From Booklist Using the model of Joyce’s The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2012), which has its own iPad app and animated short, the name of the game for new imprint Moonbot Booksis media interactivity. But it all starts with the book. The premise of Moonbot’s debut is simple and kid friendly: how can we explain the things that annoy us? For instance, where do missing socks go? Well, it’s certainly not your fault one disappears; blame the Sock Stalker, one of many Mischievians, “an ancient race of mischief-makers.” The book’s setup is brief, as two kids find themselves in Dr. Zooper’s laboratory, where they’re introduced to an encyclopedia explaining the Mischievians. From there the book becomes a Q&A, as the kids make queries (“Where do blisters come from?”) and Dr. Zooper responds. Kids may tire of the lengthy question-and-answer sessions, but the illustrations of the various Mischievians, courtesy of Moonbot Studios, are amusing. As with the introduction, the book concludes abruptly. Not the most cohesive story line, but the concept is likely to win fans. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The brainchild of Joyce, and a joint venture between a major publisher and an artists’ studio, this should get a ton of press. Grades 2-4. --Ann Kelley Read more About the Author William Joyce does a lot of stuff but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Guardians series, Dinosaur Bob series, George Shrinks, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also his Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Talk to William Joyce and see upcoming work at @HeyBillJoyce on Twitter and Instagram.William Joyce does a lot of stuff but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Guardians series, Dinosaur Bob series, George Shrinks, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also his Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Talk to William Joyce and see upcoming work at @HeyBillJoyce on Twitter and Instagram. Read more
E**N
Love it!
I love William Joyce books and this was no exception. I was a little thrown by the style at first, but it didn't take long to settle into it. My son and I started reading it before bed one night, thinking we would just read a bit because it was late, and we would finish it the next night. Nope - neither of us could put it down. The Mischievians are hilarious, creative, and completely relatable. With almost ever creature, we had to stop reading so Little Dude could tell me about a time that this Mischievian must have created a situation in his life. It was really cool to hear him recalling stories from his own life and embracing the fantasy from this book.I thought my son would get a kick out of "The Dangler" since he's a bit gross, and my kid usually likes gross things. But his absolute favorite is the LintBellian. Hands Down. He might be my favorite, too, but it's hard to choose. The other great thing about this book is that my son really doesn't love to read. He can read, but he would rather I just read to him. But with this book, he picks it up and reads it on his own at least weekly. Very few books have been able to capture his attention in that way, which means I love it even more.
M**A
Cute and Funny
Great book! We first read it at the library and loved it so much we purchased it. The kids find it hilarious and refer to everything now as a Mischievian.
C**Y
This book is my son's favorite!! At first he was a little scared ...
This book is my son's favorite!! At first he was a little scared (@ 4 years old). But it did help him not fear the unknown (if that makes sense). It's funny, informative, helps develop a young imagination and creativeness. I cannot tell you how many times we have read this book... After, the 2nd time, he told us he was going to be an "Author of books" when he grows up! This book is amazing! Thank you William "Bill" Joyce for contributing to my son's LOVE for books and reading!
A**F
Great for kids of all ages.
My son loves this book, and I love reading it to him! Every one of William Joyce's books are amazingly awesome adventures!
J**H
This is one of my kids' favorite books. The illustrations are fantastic and the story ...
This is one of my kids' favorite books. The illustrations are fantastic and the story is so cute! I love that it is open ended and encourages the kids to keep thinking of new Mischievians on their own! Such a great idea!
S**O
What a great book! My daughter is 7
What a great book! My daughter is 7, and we read this over and over. It is so creative and funny. We actually just took it to her second grade class as for a special read-aloud day. 25 - 7/8 year old kids were engaged and cracking up! I have been giving it as birthday presents to all of our friends. The art work is hilarious, and there are a lot of little details and clues that make it entertaining beyond just the funny story. It is a story of two kids who meet a scientist who breaks down strange things like yawns, boogers, and itchy spots.
K**S
Once read never to be forgotten...for those with imagination
My grandchildren love this book and my enthusiastic reading brings it to life. They are still making up new Mischievians every week and calling me about them. We have become obsessed about Mischievians.
N**A
Buy this book! It’s great!
This is a fun book - for kids of all ages! I live reading it to kids!
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