The Fourth Circle of Heck
February 1, 2011
PreS-K-Thumby, the smallest duckling on the team, is starting in his first opening-day baseball game for the Webbies. The story begins at the top of the ninth, with the opposing team at bat. The artwork is stronger than the text. Morrison provides painterly renditions of the action and draws some scenes with a unique perspective to show how it feels to be a rookie at the plate waiting for the pitch or a novice fielder hoping to catch a ball to make the third out. Readers will sense Thumby's anxiety as he is often portrayed with his thumb in his mouth. Humorous batting tips are sprinkled throughout. New players will enjoy the traditional happy ending with the bons mots on the final page.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2011
In this fourth purgatory send-up (Heck, Rapacia, Blimpo), Marlo is in Fibble, the circle of Heck reserved for liars; her brother, Milton, slaves away for Satan's TV network. Trapped in each other's bodies, the siblings foil a plot to destroy the world. The series' usual clever wordplay, funny schtick, and witty references, as well as some serious media commentary, are on full display.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)