Chuck Richards (1)

I really liked this story. The theme of this story is courage and being courageous means overcoming your fears. I liked this story for three reasons. First, it is very relatable. Many children are fearful of something. The main character Jerry, was afraid of heights. Secondly, the descriptions were wonderful. Descriptions are critical in a modern fantasy story because readers have to use their imagination. The author used imagery such as metaphors and adjectives such as, hasty, flickering, bizarre, and dwelling. The third and final reason I liked this story is because of how it developed. The author connected Jerry's fear, to the growing creativeness of his father. For example, the jungle gym continued to grow as Jerry's father came up with more ideas and as it did, so did Jerry's fear. This plot built up anticipation in the reader.… (meer)

Reviewed by Me for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

When Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney leave to pick up their kids from Camp Yippie-Yahoo, Henry has his first job as a Critter Sitter.

The Mahoney's don't just have a dog and cat, though. They also have a tree frog, a fish, a bird, and a boa constrictor. It doesn't take long for Henry to find out that keeping Slobberchops in the laundry room, and the bird in its cage, and the snake in its tank is no easy task.

The dog escapes into Mrs. Angora's yard (she's the old lady who lives in a spooky mansion on the top of the hill!), the fish is almost flushed down the toilet, the bird makes a run for it, and there are live crickets all over the kitchen!

Creature Control may be Henry's game, but the Mahoney pets are not making his job easy!

Children will delight in this fun story, and the full-color illustrations only add to the humorous chaos. This is a great bedtime - or anytime! - read for the whole family.… (meer)