The Odd Squad by Michael Fry

First I am overcome with jealousy that Fry can illustrate his own books.   I am functionally impaired when it comes to illustrations.   I illustrated my book I Like to Whine.  The time it took was beyond belief as I had to draw the darn critters over and over until I was at least moderately satisfied   I look at Fry's characters and am practically incensed!  Ok, not incensed, just horribly envious.  Now that is off my chest.  

This is a cute book about a band of hapless kids who just want to belong.   Belong to what, you may ask, just to belong, to feel that they have a group, someone who has their back.  

The story is cute but the relationships and the feelings they represent are the meat to the broth.   Having spent time in education and as a guidance counselor, I saw so many kids who felt alone, lost and depressingly unique.   Depressingly unique because they felt they were a group of one, with no others like them and feeling unwanted.   Kids, or all of us, have a need for acceptance and regard.   Fry did a nice job showing kids and their feelings.

I recommend it.

Web Site: https://overthehedgeblog.wordpress.com/michael-fry/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Trouble With Max by Lisa A. Maddock

Teddy and Pip are back. Teddy and Pip are guinea pigs who talk. Max is a college student who agrees to house sit Teddy and Pip and the tale is how they make him miserable.

I remember liking Teddy and Pip in Lisa’s earlier stories. Maybe it was my mood but I didn’t find them likeable this time. My sentiments were with Max who as far as Teddy and Pip were concerned was the villain of the story.

Teddy and Pip illustrate how verbal infants might behave. Their totally self centered behavior was annoying. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t funny. There were episodes of the Stooges I found annoying but they were always funny.

The guinea pigs’ antics were secondary to a very nice coming of age story for Max. The little “dudes” helped Max to find himself and meet his goals.

I enjoyed the book and sadly I have known people as demanding as Teddy and Pip. At least they have the excuse that they are guinea pigs.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Lisa A. Maddock</a>

Web site: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=115906

The Bridezilla Who Stole Christmas by Lisa A. Maddock

This is the second of the Teddy and Pip stories. Teddy and Pip are guinea pigs who talk. The story is the tale of how Teddy and Pip influence Amelia & Wally’s (their owners) wedding. The tale is related by Molly their neighbor and friend.

This was a really cute story. Not to be ever repeated but the guinea pigs reactions to their being ignored reminded me somewhat of a 3 year old who is near and dear to my heart. Molly’s perspective seemed realistic for a 9 year old. The guinea pigs behavior just made me laugh, sometimes out loud. I have seen people bullied by their pets so Teddy and Pip’s behavior was all that far fetched. This book should make your child laugh out loug.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Lisa A. Maddock

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Awesome Lavratt by Ann Wilkes

Junk yard dog meets con-artist with humorous consequences is the succinct description of the book. An artifact creates a traveling nightmare is another.

Horace the junk yard man was the only attractive character in the book. The rest of the characterizations were pretty much un-likeable. The consequences of mind control and domination are thoroughly exploited. The book is a quick read with no guffaws but some definite smiles.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Ann Wilkes

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