Synopses & Reviews
Mal is a kid genius with a talking dog . . . so why doesn't anyone seem to notice him?
Poor Mal. It's not easy being a kid genius who wears a lab coat to school ("It's not a bathrobe!"). Megan, his not-so-secret crush, has formed a club that has a no-boys-allowed policy - especially not Mal, who would do anything to feel like he belongs. Fortunately, Mal always has Chad, his talking dog. When Chad begins having scary dreams, Mal builds a dream portal to defeat Chad's nightmare beast once and for all. Something goes wrong, though, and the beast follows Mal back to reality. Now Megan and her friends are in danger . . . but Mal is there to come to the rescue, showing that, just maybe, he's someone to pay attention to. With kid-friendly humor and a deft touch, Stephen McCranie continues his breakthrough series perfect for any kid who's one book away from either Big Nate or Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Review
**STARRED REVIEW** “Scenes are drawn with much skill . . . and they are heartbreaking. This emotional honesty alone is reason to buy this book.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Once again, Mal is trying his hardest to impress Megan, and hilarity ensues. Invited to her birthday party by her dad, he does his best to stand out, but only gets teased. So, when the school talent show is announced, he uses that opportunity to try once again. Unfortunately, they get trapped in a freak snowstorm created by Mals weather machine. Interestingly creative, yet simple to follow, the plot twists make this a great read for new and seasoned graphic-novel fans. The situations are funny and the adventures are fast paced. Mal may be a genius, but he is still a kid with insecurities and problems. Chad is the best friend that everyone wants; a dog that loves him unconditionally. Simple, clean, black-and-white drawings have action and expression. Kids will love this one."--School Library Journal
Synopsis
It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians?especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . .
Using a hybrid of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon introduces an irresistible set of characters with a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations. It's perfect for both the classroom and fans of Wimpy Kid and Bad Kitty.
Synopsis
Mal is a super kid genius and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it. What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure . . . even if the time-traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom.
Introducing the first in a series of illustrated chapter books by talented newcomer Stephen McCranie that are laugh-inducing, clever, and full of heart. Give this to any kid who's a reluctant reader or is just leaving picture books and be prepared to answer the question: "When can I read the next one?"
Synopsis
A time machine? Mal can build one with his eyes closed and one arm tied behind his back. His secret crush's birthday party? Gulp.
A shrinking machine. Invisibility spray. If Mal can think it, he can build it. But there's one thing he can't seem to do: Get Megan to notice him. He gets his chance when he's invited to her birthday party. But destroying her cake and presents wasn't quite what Mal had in mind.
Good thing the school's talent show is coming up! Megan will really be impressed when she sees Mal levitate for real and . . . uh-oh--cause a major blizzard?? Yikes! Who will go rescue Mal's talking dog best friend, Chad?
Kids graduating from picture books or anxiously awaiting the next Ook and Gluk book will devour Stephen McCranie's laugh-out-loud series.
Synopsis
It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians?especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . .
Using a hybrid of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon introduces an irresistible set of characters with a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations. It's perfect for both the classroom and fans of Wimpy Kid and Bad Kitty.
About the Author
Ursula Vernon has written one other middle-grade novel, Nurk: The Strangs, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew, which was selected for Oprah's Book Club Kids Reading List. She lives in Raleigh, NC, where she writes, draws, creates oddities, and is an occasional practictioner of the sword art of iaido.