Attack of the Volcano Monkeys
Ordinary Basil series #2
by Wiley Miller
Illustrated by Wiley Miller
The second in the Ordinary Basil series, Attack of the Volcano Monkeys brings back Basil Pepperell, a
character Miller created in his Non Sequitur comic strip. Basil is twelve, though his over-sized head and
diminutive size make him seem a bit more like eight. The story begins with Basil's mother fretting, as Basil's
been missing for some time. For an ordinary boy, Basil does tend to run off on adventures regularly with his
friend, Louise, and her pet pteranodon, Beatrice. The adventure this time jumps around with blinding speed from
the lighthouse to a submarine to Monkey Island, with a flashback trip on Beatrice - tall towers, thick jungles,
evil laboratories, temples, cages, whew...well, it's a bit exhausting to imagine all the bouncing around. The
story is packed with flashbacks and stories told by characters - making it a bit challenging to follow the
chronology. But, since the plot itself is fairly simple despite the bouncing, it's unlikely to confuse young
readers for long. Thrills abound with monkey revolutions, giant attack owls, and Miller's beloved dastardly evil
genius, Dr. Von Rottweil. The engaging full-color illustrations go a long way toward making this book successful
as they keep young readers turning pages to see the next outlandish contraption or character Miller has created
for them. The short, simple plot, plentiful illustrations and fast pace make these books especially appealing to
reluctant readers. So, if your young reader likes his adventures with a side order of weird, this book should be
the perfect dish. |
The Book |
The Blue Sky Press, an imprint of Scholastic |
February 2008 |
Hardcover |
0439861322 / 978-0439861328 |
Illustrated Chapter Book / Children’s, Ages 9 - 12 |
More at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Jan Fields |
Reviewed 2008 |
NOTE: Reviewer Jan
Fields is the editor of Kid Magazine Writers emagazine and has written dozens of
stories and articles for the children's magazine market. |
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