Sunday, February 08, 2009

Roxie and the Hooligans by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

I picked this book on Bookmooch as a whim and I'm so pleased I did! One glance at Phyllis Naylor Reynolds list of books (the Shiloh books, the Witch books, the Alice books, the Bernie Magruder books) and you realize what a prolific children's author she is! I look forward to checking out some more of her books.

Roxie and the Hooligans starts off by introducing Roxie, a little girl who has the misfortune of having very large ears. Helvetia's Hooligan's pick on her daily because of her ears and small size. Roxie does her best to avoid the hooligans and revels in hearing her Uncle Dangerfoot's stories of travel and adventure. She has memorized Lord Thistlebottom's Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them and admires his great bravery in all kinds of dangerous situations. One day, Roxie finds herself hiding in a dumpster to get away from Helvetia and her hooligans when they all fall in with her. Then they are carted off on a tanker barge and left on an island. The kids find themselves hiding from dangerous theives on the island and Roxie saves the day by recalling all she learned from Lord Thistlebottom's book. Helvetia and her friends become impressed with Roxie's knowledge and bravery. When the kids are rescued, they all thank Roxie and no longer torment her.

This short book is a sweet endearing little read with adventure rolled in. It's fun to watch Roxie gain self confidence throughout the book. I only wish the book was a bit longer and I hope that Reynolds writes another Roxie story because I really loved this character and her adventure.

Other reviews of this book:
Four Story Mistake

No comments: