 Super Fred is an epic poem about a monster unable to scare a little boy. Together they concoct a plan to convince Fred's friend Bob, the scariest monster (as scary as one of my genetically modified slugs?), that Fred is much scarier. Dale, the little boy, and Fred then strike up a great friendship. The rhyme is superb with great fluidity and enough new vocabulary for children to learn. There's gentle humour throughout and a wonderful underlying message about friendship. The illustrations work well with the rhyme, with its soft colours and fresh look. I'd imagine the print version of this must be very nice and do the illustrations justice. I highly recommend this to all the slugs out there.
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 I think my slugs and I both agree that this is our favourite Melinda Kinsman book yet. Odd Sock is adorable, almost as adorable as Guiseppe the Slug, and her inquisitive nature makes for not only an entertaining read but also the portal to a wealth of information. Odd Sock and M, not the character from James Bond, go on a big Scottish adventure to the Highlands where we learn important things about camping, how to, nature and information on the places itself with gorgeous photographs to boot. I never knew that there was a goldmine near one of the mountains. There's also some good advice, to paraphrase 'take only photos, leave only footprints'... Never spoil nature! The book also serves as a great way to learn new vocabulary and there's a useful glossary at the back to help. Odd Sock's BIG Scottish Adventure has been very well put together and is a most enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
 Finally, a book I can relate to - a slimy slug. This slug really does a magnificent job of sliming a great many places from the school classroom to the back seat of the car to Edward's house and beyond! Just wait till you get to the ending. The story has a nice pace until it builds to the climax where there's an unexpected, funny surprise. Of course, this slug isn't a patch on my own genetically modified slugs however, he is worthy chap - perhaps he could come and stay with me and I could train him. He might even then be able to produce even more slime and go on to slime an entire kitchen! The illustrations by Celia Carlile are fabulous - bright, detailed and sure to attract and keep the attention of your own little slugs. Highly recommended!
 An inquisitive, strong-headed rascal of a boy is taken on a walk by his mummy and he soon learns that mum's do know best! On the journey we learn about a goldfinch and not to touch poison ivy - that's why I always go for walks with my slugs as they love poison ivy. This is an educational and warm story written from the heart with lovely, colourful illustrations. Slug-tastic!
 Children and little slugs will find this most appealing as the cover and the rest of the illustrations are really top-notch. Full of colour and very modern. The story's about a bored little boy who'd like a dog but can't have one. He then hits on the idea to build his own robot. He soon does and they have lots of fun together. The book should inspire little inventors everywhere as it's certainly inspired some of my slugs who've already gotten to work on a robot themselves... Unfortunately, it seems to be similar to the T1000. Highly recommended.
 This is another rhyme/story in the Alex, Dragon and Spider series and I think it's my favourite so far. I liked how the story built to the race and the tension that was created. I'm sure little slugs will enjoy this aspect, especially if they're of a competitive nature as they wait to see who'll win the race up the mountain. The rhyme works very well and the illustrations match it perfectly. Plus I do enjoy the games at the end. Another fine children's book from Natalie Finnigan.
 Elsa Takaoka has written a quite splendid book that teaches your slugs to sit still and become attentive listeners. Ah, attentive listeners, how I miss Steve the Slug. Quite often my slugs wiggle a bit too often so this book worked a treat and got them to pay attention at long last. There are splendid rhymes and really colourful, manga-esque illustrations by Catherine Toennisson. And with surnames like theirs, how can you resist getting this book?
 I recently read and reviewed Destiny and Faith's Summer Adventures, (which I highly recommend), so I was eager to read Twincentric Academy - and it did not disappoint. You have the same characters as before, including the rather wicked blondes, and two Japanese girls. I particularly like Destiny, she's the most level-headed girl, when all the others go a bit mad.
In the story, the girls decide what a wonderful idea it would be for all the twins to swap twins! As you can guess, mayhem ensues. Imagine if I started swapping slugs! Disaster! The twin swapping makes the news and Destiny's interviewed about it. I've said too much. It's charming and wonderful to read books that encourage learning, play, tolerance and open children's minds up to diversity and different cultures. Teddy O'Malley is a refreshing new author with a voice that must be heard. Your little slugs won't be disappointed.  A charming book full of diversity which is fun and educational! Even my slugs learnt something - and that doesn't happen often. Destiny and Faith need summer jobs and they soon get the most enjoyable job of all - cleaning a neighbour's attic! This isn't just any old attic as the attic is inside a haunted house! (No more exclamation marks!) They also become friends with the occupants, specifically a deaf boy called Dustin and we get to experience sign language - something all children should become familiar with. My slugs have now taken it up and become fairly proficient. There's even a page at the back listing the sign language alphabet.
Just one thing, ghost... garlic? Very amusing! (You'll have to read it).  Another hilarious book of rhymes by Melinda Kinsman that'll keep your children or your slugs entertained. As always, they're inventive with funny and colourful illustrations to go with them. I especially liked the monsters at the car wash as those big rollers do indeed look like monsters. This brought me back to when I was a little sprout and how scary it seemed when in the car and having those big, loud, furry rollers go over. The illustrations and rhyme brought it all back... I shall have a sleepless night tonight.
Luckily, I have a slug creepy-crawly that has promised to scare Melinda's monsters away. Phew! Recommended! |
His ZapplenessChoosing books worthy enough to be read and reviewed by Elias Zapple. Archives
February 2015
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