A delightfully fun read that will keep you in stiches!” — Dan Santat, Caldecott Medal Winner for THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND
“Readers will love Wedgie and Gizmo’s distinct and hilarious voices and Barbara Fisinger’s adorable and eye-catching illustrations!” — John Schumacher (aka Mr. Schu), Ambassador for School Libraries
“This first installment is great for one-on-one sharing or independent reading. A solid purchase for libraries looking for early chapter books.” — School Library Journal
“Amusing and imaginative.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A delightfully comedic look at the chaos that is family life… There’s plenty of warmth and humor, with a bit of sardonic bite from Gizmo, and readers of Jamieson’s The Great Pet Escape will find much to love here.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Comical illustrations and lighthearted text combine to captivate middle-grade readers as a guinea pig evil genius and a corgi canine superhero match wits and win reader’s hearts.” — Mary Burkey, independent library consultant, Booklist Reader
“Selfors has written a hilarious tale of two families becoming one-from the point of view of the pets. This peek into the secret lives of pets will be irresistible to animal-loving early readers.” — Tegan Tigani, children's book buyer, Queen Anne Book Company, Seattle
“I truly adored this book! It’s super and genius . . . and not a bit evil. The author is a hero! Who will win out in the rivalry between this cagey Cavy and capewearing Corgi? The readers!” — Starr Latronica, Director, Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro, VT
Praise for the Imaginary Veterinary series: “The best books are those in which imaginary creatures leap off the page and into our worldjust one of the reasons why this book is a ton of fun. I can’t wait for more adventures.” — Wendy Mass, NYT bestselling author
“An entertaining story that will pique readers’ interest from the first dragon sighting. Ben is a relatable main character, and daring, outspoken Pearl is the perfect partner in crime.” — Publishers Weekly
“Selfors kicks off her Imaginary Veterinary series with a solid, entertaining opener. Ben and Pearl are Everykids that readers will relate to, and the adults of Buttonville are often delightfully weird and clueless. More hijinks adventure than mystery, this is sure to win an audience.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for SMELLS LIKE DOG: * “Selfors offers up an adventure tale that features a humorous, high-stakes mystery and a lovable hero. ...Peppered with funny dialogue, this joyous romp is a page-turning adventure that will appeal to enthusiastic and reluctant readers alike.” — Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
“Full of fantasy, fun and humorous dialogue, this will attract dog lovers, mystery enthusiasts, adventure addicts, and reluctant readers. A thoroughly enjoyable read.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Fans who enjoy the editorializing and over-the-top humor in Wendelin Van Draanen’s Gecko and Sticky series will take pleasure in this misfit duo’s quirky adventures.” — Booklist
“A whimsical narration and sometimes comical dialogue add a light touch.” — School Library Journal
Praise for SMELLS LIKE TREASURE: * “A funny, suspenseful adventure that stretches the borders of readers’ imaginations.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“The suspense of the challenge will keep readers turning the pages. Fans will love Homer and Dog’s return.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“It is the perfect balance of humor, peril, sadness, excitement and adventure.” — Time for Kids
“There is plenty of rip-roaring fun here; fans will applaud Homer and Dog’s return.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Quirky characters and over-the-top humor” — Booklist
I truly adored this book! It’s super and genius . . . and not a bit evil. The author is a hero! Who will win out in the rivalry between this cagey Cavy and capewearing Corgi? The readers!
A delightfully comedic look at the chaos that is family life… There’s plenty of warmth and humor, with a bit of sardonic bite from Gizmo, and readers of Jamieson’s The Great Pet Escape will find much to love here.
Praise for the Imaginary Veterinary series: “The best books are those in which imaginary creatures leap off the page and into our worldjust one of the reasons why this book is a ton of fun. I can’t wait for more adventures.
Readers will love Wedgie and Gizmo’s distinct and hilarious voices and Barbara Fisinger’s adorable and eye-catching illustrations!
Comical illustrations and lighthearted text combine to captivate middle-grade readers as a guinea pig evil genius and a corgi canine superhero match wits and win reader’s hearts.
A delightfully fun read that will keep you in stiches!
Selfors has written a hilarious tale of two families becoming one-from the point of view of the pets. This peek into the secret lives of pets will be irresistible to animal-loving early readers.
It is the perfect balance of humor, peril, sadness, excitement and adventure.
Full of fantasy, fun and humorous dialogue, this will attract dog lovers, mystery enthusiasts, adventure addicts, and reluctant readers. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Fans who enjoy the editorializing and over-the-top humor in Wendelin Van Draanen’s Gecko and Sticky series will take pleasure in this misfit duo’s quirky adventures.
Fans who enjoy the editorializing and over-the-top humor in Wendelin Van Draanen’s Gecko and Sticky series will take pleasure in this misfit duo’s quirky adventures.
A delightfully comedic look at the chaos that is family life… There’s plenty of warmth and humor, with a bit of sardonic bite from Gizmo, and readers of Jamieson’s The Great Pet Escape will find much to love here.
05/01/2017
Gr 2–5—Gizmo may be a guinea pig, but he considers himself to be an evil genius. When Elliot and his dad, along with Gizmo, move in with Jasmine and Jackson, their mom, and Wedgie, their dog, Gizmo vows destruction. Wedgie, or Super Wedgie, as he likes to be known, wears a red cape, loves to eat food off the floor, and does not like the vet. Through both animals' alternating points of view, readers learn about the adjustments of moving and becoming a new, blended family. Snippets of human conversations and lists of evil plans give a hilarious and unique perspective to this story of two families coming together. The illustrations and short chapters help break up the text for young readers, while the dialogue, formatted like lines in a script, make this ideal for readers theater programs. VERDICT This first installment is great for one-on-one sharing or independent reading. A solid purchase for libraries looking for early chapter books.—Shana Morales, Windsor Public Library, CT
2017-05-10
When families get blended, so do their animals. Gizmo, a genius guinea pig who can read and wears eyeglasses, and Wedgie, a much less intelligent corgi who wears a superhero cape, each alternately relate their interwoven stories in distinct first-pet voices.Unfortunately for the guinea pig, his owner, Elliot, is forced to let his new, annoying little sister, Jasmine, help take care of Gizmo. Jasmine enjoys dressing him up in tutus and housing him in Barbie's lavish (pink) former abode. But Gizmo is an intrepid sort of critter with evil plans to rule the world, and he does find Barbie's rucksack useful for carrying gear as he engages in some nighttime adventures, not all of them successful. Through comments Elliot makes, readers learn of his unhappiness with his new family situation, although this second storyline takes a back seat to Gizmo's scheming. Acting as his and Elliot's foil, Wedgie, who calls Gizmo "the Furry Potato," is convincingly doglike in his eager embrace of just about everything. Fisinger's numerous illustrations are action-packed and appropriately humorous, especially in their depiction of Wedgie's never-ending enthusiasm. An opening gallery introduces Jasmine's family as Latino and Elliot and his father as black. While the tale is never laugh-out-loud funny, it's amusing and imaginative enough to sustain interest for readers new to chapter books. Gizmo is more droll than likable, but Wedgie is attractively steadfast and amiable, in the end rescuing both Gizmo and the story. (Fantasy. 7-10)
Narrators Johnny Heller and Maxwell Glick are unfailingly exuberant as they bring Wedgie and Gizmo to life. This is no easy task, given these two large personalities—one a guinea pig set on taking over the world and the other the quintessential family dog, ever faithful but out of step. Wedgie and Gizmo are in the thick of it whether racing about in a superhero cape, bemoaning a new pink plastic cage, or out walking with Elliot and Jasmine. Heller and Glick use every narration technique—low, menacing drawn-out words; enthusiastic utterances in bouncy high-pitched tones; and pacing as dizzying as the action. A fun-filled romp. A.R. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
As an expert in children's literature and a passionate enthusiast, I can confidently say that the book being discussed in the provided information is a delightful and entertaining read. It has garnered praise from acclaimed authors, illustrators, librarians, and reviewers, all of whom have recognized the author's expertise and the depth of knowledge reflected in the book.
The quotes from various sources highlight the distinct and hilarious voices of the main characters, Wedgie and Gizmo, as well as the adorable and eye-catching illustrations by Barbara Fisinger. The book, which seems to be an early chapter book, has been commended for its amusing and imaginative storytelling, its warmth and humor, and its ability to captivate middle-grade readers.
The story revolves around the chaos that ensues when two families blend together, with their pets, Gizmo the guinea pig and Wedgie the corgi, at the center of the action. Gizmo, who fancies himself an evil genius, plans for destruction while Wedgie, or Super Wedgie as he prefers to be called, wears a red cape and has a love for food and aversion to the vet. Through the alternating points of view of these two pets, readers get a unique perspective on the adjustments and challenges that come with becoming part of a new, blended family.
The book is filled with comical illustrations, lighthearted text, and engaging dialogue formatted like lines in a script, making it ideal for readers theater programs. It has been praised for its relatability, its appeal to animal-loving early readers, and its ability to entertain both enthusiastic and reluctant readers.
In conclusion, based on the evidence and acclaim provided, it is clear that this book is a must-read for children who enjoy humorous and imaginative stories about pets and family dynamics. Its engaging storytelling, distinct characters, and captivating illustrations make it a solid choice for libraries and an excellent addition to any child's reading list.
