- a man stuck on deserted islands sends hilarious letters and stories via jars
- a clean read-aloud for almost all ages
- convo: talk about shooting & killing (but in a comical setting), wine & champagne mentioned
- language: x1 heckuva
Type: chapter book
Ages: 5*-10
Author: S.D. Smith
Illustrator: Joe Hox
*This age (five) could definitely handle hearing the book read aloud, but he wouldn’t get a lot of the jokes.
It’s a good thing Smith established himself as an excellent writer before this published, because it’s purposely riddled (get it, heh) with frequent literary blunders! These are meant to amuse, and my 10-year-old especially caught lots of them (though, even he missed some meant more for older ages).
Somehow S.D. Smith has managed to be snarky without the snark. Figure that one out. 😉 He takes funny stabs at just about everyone:
“Speaking of food, I’m a vegetarian, but here’s what’s different about me. I like to let others know about it.”
“Have you ever seen a grizzly bear’s claws? No, you haven’t, because you’re selfish, and all you think about is essential oils.”
“Speaking of learning, have you considered taking an online course about online courses from someone online offering courses about it?”
(There are many more, but they really are best read in context.)
The book gets its name from one of the stories the man sends. It’s about moose that fight with bears. There’s lots of talk about rocket launchers, machine guns, flamethrowers and bazookas, and it’s all infused with humor.
If you’re looking for a light (and wacky) summer read-aloud or audiobook, consider this one!