I've been waiting to get today's read up here, since it sounds fantastic. It's for chapter book readers (those readers who need a little more practice before heading into the middle grade realm) and a graphic novel...but what caught my attention was the grouchy groundhog and the promise of super-silliness on the cover and in the blurb. And pancakes because who doesn't like pancakes?
Anyway, let's open it up and see if it holds to my expectations.
(Note: This read was so fun that I'm adding it to my possible favorites of 2025 list)
GROUCHO
THE GROUCHY GROUNDHOG
by Lydia Lukidis
Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Chapter Book / Graphic Novel
80 pages
ages 6 to 9
COMING...
JULY 15th!!!
Commander Hare E. Bun Bun has stolen all of the pancakes in Critter Creek! Grumpy groundhog Groucho and his annoying, cheery neighbor, Blork, the unicorn pig, must work together to save breakfast!
Groucho and Blork can’t be more different. Grouchy is a grumpy groundhog whose motto is “Go Away!” Blork is half unicorn, half pig, all smiles, and absolutely convinced she is Groucho’s bestie. They’re only united by an incredible love of pancakes.
So when they learn that the evil Commander Hare E. Bun Bun has stolen all of the pancakes of Critter Creek, along with the secret recipe, Groucho and Blork dash to save the day and become an unlikely pair of crime fighters!
Groucho and Blork can’t be more different. Grouchy is a grumpy groundhog whose motto is “Go Away!” Blork is half unicorn, half pig, all smiles, and absolutely convinced she is Groucho’s bestie. They’re only united by an incredible love of pancakes.
So when they learn that the evil Commander Hare E. Bun Bun has stolen all of the pancakes of Critter Creek, along with the secret recipe, Groucho and Blork dash to save the day and become an unlikely pair of crime fighters!
MY TIDBITS
Grouchy might seem to be a negative turn, but this read proves that tons of fun can be hidden behind even this grumbly word.
Groucho is a grouchy groundhog, who just wants to sleep and eat pancakes. He doesn't even want to admit that his perky, maybe-unicornish neighbor could be his best friend, especially when she forces him to wake up. But this time is different. An evil plot is brewing thanks to Commander Hare E. Bun Bun, and it could mean the end of pancakes for everyone.
This is a super fun read with tons of laughs. The characters are furry (for the most part) and all are definitely cute...even the evil villain, whose attitude and plans could be kinder. The adventure is very quick paced and draws in immediately, holding to the very, very end. First, readers get a quick bio and overview of each character in a presentation, which highlights their personality with hints of silliness. At the end, there's another presentation surrounding Groucho, which showcases several of his attributes and such to add a last, nice touch.
Everything about this read screams fun, which is perfect for those readers who need to practice their words. The entire thing is divided into chapters, and these are kept pretty short to make sure breaks are readily available. The text is easy to read, always just enough to keep the story clear and moving, and still makes sure to add just enough to work those word skills. But readers will be so caught up in Grouch and Blork's adventure that any 'work' on this end becomes nonexistent.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and let the humor flow while sticking to the tension, too. There are plenty of details to build the world without distracting. These balance nicely with the text and make the tale that much more grabbing.
This is a funny and grabbing read with just the right amount of tension, nonsense, friendship, and saving-the-day. It's a great start to what promises to be an exciting series.
And here they are...
2 comments:
This has got to be a series - I can see this guy on the holidays - especially Ground Hog Day!
What a fun idea!
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