King of Flurb

December 15, 2010

Freddy will be the first to say he screws things up...well, not the first—that would be Babette, his evil older sister. She delights in comparing her perfect report cards to Freddy's less-than-perfect ones by doing dramatic readings at dinner. In order to get to the newest report cards first, Freddy prepares a terrifying belch-symphony for Babette. Unbeknownst to any of the family, this draws extraterrestrial attention. One night they are abducted from their beds and zipped away to the planet Flurb, where retiring King Wormola has appointed Freddy his successor...much to royal wizard Wizbad's (not to mention Babette's) chagrin. Can Freddy survive the worshipful adoration of the bizarre Flurbians—not to mention a planet where the buildings are alive, his second-in-command wants him dead and laughter is prized above even Yootleturds? Hannan, author of the Super Goofballs series and creator of Nickelodeon's animated series CatDog, kicks off a new series of absurdly snarky and gross middle-grade novels aimed at those who don't like to read but love a good burp joke. Useful, if not for every reader. (Science fiction/humor. 6-10)

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February 1, 2011
Grades 3-5 Ten points for premise. In this illustrated chapter book, aliens abduct Freddy and his family and zip off to the planet Flurb, where Freddy is crowned king. His family does not fare as well, relegated to such honored tasks as boot licker. The alien world is full of exciting fun, for Freddy at least, with a massive flying slug to ride and delectable treats with vaguely scatological names. Although the premise is stellar, execution stumbles. Stock characters play predictable roles: mischievous Freddy, jealous older sister, bubbly mom, grumpy dad. A sinister alien villain and his trusty sidekick round out the cast. With such flat characters, motivation for their actions is scant, giving the sequence of events the feel of a rickety roller coaster: jerky and abrupt but full of action. Although adults will notice these failings, young readers will likely forgive the book its faults in exchange for the broad humor and engaging alien world. Generous illustrations make thisthe first of a planned seriesa likely choice for reluctant boy readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)