Stink

February 28, 2005
This spirited launch of a new series focuses on Judy Moody's younger brother, Stink. But Judy's fans will be pleased that she plays a pivotal role here. Each day she pulls out a tape measure to learn whether Stink—the shortest kid in his second-grade class at 3' 8"—has finally grown. After one such session reveals that her brother has shrunk
, Judy suggests he apply gel to make his hair stick up so he'll look taller, which turns his locks bright orange. The lad believes his luck is changing when the teacher draws his name to care for the class pet, a newt, for a weekend. Alas, another of Judy's attempts to help results in calamity: when the two are cleaning the newt's cage, the pet disappears down the kitchen sink and
Judy accidentally flips the switch for the garbage disposal. Yet the quick-thinking girl assures Stink that the creature likely slipped down the pipes to safety ("Think of it like Stuart Little
. He's probably sailing down the river right now on a raft, having a big, fat, newt adventure"). For a President's Day assignment, Stink eschews Washington and Lincoln to write about James Madison, the "shortest president ever" (his family shows their support by throwing the boy a James Madison Day party). "The Adventures of Stink," silly comic strips hand-drawn by the boy and positing him in various superhero roles, add little to the plot but may well attract reluctant readers. McDonald's breezy narrative and likable characters will keep Judy's followers amply amused and recruit new fans. Ages 5-8.

February 1, 2010
PreS-Gr 3-In this installment, Judy Moody's brother sticks up for Pluto, as it has unfairly (in his estimation) been demoted to dwarf planet status. Stink, defender of all things small, accepts the challenge of trying to convince his classmates that Pluto should still be considered a real planet while his nemesis, Riley Rottenberger, argues the opposite. The story is predictable but sweet as the smaller things in life are championed. Stink is an entertaining character and his audience will appreciate his jokes. The series of solar-system comics are likely to pull reluctant readers into the story while offering fun trivia about the solar systemincluding Pluto. A fun addition to a popular series."Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Grades 2-4 Astrophysics facts combine with everyday second-grade school experiences in this lively chapter book in the Stink series. Shocked to hear the scientific fact that Pluto has been declared too small to be a planet, Stink stands up to both grown-up scientists and other kids when he starts a campaign to let Pluto back into the solar system. He even makes bumper stickers that read Honk if you love Pluto. The funny words (double freaky-deaky) and silly scenarios, illustrated in Reynolds wry, informative black-and-white drawings, make for a fast read about the triumph of the little guy and the wonders of the universe.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
While studying for a science test, Stink learns about Pluto's "demotion" to dwarf planet status. He grows determined to restore it to its place of glory. His second-grade class divides into pro- and anti-Pluto factions, complete with protest signs and an election. Stink's enthusiasm is contagious, and readers will enjoy using the "Mnemonic Comics" cartoons to learn planetary facts along with him.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)