Synopses & Reviews
Tom Angleberger's latest, loopiest middle-grade novel begins when M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset (it's never been loosened before!), thereby setting off a chain of events in which all the strict rules of Smugwick Manor are abandoned. When, as a result of "the Loosening," the precious family heirloom, the Luggertuck Lump (quite literally a lump), goes missing, the Luggertucks look for someone to blame. Is it Horton Halfpott, the good-natured but lowly kitchen boy who can't tell a lie? Or one of the many colorful cast members in this silly romp of a mystery.
Praise for Horton Halfpott
and#8220;A positively gleeful historical mystery farce. Short chapters, a fast pace and plenty of linguistic and slapstistic humor will have young readers hoping that a sequel is planned. The scribbly pen-and-ink chapter-heading cartoon illustrations are just icing on the cakeand#8212;or pickle and#233;clair. A romp from start to finish.and#8221; and#8211;Kirkus Reviews
and#8220;Exaggerated black-and-white drawings emphasize the often wacky humor in this goofy faux-British mystery. Sprawling, outlandish tale.and#8221; and#8211;The Bulletin of the Center for Childrenand#8217;s Books
and#8220;Readers will enjoy Anglebergerand#8217;s penchant for the absurd as well as his many droll asides. With Anglebergerand#8217;s many eclectic characters, his wild-and-witty storytelling, and a lighthearted but perplexing mysteryand#8212;involving a and#8220;lumpand#8221; of diamonds, a couple of wigs, and a bust of Napoleonand#8212;readers are in for a treat.and#8221; and#8211;Publishers Weekly
and#8220;From the author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, hereand#8217;s an amusing romp of a mystery that balances skulduggery with just rewards.and#8221; and#8211;Booklist
and#160;and#8220;Much like Dickens or Dahl, an opinionated narrator with a strong sense of the ridiculous directs this story.and#8221; and#8211;School Library Journal
Review
andquot;This series may appeal to reluctant readers, particularly fans of Anglebergerandrsquo;s and#39;Origami Yodaand#39; books.andquot;
Review
andquot;Between Lyleandrsquo;s honesty and the bittersweet realism of this funny tale, Wimpy Kid fans, as well as those who appreciate Anglebergerandrsquo;s Origami Yoda series, have much to appreciate here.andquot;
Synopsis
This hilarious, highly original series, which so astutely captures the odd preoccupations of middle schoolers, will appeal to the many fans of the Origami Yoda series and such gross-out classics as
How to Eat Fried Worms and
Freckle Juice.
Lyle Hertzog and his friends Marilla and Dave expect to spend another dull holiday passing time at the local Qwikpick convenience store. Then an article in their hometown paper catches their eyeandmdash;the sludge fountain at the nearby sewage plant is being retired. With this news, the three friends decide theyandrsquo;re not just normal kids who donandrsquo;t have Christmas plans: theyandrsquo;re the Qwikpick Adventure Society. Their first mission: to see the andldquo;poop fountainandrdquo; before it fades from glory.
Told with the mix of journal entries, doodles, and handwritten notes that has made the Origami Yoda books so appealing, this is another great series from a master chronicler of middle school.
Praise for The Qwikpick Papers
andquot;Laugh-out-loud high jinks tailormade for reluctant readers. A hilarious and well- designed update.andquot;
--School Library Journal
Summer 2014 Kidsand#39; Indie Next List
Synopsis
Lyle Hertzog and his friends Marilla and Dave are the Qwikpick Adventure Society, three kids who seek out adventure in their seemingly quiet hometown of Crickenburg. On the hunt for their next big adventureandmdash;something to top the Fountain of Poop, if thatandrsquo;s even possibleandmdash;the kids overhear a construction worker telling his buddies about a rat with a human face he saw in the basement of an old research facility. The decision is unanimous: the next adventure for the Qwikpick Society is on! But when their trip to find the rat doesnandrsquo;t go quite as expected, the trio gets in big trouble. Will the second adventure for the Qwikpick Society also be their last?
This hilarious, highly original series, which so astutely captures the odd preoccupations of middle schoolers, will appeal to the many fans of the Origami Yoda series and such gross-out classics as How to Eat Fried Worms and Freckle Juice.
About the Author
Tom Angleberger is the author of the runaway bestseller The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, which the New York Times called a "delightful first novel" and which Publishers Weekly dubbed a "snappy debut." He is also a columnist for the Roanoke (Va.) Times. He lives in Christianburg, Virginia, with his wife, the author and illustrator Cece Bell.