Rocky Zang in the Amazing Mr. Magic

February 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-McDonald gives emerging readers their own series that offers the same realism and zany humor as her previous "Judy Moody" books. Madrid's digital illustrations are clearly based on those created by Peter H. Reynolds; they are in full color and in great abundance, which helps support and engage brand new readers. In Pig Trouble, readers meet Jessica Finch, a friend of Judy Moody who loves pigs and hopes to get one as a pet for her upcoming birthday. Jessica asks Judy to snoop around and find out what her birthday present will be and is upset when she does not help her. When Judy later appears at the birthday party with a baby potbellied pig, Jessica realizes that Judy is her best friend ever. In Mr. Magic, Rocky Zang's magic is less than amazing, and Judy, also known as "Stella the Spectacular," is anything but a spectacular magician's assistant. Judy must learn to be a good friend and help the Amazing Mr. Magic put on a terrific backyard show. This new series will be a welcome addition to the library and a great stepping stone to McDonald's original chapter book series.-Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2013
Judy Moody for new readers is a miss. The original Judy Moody's target audience is new chapter-book readers, and there, she is a queen. In a new format aimed at newly independent readers, Judy is back with familiar characters: the titular Rocky Zang and, in a simultaneously publishing companion, Jessica Finch (Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble; 978-0-7636-7027-6). Both stories follow a similar plot trajectory--the main characters have a big idea (fledgling magician Rocky wants to work with Judy as his assistant, and pig-crazy Jessica wants a pot-bellied pig for her birthday) that falls flat when misunderstandings among Judy and her pals get in the way. Here, Rocky perfects a hidden-dollar trick that makes Judy mad. The back-cover copy assigns this book to ages 4-6, which is quite a stretch, especially in the occasional spreads in which text fills an entire page. The vocabulary can be a challenge, likely to frustrate the just-beginning reader. On just one page, readers must tackle assistant, clenched, amazing, Supersonic and Switcheroo, words that gear the title to a slightly more experienced audience. Fans will also be disappointed by the new illustrations. Gone are Peter Reynolds' deft, humorous lines, and here is Judy looking very different in brilliant full color. Fans tend to love things just the way they are, making this attempt to extend the brand down of questionable wisdom. (Early reader. 6-8)

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July 1, 2014
In these spinoff transitional readers, Judy Moody's friends Jessica Finch and Rocky Zang share the spotlight: Judy arranges Jessica's birthday surprise and helps Rocky with his magic show. Full-bleed color illustrations (modeled after Peter H. Reynolds's originals) add to the fun. The easy-to-read books are great for newly independent readers not quite ready for the longer Judy Moody chapter books.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)