The Blunder Years

October 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-In this novel, based on an acclaimed Irish television show, Martin Moone is an 11-year-old boy with three overbearing older sisters, parents who largely ignore him, and school bullies who regularly torment him. When he decides to apply for an Imaginary Friend (IF), seeking a supportive "wingman," he gets hilarious results. Martin ends up with two competing IFs-obnoxious Loopy Lou and lazy Sean Murphy-and must find a resolution. The audiobook is narrated by the authors with voices that are expressive and distinct. In particular, the over-the-top, needy personality of IF Loopy Lou is perfectly captured. Although the charming illustrations present in the book (Feiwel & Friends, 2015) are missed, the recording makes up for it with its abundance of auditory gifts, especially the raucous voices and singing. The authors' rendering of the footnotes (which explain the meanings of Irish words in comical ways) is amusing but can be distracting. VERDICT Give this to "Wimpy Kid" fans; tweens will love it.-Julie Paladino, formerly of East Chapel Hill High School, NC

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