The Big Bad Blackout

June 1, 2014

Gr 1-3-In this third, full-color installment in the series featuring the Moody siblings, a blackout encourages the whole familyto discover activities that don't require electricity.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2014
It's hurricane season in Virginia, and Stink and Judy Moody are in for some dark nights. The Moodys are stuck in their house with no electricity when Hurricane Elmer strikes. What could be challenging turns into an enjoyable few days, especially when Grandma Lou joins the family with Gert, her kayak, and an assortment of animals she has taken in for friends who could not take them to the shelter. Losing power is nothing new to these hearty residents of the Virginia Beach area. Grandma is soon cooking food over a fire in the fireplace, and Stink is imagining himself a pioneer like his hero (and latest obsession), Abraham Lincoln. The nights are filled with board games played like musical chairs, switching games when the music from the old-time (presumably battery-operated) CD player changes, and listening to stories. Sometimes they read aloud, but the best part is telling stories. Whether it's a story about a special chicken, a disastrous hurricane wedding or Judy's Mr. Drybones story, everyone enjoys the time together. Readers of this fine series will enjoy the full-color illustrations and the little rain clouds above the page numbers. New fans can join in the fun--no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this newest one. A cozy, comfortable book for a rainy night. (Fiction. 5-9)

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July 1, 2014
Siblings Judy and Stink find themselves stuck at home after a storm knocks out the power, and they come up with some creative ways to entertain themselves and their family. McDonald's simple structure and kid-friendly humor take the edge off a scary situation; Reynolds's full-color illustrations light up the pages. Includes suggestions for things to do if readers find themselves in the dark.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)