By the Grace of Todd by Louise Galveston (for ages 8 to 12, Penguin, February 2014)
Synopsis (from the publisher):
Twelve-year-old Todd has created life through sheer grossness.
How did he become an accidental god?
Ingredient A: A worn athletic sock
Ingredient B: Dirt from the Great and Powerful Todd himself
Instructions: Leave under bed for months. Do not clean room.
Yields: 50 ant-sized Toddlians
BUT WATCH OUT! When school bully Max Loving puts the future of the tiny Toddlians in jeopardy, Todd will have to do everything in his power to save the race his very negligence created.
Why I recommend it:
Take a cup of The Indian in the Cupboard, a tablespoon or two of Toy Story, a few teaspoons of The Borrowers, add a generous dash of Dan Gutman and a pinch of Andrew Clements, stir in some highly original humorous situations, and shake well.
Even if this book wasn't about the timely topic of learning to deal with bullies, it would still be worth reading for the Toddlians alone. This is hilarious! I'm always happy when a book lives up to its premise. Best moment for me: the Toddlians learn how to speak English by watching TV all night and then they spout advertising slogans that will have you laughing out loud.
Note that the POV changes from Todd to an occasional chapter by one of the Toddlians (Lewis), and even a couple of chapters from each of two other Toddlians (Persephone and Herman). So the switching POVs might confuse some readers. But for sheer fun, this is definitely worth a read.
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I'm taking a blogging break for the next few weeks. Between my birthday, my younger son's birthday and the Easter holiday, I'll be busy with family get-togethers, plus I'm trying to finish revising my third MG novel so I can start querying this summer. I'll be back in May. Happy reading!
This sounds really cute!
ReplyDeleteI don't think the change in POV will faze middle grade readers. It is a quite popular technique these days.
That's good to know, Dianne. And since you're teaching that age group (for a little while, anyway) and you yourself have written MG with different POVs, I'll believe you!
DeleteThis does sound fun!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice break...and lots of fun with your writing!
Thanks, Andrea!
DeleteLoved this one!
ReplyDeleteYay, Jessica!
DeleteI just came across this one at our local indie bookstore and can't wait to read it. I wonder how specific the advertising quotes are? I would think a book's longevity would be based on future readers' understanding. Advertising quotes are only popular for a while. Just a thought. Anyway, have a nice break.
ReplyDeleteWell, they mention QVC, The Bachelorette, and Downton Abbey, along with generic advertising jargon for haircut places and plasma screen TVs, etc. But yes, I could see it might not hold up well after a few more years, when, for instance, Downton Abbey is no longer airing. Maybe this stuff is aimed more at the grownups who are reading? Interesting point, Greg! And thanks.
DeleteThis one looks terrific. Thanks for the review. Enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosi!
DeleteThis sounds great, especially for boys. Have a great break and enjoy your family.
ReplyDeleteIt has definite boy-appeal, Natalie. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs to you!
DeleteI like it when books change POV. Sounds a little like Gulliver's Travels too. I'm going to give this one a try! Have a nice break! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of Gulliver's Travels, Erik, but you're right! And thanks.
DeleteGood luck on your revisions!! Thanks for sharing the love of Todd...and I love the novels you mentioned in the mix up to give a sense of what this book is like. So true!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book. Good luck with everything you've got going on!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Daniel!
DeleteI had my eyes on this book, but now I'm dying to read it because of your review.
ReplyDeleteHappy revising and see you in May!
Akoss
That's nice of you to say, Akoss. And thanks.
DeleteThis looks like a fun, unique book. The way the Toddlians speak sounds hilarious. Enjoy your blog break.
ReplyDeleteLots of laughs in this book, Medeia. And thanks.
DeleteWhat a great cover! This book sounds like such fun. I am so glad you reviewed it and now I have added it to my list. Can't wait to learn more about the main character. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful break! Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Jess!
DeleteThis book sounds really funny! Thanks for the rec. I'll be looking for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Claire!
DeleteThis sound enchanting with a capital E!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to describe it, Leslie!
DeleteSounds like a fun book! Thanks for sharing. Have a great rest of the month!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer!
DeleteI've heard this title somewhere before (maybe #mglitchat?) but never knew what it was about--and it sounds soo fun! In fact, it sounds like the kind of book I'm just going to have to bump up to the front of the line. Thanks for the recommend, and enjoy your living and writing break! Good luck with your book!
ReplyDelete--Suzanne
www.suzannewarr.com
Thanks, Suzanne. Yes, #mglitchat was exactly where I first heard of this book. And I'm going to have to miss it again this week, darn it all.
DeleteI've had my eye on this book since I first heard the premise. I'm so glad to hear it lives up to its premise. I know my boys, who love anything humorous, would love it. Thanks for the rec, and enjoy your time off! How exciting that your book is almost ready to query!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen this one before, and I must go find it. Sounds right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteYour reviews are always so great. I'm a horrible lurker, but I had to just say I truly enjoy them. I hadn't seen this yet and my grandsons will love this. What boy doesn't love dirty socks? Right? Happy Birthday, relax and rejuv!
ReplyDeleteThe description totally made me grin. Thanks!
ReplyDelete