Lin Oliver has been the coauthor of the Hank Zipzer books with Henry Winkler, yeah, the Fonz, for some time now. I know these books are popular with the kids because we can't keep them on the shelf in the library. For some reason, I've never gotten into them, even though they seem very fun. Now she is writing the Who Shrunk Daniel Funk Series with illustrator Stephen Gilpin.
The first is called Attack of the Growling Eyeballs and introduces us to Daniel Funk who, for reasons that have yet to be identified, shrinks to the size of "the fourth toe on his left foot." It may have to do with his grandmother's goulash that he eats cold from the refrigerator, but in any case it comes with some strange warning symptoms, growling behind the eyeballs, and whistling from the knees. Very funny stuff! The shrinkage is always temporary, and ends after he produces a big sneeze.
Daniel's adventures in book one include swimming in the toilet, yeah, kids are going to love that! Sledding down a pile of laundry detergent, hiding in his sister's doll furniture, and meeting his miniature twin brother, Pablo Picasso Diablo Funk.
Daniel lives in a house of all girls, including three sisters, his mom, two wild and crazy grandmas, a lizard, a hamster, a bird, and a dog, all girls! Daniel puts up with them as best as he can, but the interactions between him and all of the women in his life makes for an enjoyable read the kids will love.
All in all, Lin Oliver has created the perfect no brainer, can't put it down, laugh out loud read for third grade and up. I can't wait for the next installment...Escape of the Mini Mummy. Another great title.
No comments:
Post a Comment