The Legend of Spud Murphy

Colfer, Eoin. 2004. The Legend of Spud Murphy. New York: Miramax Books.

Summary
The book begins with two brothers being forced to go to the library because their parents feel it will be "educational" and they won't be able to get into any trouble there. The parents decide that the children should spend two hours a week there. The librarian is referred to as Spud Murphy because she has a reputation for shooting potatoes at children who misbehave in the library. The boys are afraid of her. They get their library cards and are told that they are allowed only in Junior section and they are not to move off the carpet. Both boys start out by pretending to read, and then a funny thing happens and they actually start to read and enjoy the books they are reading. They end up reading everything in the Junior section and devise a great scheme to sneak books out of the adult adventure section. They get caught and are scared to death, but a funny thing happens and the librarian gives one of the brothers a blue library card for the adult part of the library.

Impressions
This was a great story. It was fast paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the way the character of the librarian was done. She was so funny. At one point she told one of the boys that she was going to give one of them a stamp of a pirate, but she actually stamped him with a stamp that said "I love Barbie". The story had this kind of humor throughout, and would definitely be a good choice for reluctant readers. The story has pencil drawn pictures throughout that lend themselves nicely to the story. This was one of my favorite books and I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly( October 03, 2005 ; 0-7868-5504-5 ) "The titular librarian grumbles when two brothers arrive, but softens when she finds them hooked on books. "The story's comic moments, brevity and message are well targeted to reluctant readers," according to PW. Ages 7-11. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal( October 01, 2004 ; 0-7868-5501-0 ) "Gr 2-4-This hilarious offering is the first in a new chapter-book series. The cartoon illustrations enhance the funny mood of the story. Youngsters, especially reluctant readers, will laugh out loud at this clever book, which can also be read aloud. A good choice for fans of Dav Pilkey, Jon Scieszka, and Ian Whybrow."-Christine McGinty, Albany Public Library, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.