Call number
Collection
Series
Publication
Description
Who wouldn't want to live in a treehouse? Especially a 13-story treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favourite flavoured marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you're hungry. Life would be perfect for Andy and Terry if it wasn't for the fact that they have to write their next book, which is almost impossible because there are just so many distractions, including thirteen flying cats, giant bananas, mermaids, a sea monsters pretending to be mermaids, enormous gorillas, and dangerous burp gas-bubblegum bubbles!… (more)
User reviews
The book becomes the comical story of how it came to be, and it literally explodes off the page with laughs as the reader learns of all their escapades on a single day in their lives. Andy and Terry seem like overgrown kids, and the reader will romp through the pages with them, as they alternate between procrastination and determination in their effort to fulfill their obligation. The banter between them will absolutely delight youngsters.
In this first book of a new series, Andy, the author, and Terry, the illustrator, live in a wonderful, imaginary 13-story treehouse, with amenities a child can only dream of: see-through pools, an automatic marshmallow dispenser that knows to spit them into your mouth when you are hungry, a video conferencing telephone. The wondrous discoveries on each floor will enchant the 8-12 year old. Magical things occur as if they are everyday occurrences, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary under the pens of both these talented men. The drawings are so much fun to explore, although some are a bit too busy as to become complicated, most are really easy to unravel and follow. They are simply drawn and very clever. Each new chapter follows from the preceding anecdote and is illustrated appropriately.
There is one cautionary note to parents. Some language is not politically correct and might not be considered acceptable. The use of terms like stupid and birdbrain do occur, but they are not overused and seem appropriate to the episode, rather than insulting. There are some silly violent behaviors but nothing bad really seems to happen as a result. Also, lying is discussed as a method of solving a problem. Although some of the episodes are a bit gruesome, none are over the top, and in the end, the reader will definitely be left chuckling and not concerned. The escapades are really witty, and the silly humor in this book will give every reader something to smile or laugh about.
Overall, after all is said and done, this book sure captured the way young middle school kids talk to each other and think.
It's set up "Wimpy Kid" or "Dork Diary" style
The cast of characters encountered varies, if you haven't guessed that as of yet. From the cat turned catnary to the sea-monkeys, from a sea-monster to a GIANT gorilla, and a little bit of everything in between, you've definitely got your plate full here...but that's not even mentioning our leads, Andy and Terry (wait a second, aren't those the names of the author and illustrator?).Andy is the writer of the duo; Terry is the illustrator. Though each would like to claim the title of the other as well, a contest between the two revealed in the story nets the true winners. You'll laugh along with their antics, make their worries your own, and while away a piece of your afternoon as you read all about them rushing to meet their publisher's deadline...only after having a few more adventures that put off the inevitable.
A great way to insert a reading break in your day and something that will definitely keep your imagination running in tip top order. Though a work of fiction aimed at children the creativity employed will attract a wider range of readers....even if only to satisfy their curiosity. The way the story wraps around on itself is another stunning point you have to read to see and again begs the reader to ponder just how much of this work was fiction...versus fact.
**review copy was received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be viewed on my site**
When I was a little
It was a really cute read and it kept me laughing the entire time. I can't wait to see what else these two have in store for the kiddos.
I would rate this book from 1-10, as 8.It is a great book that each child should read. This is such a good book even though it is for kids 3 years younger than me I still love it.
The appeal here is in the illustrations. The
Apparently Griffiths and Denton have written a ton of stuff together. I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of their other collaborations yet. For fans who have, this book offers a fictional look behind the scenes.
This book reads like a behind the scenes episode of Phineas and Ferb (rather like the Tri-Stone Era episode). Imagine if Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and Dan Povenmire goofed off too long and then made an episode about it.
All in all a wonderful children's book.
I won a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily writing a review.
Premise/plot: Andy and Terry live in a treehouse--a LARGE treehouse at that. They write books together. They are past due for their current book, oh no! And they are having trouble concentrating on their work, their
My thoughts: Very meta. I think this one may have kid appeal. I am NOT the target audience. The humor, in my opinion, is very age-specific. There's a target age group--or humor/maturity phase--that this one was written for directly. Granted humor is always subjective. It is the first in a series.