Jack and the Wild Life

June 1, 2014

Gr 2-4-After an adventure in the Caribbean, Jack's parents have a new get-rich-quick scheme. This time, Jack finds himself in Kenya-up a tree, trying to avoid being the lunch for an angry honey badger. This adventure-filled series fills a gap between shorter chapter books and longer middle grade fiction.

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August 1, 2014
Jack's parents' get-rich-quick scheme goes awry. Again. The last time the Berensons launched a plan, son Jack ended up stranded in the Caribbean (Jack the Castaway, 2014). This time, they profess to have learned their lesson and are trying to take a page from their worrier son's book and pay attention to planning and safety. After losing their jobs and being evicted, they have a brilliant idea: launching a tourism startup in Kenya, in which people will pay to come and live like the Maasai. The Berensons are even planning ahead: They will not take risks, and they will not lose their son. Jack has his doubts. Of course, his parents cannot so easily change their ways, and Jack ends up in a tree, trapped by badgers and other critters with nothing but his wits and his friend Diana's stuffed monkey, Mack. Jack's ingenuity, fueled with a dash of frustration and anger at his hapless parents, is amazing. Not only does Jack create a hammock out of duct tape, but he hatches a dangerous plot that saves the stuffed monkey. Over-the-top situations stitched together by hilarious chapter titles and exaggerated black-and-white illustrations keep the pages turning for young adventurers. Mayhem, adventure and unexpected situations will leave readers wanting more from Jack. (Adventure. 8-12)

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