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A review by especiallybooks
Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom by David Neilsen
5.0
From my blog @ billbrarian.com
My thoughts:
Dr. Fell is a marvelously creepy character. He comes onto the scene and changes the lives of the residents of Hardscrabble Street almost immediately. I love good, creepy stories. I was eager to review this when I heard about it and it was recommended by fellow author, Chris Grabenstein. Neilsen leads us into the world of Nancy, Jerry, and Gail. Jerry and Gail are siblings. Nancy is Gail's best friend and the girls are two years older than Jerry. Nancy is definitely outspoken and a bit on the sarcastic side. She's pretty wise to the ways of the world, or so she thinks. Gail is the calmer of the two girls. Jerry is very smart for a boy his age. The creepy house that they have played in or around for years becomes the center of attention when Dr. Fell moves in.
After a few events, which I won't spoil, the children learn of Dr. Fell's nefarious plans. The story has the perfect build. It will keep kids engrossed from start to finished. The pacing is strong and the plot is effective. Kids will like this book.
Pros:
The names in the book just made me laugh out loud. They are hilarious: Jud Feditsky, Martha Doomburg, Meaty Gluttonsen, Veronica Plaguestein, etc. I chuckled every time I came across one.
The characters of Nancy, Jerry, and Gail are developed well as the story progresses. They act like real kids and with real kid problems.
Neilsen doesn't hold back when certain things happen to the kids. It's not over the top scary, but the scenes add to the suspense.
The dialogue is quite funny and paced well.
Cons:
My only con was initially how the parents were portrayed as being a bit dimwitted. But the longer I read the book, I realized that this might be how kids see adults sometimes. We are pathetically dimwitted to what is happening to them occasionally.
I also want to know if there is going to be a sequel and haven't been able to find out yet.
Pick up this book! It will be a great read-aloud for your classroom or your home. I will be adding it to my library collection and will recommend it to kids looking for a good, fun read.
My thoughts:
Dr. Fell is a marvelously creepy character. He comes onto the scene and changes the lives of the residents of Hardscrabble Street almost immediately. I love good, creepy stories. I was eager to review this when I heard about it and it was recommended by fellow author, Chris Grabenstein. Neilsen leads us into the world of Nancy, Jerry, and Gail. Jerry and Gail are siblings. Nancy is Gail's best friend and the girls are two years older than Jerry. Nancy is definitely outspoken and a bit on the sarcastic side. She's pretty wise to the ways of the world, or so she thinks. Gail is the calmer of the two girls. Jerry is very smart for a boy his age. The creepy house that they have played in or around for years becomes the center of attention when Dr. Fell moves in.
After a few events, which I won't spoil, the children learn of Dr. Fell's nefarious plans. The story has the perfect build. It will keep kids engrossed from start to finished. The pacing is strong and the plot is effective. Kids will like this book.
Pros:
The names in the book just made me laugh out loud. They are hilarious: Jud Feditsky, Martha Doomburg, Meaty Gluttonsen, Veronica Plaguestein, etc. I chuckled every time I came across one.
The characters of Nancy, Jerry, and Gail are developed well as the story progresses. They act like real kids and with real kid problems.
Neilsen doesn't hold back when certain things happen to the kids. It's not over the top scary, but the scenes add to the suspense.
The dialogue is quite funny and paced well.
Cons:
My only con was initially how the parents were portrayed as being a bit dimwitted. But the longer I read the book, I realized that this might be how kids see adults sometimes. We are pathetically dimwitted to what is happening to them occasionally.
I also want to know if there is going to be a sequel and haven't been able to find out yet.
Pick up this book! It will be a great read-aloud for your classroom or your home. I will be adding it to my library collection and will recommend it to kids looking for a good, fun read.