Well, hold onto your snow possums because Lug, my favorite caveboy hero, is back! And the sequel is funnier than ever.
Lug: Blast From the North by David Zeltser. illustrations by Jan Gerardi (September 1, 2016, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, 160 pages, for ages 8 to 12)
Synopsis (from the publisher): After saving his clan from saber-toothed tigers, Lug the caveboy has become a hero. The only problem: between the nightmares and his sudden skittishness around animals, he doesn't feel like much of a hero. But now he and his friends, Stony and Echo, have even bigger problems. A giant glacier is rolling toward their village—faster than any ordinary mass of ice should move—and it's on course to crush the whole settlement! Maybe Blast, the mysterious northern boy who lives on the glacier, can help Lug's clan. Or maybe it will be up to Lug to save the day again, whether he's ready to or not.
Why I recommend it: This is a funny and entertaining read throughout. I didn't think it was possible to outdo the humor and charm in the first book, Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age. But Zeltser manages it with ease. I read this book in one sitting, no doubt with a goofy smile on my face, and cheered on Lug and his loyal friends (Yay for Echo! Girl power!). An environmental message that's timely but never preachy and a thoroughly satisfying ending add to the appeal. Black and white illustrations are sprinkled throughout. Bonus: This would make a wonderful read-aloud.
Favorite line: The first thing the boy did was throw his vegetable at me. (p. 20)
Do you have any favorite humorous MG books that also include a subtle (or maybe not-so-subtle) environmental message?
I enjoy these types of stories that bring a smile and a pause to our Breaking News type of world we live in. Thanks for the heads-up. I've added it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth, Greg?
DeleteThis author's new to me. I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne! And thanks for visiting my blog.
DeleteThis sounds like fun! I'm all for funny, especially if the theme could be heavy. My favorite environmental-type book is FIRST LIGHT by Rebecca Stead, but I don't think it's funny.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved that book, Jenni! No, it's not a funny story, you're right. But I read that way back before she wrote When You Reach Me.
DeleteFunny is always good. Thanks for the heads up. I will check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to laugh once in a while, isn't it, Rosi?
DeleteIt's so hard to write funny. This sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Natalie. It's really difficult to write funny. But David makes it seem easy.
DeleteThis looks and sounds so entertaining, is right! It caught my eye instantly. I'm sure readers of this age will love the adventure and all the humor.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot of fun, Sheri. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun! Glad there is a second book in the adventure! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess