The Adventures of Oook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen From the Future by Dav Pilkey

Published by The Blue Sky Press (An Imprint of Scholastic)

Pages: 176

Ages: 7 and up.

Publishers Summary:In this all-new graphic novel, George Beard and Harold Hutchins present the sensational saga of two silly caveboys named Ook and Gluk. Ook and Gluk have a pretty awesome life growing up together in Caveland, Ohio, in 500,001 BC—even though they’re always getting in trouble with their nasty leader, Big Chief Goppernopper. But Ook and Gluk’s idyllic life takes a turn for the terrible when an evil corporation from the future invades their quiet, prehistoric town. When Ook, Gluk, and their little dinosaur pal, Lily, are pulled through a time portal to the year 2222 AD, they discover that the world of the future is even worse than the devastated one they came from. Fortunately, they find a friend in Master Wong, a martial arts instructor who trains them in the ways of kung fu, so that they may one day return home and make things right again. And, like the other Captain Underpants books, The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future features the world’s cheesiest animation technology, “Flip-O-Rama,” in every chapter.

It’s 500,000 B.C. and Ook and Gluck are on a rampage, terrorizing the evil leader of their cavecity Caveland. When Chief Goppernopper has had enough and coincidentally runs into a future “Goppernopper” who has time traveled back to the past he decides to go after Ook and Gluk. In an attempt to solve the problem, Ook and Gluk seek out the help of a wise and talented martial arts trainer from the future named Master Wong. Master Wong teaches them everything he knows and eventually they are able to return to their village and set things right.

The Adventures of Oook and Gluk – Kung-Fu Cavemen From the Future is a hilarious story. From page one to the very last page you can’t help snicker and chuckle at the humor that runs through each and every page. There are little things like the name of the city Ook and Gluk live in, “Caveland, Ohio” and the pronunciations of their names that creates some very silly banter between the characters. Take a look at the interior spread for a small taste:

Overall I think this was such an entertaining and quite goofy book. The characters and their journey are something I think young readers, especially reluctant ones, will truly enjoy. If I had any concerns about the story it would be that there are quite a few spelling errors throughout the story and the cavemen “speak” like cavemen. Granted, in the back of the book there is a section titled “Cavemonics” that teaches readers all about why they speak the way they do. The story is also “supposed” to be written by very young writers, George Beard and Harold Hutchins who are both around ten years old. Had the “Cavemonics” appeared a little earlier in the book I may not have been so concerned about the grammar/spelling errors, but I do worry it may foul a few readers up. Otherwise, it’s still a very enjoyable read and one that fans of the Captain Underpants series are sure to want to pick up!

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 7 to 12. Kung-Fu masters and Captain Underpants fans watch out Ook and Gluk are on there way! Perfect for reluctant readers looking for a great laugh.

Take a look at The Adventures of Ook and Gluk Book Trailer!
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Giveaway!

Thanks to the wonderful people at Scholastic books I have a spectacular holiday giveaway for There’s A Book readers that includes this Ook and Gluk graphic novel! Take a look:

Give the gift of reading to your child this holiday season! Scholastic books make the perfect stocking stuffer for any child on your list.

We have a HUGE prize pack filled with the most popular children’s books in the marketplace to offer one lucky reader! Titles include CAPTAIN SKY BLUE, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAVID, OOK and GLUK as well as TONY BALONEY, ODIOUS OGRE and I SPY CHRISTMAS A CHRISTMAS TREE!

Make sure to stop by the Scholastic Book Store for many more titles to enjoy!

This book was provided for review and giveaway by the publisher Scholastic. Thank you!
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This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered! Please check back soon for more great giveaways!

A Bird in a Bathing Suit by Dawn Mitchell and Illustrated by Josh Will

Published by Outskirts Press

Pages: 26

Publishers Summary: Bird enjoys flying through the skies, eating worms and splashing around in his favorite red swim trunks.  When the neighborhood children notice what Bird is wearing, they erupt in a fit of giggles.  This results in finger pointing, hurt feelings, and in the end acceptance and friendship.

“A bird in a bathing suit, really? This is just hilarious. No, the bird in the underwear is definitely the best. Haha. But really, this is one cool bird, he wears the coolest little red swim trunks and flies around trying to make friends. I’m always a little sad when we get to the part where the kids make fun of Bird just because he has his swim trunks on. I think they look pretty cool! Plus, you shouldn’t make fun of people, it’s not nice.

“I’m a big fan of the Bird in a bathing suit! I’d definitely be friends with him if he came to visit our backyard!”

“A Bird in a Bathing Suit is a beautiful and quite funny story about a little bird, Bird, striving to be himself. He flies from place to place in his little red swim suit with not a care in the world. That is, until he meets a group of kids laughing and making fun of his swim suit. It isn’t until one of the children stands up for him and asks him to be a part of their group that Bird finds his place. He’s happy with who he is and the clothes he chooses to where.

“Individuality is something that children (and adults) deal with each day, and it’s especially hard when it’s happening for the first time. In a world where children could easily be swayed to follow the group and lose your identity it’s nice to see such a sweet story about the importance of being true to who you really are. Because truly, when we are allowed to be ourselves we find our greatest happiness; not only within ourselves, but in those that accept us for who we are. A Bird in a Bathing Suit does an incredible job explaining this in a way that small children will easily and joyfully understand. An absolutely beautiful book all the way around.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 1 to 5. Smaller children may not completely understand the meaning of the book, but will definitely enjoy the illustrations. Older children will be able to appreciate the importance of being true to yourself and the friends who do the same.

This book was provided for review by the author, Dawn Mitchell. Thank you!
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Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine

Published by Golden Books

Pages: 4-8

Ages: 32

Publishers Summary: “What is a kiss like?” That’s what a teddy bear asks a little boy in this sweet and enchanting picture book. From Grandmother’s noisy kisses, to Father’s prickly kisses, to Little Brother’s chocolate kisses, Teddy learns there are many different kinds of kisses—but the best kisses are from the ones you love!

“This sweet little book is just from me to my two little ones. And I’m sure from you to anyone you know who makes your heart flutter when you think about them. No matter the challenges you may face or hardships you encounter there are always those wonderful people in your life that make everything worthwhile.

“Imagine trying to explain what a kiss is and feels like, how it touches you and makes you feel tingly all over. It can make you warm and fuzzy or can tickle and prickle. Think of your sweetest, funniest, wettest, noisiest kiss and then…think of trying to tell a toddler all about it. This is exactly what Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine does. She tries to tell a little bear just what a kiss is like. Perfect.

“It’s heart warming and funny. And as an adult reading it I actually grinned and teared up a bit. It made me think of all those special times the Turkeybird has run up to get a kiss and a hug from mom or dad. When my Littlebug has rested her head on my shoulder after I asked her for a hug. And every time The Baker has come home from a long day at work or school only to drop everything just to say hello and give me the kiss I longed for the entire time we were separated. This book, simple as it may be, made me think of all those wonderful memories I have stored up.

“Yes, it’s a children’s book, but who cares? It’s tender and sweet and helps you remember that kisses (and hugs) are for those we love. Not just a spouse or a significant other, but everyone in our lives who are important to us. A friend, a parent, a grandparent, a child, a grandchild, a niece, a nephew, a pet, anyone or anything even. This is a very special book and will be in our home for years to come. I encourage you to make it a part of your very own library. If for no other reason than to bring memories you had forgotten back to reality and help you remember to tell those people you love just how much you do love them.

“Happy Valentines Day to all my special readers out there! Your comments and friendship have meant so much on my journey here. Thank you.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Everyone.

“So, if you had one person you would share this special message with who would it be? I’d love to know who you plan to share this special day with, be it a friend or your treasured pet, I want to hear!”

This book was purchased for our home library.
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Recommend Me is a weekly event hosted by Kate at The Neverending Shelf. All you have to do to participate is share a book that you loved reading for whatever reason. It can be something you read yesterday or years ago.

Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 16

Ages: 2-5

Summary: “A little fish is brimming with curiosity and so wriggly and giggly that his mom sends him out of their sea cave to swim…. With its vivid language, many rhyming and onomatopoetic words, brisk pace, and exclamatory style, the book is perfect for reading aloud.” -School Library Journal

Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 18

Ages: 2-5

Summary: Smiley Shark loves to smile, but everyone is afraid of his big, sharp, toothy grin. Catfish, Starfish, and Octopus all swim away from Smiley Shark as fast as they can. His teeth are too scary! When all the fish are caught in a net, though, they need Smiley Shark’s help. A big smile is just what is needed to save the day!

“The Turkeybird here! I’m recovering well and happy to say I’m back to my good old laughing self. To be honest, the dentist was fabulous! But I’ll save that for another day. Today, my mom is letting me take over and recommend some books I think are just perfect for that guy or girl in your life who love to laugh and read. My choices had to be Ruth Galloway’s Smiley Shark and Fidgety Fish!

“Both of these books are great! Fidgety Fish is great because not only does Tiddler, the main character, squirm and wiggle as much as I do he also loves to explore. I love seeing new things and trying out fun new activities and Tiddler does too! Tiddler also finds out that in the end, being at home with mom can sometimes be the best place in the world. In Smiley Shark the shark longs to have a friend to play with, but because his smile is just a bit too big he scares people away. Sometimes I can be a little to excited to meet new friends too, but in the end both Smiley Shark and myself end up with great friends.

“Both of these books are fabulous! I would highly recommend them to your nearest 3 or 4 year old, they will love all the wiggling, squirming, and teeth grinning.”

Other reviews:

Through The Looking Glass Children’s Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Reading to Know

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Published by Wendy Lamb Books (A division of Random House)

208 Pages

Ages: 9-12



Publishers Summary: Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:
I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

“Words can barely describe how I feel about this book and all it reveals about us as human beings. Miranda is the kind of girl we all are or were. We struggle to find out why things go the way they do and suffer, sometimes in silence, through the changes that happen in our lives. Being about the life of a girl in her early teens it’s easy to assume it’s written only to reveal the paths our lives can take when were young, but it is about much more. Primarily about caring for others and taking an active roll in transforming the lives of those around us. Doing these seemingly small things have the power to transform their lives and ultimately our own character. This is exactly what happens to Miranda. I may be alone in my thinking, but this is the way it touched me.

“Rebecca Stead has beautifully crafted an amazing journey that spans what seems decades when it is only a few months. So many times in my reading of this book I thought I had some part of it completely figured out, only to learn I was just off and the subtle changes made the difference. After reading a bit more about Stead herself I can see where some of the twists come from, because as she says, “The most important thing to know about writing is that there are no rules.” Her imagination takes you places and helps you to feel things you may have not thought about in ages and it’s wonderful.

“My most genuine feeling about the journey of this book was how much I can’t wait to share it with my own children, Littlebug in particular. When things can be so difficult, this book shows a way to make the best of things. It’s truly a book for all ages and very appropriate for a young audience. And although I know it will appeal to younger readers I feel that an adult audience has so much to gain by reading When You Reach Me. As you will find deeper meaning in the relationships you have carried with you through the years.”

“Also, if you have a second, check out Rebecca’s website, it’s so cute and really fun!”

This book was a gift for my birthday to reside in our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.