FICTION

The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer…

by Davide CALI
illus. by Benjamin Chaud. 44p. Chronicle. Jul. 2016. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781452144832.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1–3—The little boy from I Didn't Do My Homework Because… tells an increasingly tall tale about his summer vacation. The excitement begins with the cover (depicting the boy and his dog entangled in the arms of an octopus) and is carried through to the endpapers (featuring the creature's suction cups). "So, what did you do this summer?" asks his teacher. He recounts a magical tale involving a treasure map, pirates, a submarine, a flying machine, yetis, and more. Careful readers will pick up on several visual clues and jokes. Spare text is enhanced by intricate cartoon illustrations in this picture book with an attractive chapter book trim size.
VERDICT A fast-paced story that will keep kids chuckling and perhaps inspire their own unbelievable tall tales.—Andrea Pavlik, Huntington Public Library, NY
Reviewed by it was a treasure map!” The protagonist’s breathless narration is amusing. In one particularly funny scene, the teacher questions a scenario with people in period clothing and the boy has to admit: “It turned out to be a medieval festival.” Appealing and meticulously detailed illustrations depict exciting action. The boy encounters pirates at sea, is chased across a desert by mummies, skis down a mountain past yetis, and much more. An unexpected final reveal will have kids thinking of possible motives for the teacher’s actions and turning back to spot clues they may have missed on the first read.
, Jun 01, 2016

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?