Review: Desmond Pucket

AMP Comics for Kids adds another Hybrid novel to the ever growing list of comics and prose mishmash titles. On sale in just two weeks, this will be a popular pick for students waiting for the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid or simply looking for a Diary read-alike.

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic
Mark Tatulli
AMP Comics for Kids, $13.99
Grades 3-6

11-year-old Desmond Pucket is obsessed with monsters. He will do any silly trick to scare the pants off whomever he can. But his tricks are quickly getting him into hot water, both in school and at home, and Desmond is at risk of getting kicked out of school. Or worse, he’ll miss the 6^th grade class trip to Crab Shell Pier, an amusement park Desmond has been eager to visit for over 4 years.

Desmond’s last chance out of trouble is extra-curricular activities. He gets kicked out of the A/V club, and a mix-up at the newspaper sends him to the Drama Club for his last try. This time Desmond decides to turn a new leaf, to change everything about himself, his friends, his looks, and his entire demeanor, to ensure he succeeds.  But someone is sabotaging the school musical. And everyone is pointing at Desmond.

While the book trailer tries to make this title sound scary, it’s anything but! It’s silly and fun and heartwarming all at once. While some of the story is a bit stereotypical, the hilarious illustrations and the monster fun make this a must read and a must add to any bookshelf for the grade 3-6 crowd.

The publisher’s website is loaded with fun activities.  While not a creepy read, this will be a great book to add to any Halloween display.

This review is based on a complimentary advanced reading copy supplied by the publisher. All images copyright © AMP Comics for Kids.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews