For Your Scotts Valley Readers: A Record Breaking Kid's Book

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

I loved the Guinness Book of World Records when I was a kid. I remember checking it out of the library and pouring over the crazy pictures. It is a right of passage that every kid goes through, even in these day of YouTube and video on demand. The picture of the woman with the longest fingernails may just haunt me forever!

To have a book this week with a kid who dreams about record breaking and the fascinating things the world has to offer, well that in and of itself is a win!

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss a fascinating fact about the greatest weight juggled (59 lb, 7oz) or the highest dunk of a donut (198 ft 8in). As for the most melons chopped on the stomach on a nail bed - well I’ll just have to leave you guessing.

Title: Teddy Mars: Almost a World Record Breaker

Author: Molly B. Burnham

Target: Grade 3-7

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about:
Teddy is the second to last child in a family with seven siblings! His younger brother adores him, but he expresses his affection by breaking all of Teddy’s stuff. In an effort to get away from “the Destructor” Teddy moves into a tent in the backyard. Teddy loves the Guinness Book of World Records and he helps his neighbor “Grumpy Pigeon Man” with his birds. It turns out these two endeavors come together in hilarious ways.

Why I love this book:
Teddy will be a hero to every child. He is the ultimate put upon little brother who perseveres nonetheless, and what child doesn’t see themselves that way?

I loved that Teddy’s two best friends are an only child and one with one sibling. They show us that no matter what your family dynamic, there are always challenges, which I appreciated.

I liked the fart jokes. They were not overwhelming, but I chuckled, and farts done well are funny. I also like the tie in to the Guinness Book of World Records. Kids can’t get enough of these books, so it was a joy to see it featured in this story.

Who this book is for:
The book is segregated by month and then with smaller topics highlighted, which makes is an easy read. Kids who enjoy the Wimpy Kid format should easily be able to manage this story.

Final thoughts:
Teddy Mars is a pretty nice kid, if you ask me!

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!

Previous book columns From Freya Hooper:

A Record Breaking Kid’s Book

Cooking Up a Great Book for Kids

Picture Book for Dog Lovers

For Your Readers: Book to Inspire Young People

Dear Parents: Books That Make Your Kids Smarter

Keep Your Little Ones Reading: Here’s Perfect Alphabet Book

Here Is A Super Science Fiction for Your Kids

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