Module 11: Series Books

McDonald, Megan. Stink and the Incredible Super-galactic Jawbreaker. Cambridge, Mass: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Summary: When Stink buys a jawbreaker that doesn't live up to its advertising (jawbreaking), he writes the company to complain. When the company sends Stink a ten-pound box of 21,280 jawbreakers for his trouble, he is encouraged to start a letter writing campaign to get more free stuff. When Stink becomes so absorbed with getting freebies, he inadvertently misses his best friend's birthday, causing his friend to become "madder than a wet hornet". Idioms woven into the story are illustrated by Stink and listed at the end of the book. 

Impressions: Fans of Judy Moody will flock to Stink. Boys who won't read Judy Moody will flock to stink. Reluctant readers will flock to Stink. You get the idea. Stink and his adventures are hilarious, and easy to read. The book is thick for those wishing a big chapter book, but aren't quite ready, as the print is large and the clever illustrations are plentiful. The plot is fun and may encourage kids to write letters or to use idioms. A thought-provoking discussion about truth in advertising would also be a great lesson. The fact that there are more Stink novels will make the series appealing to those kids that love to find a favorite author or series and read them all. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal: Gr 1-3-Judy Moody's seven-year-old brother is back with new super-galactic adventures. Stink buys the World's Biggest Jawbreaker and slurps, sloops, and shloops it all day until in one crunch, it is G-O-N-E. Disappointed that his jaw isn't broken, he decides to use his new letter-writing skills to complain to the company. He receives 21,280 jawbreakers, prompting him to write more letters in an attempt to get more free stuff. Candy, toys, and zoo passes arrive daily for Stink, who won't share any of his treasures with his "green with envy" older sister, Judy. He is so busy receiving the free goodies that he overlooks his super-best friend Webster's birthday party invitation, and he has to find a way to mend their friendship. He has also been learning about idioms in school and peppers them throughout the story along with his colorful Stink-isms. Black-and-white comic-book-style illustrations are clever and zany. This early chapter book is bound to be a hit with fans of Stink or Judy Moody, and it makes a hilarious read-aloud.-Michele Shaw, formerly at Yorkshire Academy, Houston, TX Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. 

(I posted the entire review because I was the reviewer!)

Kirkus:  This story would be plenty for new readers, but McDonald adds a grammar lesson that runs thinner than pond ice in April-Mrs. D is teaching about idioms and Stink can't stop speaking in them, 37 idiomatic phrases altogether. Reynolds's familiar illustrations keep the mood light, even when Judy and Stink argue, which they do. Constantly.

Horn Book: The book is more focused than its predecessor, and the writing is just as quick-witted. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.