zombie-fighting, monster-slaying tornado of cool” is on a quest to find and rescue his not-so-secret crush, June Del Toro, whether she needs it, wants it, or not.
Jack cobbles together an unlikely but endearing crew, including his scientist best friend, Quint Baker; Dirk Savage, Parker Middle School’s biggest bully; and a pet monster named Rover, to help him save the damsel in distress and complete the “ULTIMATE Feat of Apocalyptic Success.” Middle-grade readers, particularly boys, will find Jack’s pitch-perfect mix of humor, bravado, and self-professed geekiness impossible to resist. His sidekicks are equally entertaining, and it doesn’t hurt that there are also plenty of oozing, drooling, sharp-toothed monsters and zombies and a host of gizmos and gadgets to hook readers and keep them cheering with every turn of the page. Holgate’s illustrations play an integral role in the novel’s success. They not only bring Brallier’s characters to life, but also add depth and detail to the story, making plain just exactly how big Rover is and giving the lie to Jack’s “killer driving.” The marriage of text and illustration serves as a perfect example of what an illustrated novel can and should be.
Classic action-packed, monster-fighting fun (. (Graphic/horror hybrid. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-670-01661-7
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2015
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