April Reads: Encyclopedia Horrifica/Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

As an escapist reader I am always looking for something fun and interesting to read that doesn't take too much to understand or is too complex.  I use my mind a lot daily, so I like to give it a rest before bed. My friend's daughter's school had its book fair two weeks ago, and to help out the school I went to see if they had anything that fit my fancy, and they did. I stumbled on several books, two of which are below, they were so good I wanted to feature them on my blog!

First, we have Encyclopedia Horrifica by: Joshua Gee. Basically this book takes all the things that go bump in the night and gives logical explanations using bits of history and science to explain the things that scare us. Beginning with sea monsters, werewolves, vampires, and aliens, the book then moves to ghosts, bogymen, superstitions, and psychic abilities, and finally ends with faeries, zombies, and death. What makes this book even better is the way its set up: you (the reader) are following Mr. Gee as he investigates all these animals and creatures, and along the way there are little fun activities and tests you can do to be more a part of the story. You even get to become the investigator and try to solve a mystery!     

This is a great fun read for any age!!! Four out of four stars!!!

The mini-read for this month is Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by: Jarrett J. Krosoczka. It's a fun story that is unexpected, and took only about ten minutes to read.

Hector, Dee, and Terrence are kids who are frequently bullied at their school, until a new substitute steps into the picture. While at lunch the kids wonder about their school lunch ladies (who are indeed crime fighters!), and the lunch ladies are wondering about the weird new substitute. That is the base for the story and it comically takes off from there.

Both story and art are great because they are effectively simple. This book gets four out of four stars as well!!!

Pick these books up and you'll have a great time! Enjoy!!!
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