The Naughty List

September 14, 2015
Author and cartoonist Fry teams up with newcomer Jackson for a madcap Christmas adventure in which a jaded girl named Bobbie attempts to save Christmas, after initially trying to ignore it. (She's convinced that Christmas is "bullying" her after she falls out her bedroom window wrestling with a Santa roof decoration.) Determined not to let Christmas be ruined for her younger brother, after he accidentally lands on Santa's "Naughty List," Bobbie embarks on a whirlwind North Pole adventure that involves robo-narwhals, angry snow angels, and the Naughtiest Child in the World. Like Fry's Odd Squad books, the series unfolds through a mix of text, comics sequences, and illustrated gags that will keep kids laughing from start to finish, even as the authors balance the wackiness with some touching family moments. Ages 8â12. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House.

June 15, 2015
A zany take on how Christmas happens aims straight for the middle-grade humor sweet spot. The year her father moves to North Dakota pursuing an oil job, 12-year-old Bobbie Mendoza decides to ignore Christmas. Before this, Bobbie was a normal girl, but now she oozes 'tude: her favorite color is "black. Black goes with everything. Even me." Among the other indignities of this year, the family's inflatable Zombie Santa attacks Bobbie-resulting in a "stupid HOT PINK cast." Bobbie's decision to get younger brother Tad a 3D Mega Machine by any means necessary leads to her abduction by two elves, learning the truth about the evil keeper of the Naughty List, and discovering what Tad really wants for Christmas. Along the way Bobbie meets a less-than-admirable Santa in a North Pole redolent of refried beans, along with equally unconventional reindeer led by antler-sparking Larry (not the other one). The copious illustrations, black-and-white cartoons reminiscent of Fry's comic strip, "Over the Hedge," add fun, clarity, and (oddly enough) believability to the text. Despite the female main focus, boys will enjoy the story too. References to butts, farts, and lead reindeer Larry's incontinence will cause mirth and the occasional guffaw. Readers of both genders will take to this original and hilarious story-so long as they do not still believe in Santa. (Fantasy. 10-13)

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October 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-When the abandoned, zombie-eyed inflatable Santa that Dad left on the roof for an entire year (while he was off in North Dakota working in the oil fields) deflates and attacks Bobbie Mendoza, leaving her with a broken wrist and an epic case of angst, Bobbie decides that Christmas stinks and she is going to ignore it entirely. Then she realizes that her little brother's happiness depends on his belief in Christmas and Santa Claus. Her attempt to get him the gift of his dreams lands them both on Santa's Naughty List, which turns out to be a lot more serious than she could have imagined. Cinematic mayhem includes the evil Watcher, a depressed Santa, Larry the Red-Antlered Reindeer, a helpful whale, lots of refried beans, murderous snow angels, Seal Team Nine (made up of actual marine mammals with helicopter beanies), and an entire contingent of blow dryer-wielding snowmen. Bobbie and her maybe not-so-crazy uncle Dale are tasked with taking down the Watcher and ending the Naughty List for good, and both learn Important Things about courage, family, and the holiday spirit. VERDICT This graphic novel/fantasy hybrid should appeal to graduates of Captain Underpants.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

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