Monday, March 7, 2011

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Till Death Do Us Bark

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
 
Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. I couldn't resist being a part of such brilliance. Others who can be counted on for a great MMGM review each week:

Till Death Do us Bark
43 Old Cemetery Road (Book 3)
by Kate Klise, M. Sarah Klise (Illustrator)
 
 
Expected publication: May 2nd 2011 by Harcourt Children's Books

Goodreads Blurb: 

When a dog arrives at Spence Mansion, Seymour is overjoyed. His adoptive parents, Ignatius B. Grumply and Olive C. Spence, are less enthusiastic—especially when Secret, the dog, begins barking all night long. Is it possible Secret just misses his old companion, the late Noah Breth, whose children are fighting like cats and dogs over their father’s money? Or does Secret have a secret that, in the end, will make the entire town of Ghastly howl with delight? 
This third book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, a runaway mystery told in letters, limericks, a last will, and loose change, is guaranteed to please anyone who’s ever tried to keep a secret.

These books are so much fun! Kate Klise is beyond clever: names like M. Balm, Rita O'Bitt, Kitty and Kanine Breth, Shirley U. Jest, and Seymour Hope. The story is written in letter format all the way through, which is both fun and a great lesson for young readers. It also adds to the suspense. 

I read this book in only a few hours, and then handed it over to my eight-year-old--you know how I love to see what my boys think. He laughed and laughed. Then he asked me if there were any more. Yep! It's a winner. 

If you haven't read the first two books yet, I suggest that you do before this one hits the shelves in May. Then you'll be all caught up and can wait for book four like I am!

*Book courtesy of Harcourt via NetGalley

Happy Monday!

31 comments:

S.A. Larsenッ said...

This book sounds like a blast. Must get! And the cover is fab. I'm a cover sucker. lol

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

From your review this book sounds good, will endevour to get it.

Yvonne,

Laura Pauling said...

I love titles that play off sayings or phrases. Cute.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Sounds really cute! I have an eight year old girl, so this will be perfect for her.

Melissa said...

The title hooked me and the description totally brought it home!!!

Ben Langhinrichs said...

I'll definitely get hold of the first two books. Sounds like a series worth watching. (And I am a total sucker for the silly names and word plays)

Erica Mitchell said...

Those names are too cute! And the book sounds like a lot of fun. I really like "Letter Format" books and wish there were more of them. My mood on dogs today is limited due to my patience on the yappy Pomeranian next door and my dogs constant "Eeeeeeeee" sound. It may have to wait, but the book sounds awesome. Actually, it could improve my mood if I give them the personalities of detectives or something...like the book :) Thanks for sharing!

Creepy Query Girl said...

I really need to be educated in MG. I haven't read much but so far I've loved all the reviews I've seen through Shannon's blog and yours.

Mary E Campbell said...

This sounds like a fun book for my 9yo - always trying to find books he'll enjoy.

I posted about a mid-grade book today - come check it out.

Sherrie Petersen said...

I hadn't heard of this series but it sounds like a good one. Adding it to the list. Thank you!

Old Kitty said...

ANY book with the character Shirley U Jest is a MUST!!! LOL!!

Awwwww what a fun series!!! Wonderful!! Thanks for the info and review!! Take care
x

Angela said...

Hey, you're hair is blond again. Love this marvelous middle grade Monday, another book to put on my to-read list.

Stina said...

I love all this MG love going round. Another great book to tell my kids about. :D

Laura S. said...

I haven't heard of these! This sounds so cute. Thanks for sharing!

Candice said...

I can't keep up with all your great recommends! But it's nice to know there's a list I can go to anytime I need a good MG.

Theresa Milstein said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I have to add it to the wishlist because my daughter is a HUGE dog book fan.

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss shannon! i love dogs and secret stuff so maybe i could like this book. but i gotta tell you it didnt grab me like some other ones you talked about. so for me its a maybe.
...hugs from lenny

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Sounds like great fun, Shannon. Thanks for the link. I just posted my own and linked to yours. (I think you're our leader since Shannon #1 hasn't been posting MMGMs recently.)

Meredith said...

Those names are absolutely adorable! Sounds like a fun read.

Myrna Foster said...

I love limericks! This series looks like a lot of fun. Thanks, Shannon!

Shari said...

This sounds like a really fun book! I LOVE the clever character names! Have a great one, Shannon.

Golden Eagle said...

I love the title! LOL. Thanks for the review--it sounds like a great book!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

What great names she created! A friend of mine knew a woman, whose name was...Virginia Ham.

Charmaine Clancy said...

you had me at 'dog'. :-)

I think Matilda will love this one. Thanks for the recommendation!

Karen Lange said...

Ah yes, if the boys are asking if there are any more, then it IS a winner!

Am finally seeing some sun here and having an opportunity to wear my shades. How about you, amigo?

Happy Monday,
Karen

Jennie Englund said...

Yes! You're inspiring, as aways, Shannon!

Susan Fields said...

Shirley U. Jest - I love it! These books sound like a lot of fun for young readers!

Sarah Allen said...

This looks wonderful! Thanks for the review :)

Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)

Unknown said...

Those sound like really good reads. Thank you for passing that on.

Also, I'm passing the Stylish Blogger Award your way. You can check out the details here.

Patti said...

I'm really need to start reading more MG. Time to go back to the bookstore.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I love the title. It sounds like something I would love. Thanks for the review, Shannon!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...