This review first appeared on YA Books Central and is reproduced below with permission. To see the original post, click here.
I received this book via the publisher, Harry N. Abrams. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Give Cheese a Chance by Tom Angleberger Series: DJ Funkyfoot #2, The Flytrap Files
Published by Harry N. Abrams on 2021-09-07
Length: 112 pages
Reviewing Hardcover Rating:
A spin-off chapter book series in the world of the Flytrap Files, from New York Times bestselling author Tom Angleberger!
After working as a nanny for the power hungry ShrubBaby (a deceivingly adorable baby shrub), DJ Funkyfoot—a chihuahua who dreams of being a butler—has finally landed his dream job. A real, actual butler gig! He’s been hired to butle for President Horse on the day that the president needs to sign a peace treaty with the Queen of Wingland. But the president doesn’t feel like it. All he wants to do is kick back, relax, and play some mini-golf. It’s up to DJ Funkyfoot to get the president through his mini-golf game quickly so he can get the treaty signed on time to stop the war and save the day!
The books will take place in the same world as Inspector Flytrap and Didi Dodo but do not require knowledge of the world.
Give Cheese a Chance by Tom Angleberger is the second book in the DJ Funkyfoot, The Flytrap Files adventures. In this installment, our butler finds himself at the White House filling in for the president’s butler. An honor to be sure, however DJ finds himself in over his head with a spoiled horse, a deadline, and war looming. Hilarity ensues as DJ takes the president for mini-golf and cheese fondue.
What I Loved:
I really enjoyed this one. DJ Funkyfoot is a fun character who is learning how to be a proper butler, but also when to say no. As a butler, he’s been trained to do what is asked of him, but what do you do when you know its’s the wrong thing? As a parent, I like how the author uses DJ as an example of both what happens when you follow along and what happens when you “put your foot down.”
Every page is filled with colorful illustrations and easy to read text appropriate for the targeted age range. The artwork is fun and reflects the silliness of the characters. I like that the author has chosen to make animals of all the characters. They reflect a bit of their animal counterparts as well….like a stubborn horse.
Final Verdict:
Full of laughs, Give Cheese a Chance is sure to please early independent readers leaving them begging for more.
About Tom Angleberger
Tom Angleberger is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Origami Yoda series, as well as Fake Mustache and Horton Halfpott, both Edgar Award nominees, and the Qwikpick Papers series. He is also the author of the transportation picture book McToad Mows Tiny Island. Tom lives with his wife, Cece Bell, in Christiansburg, Virginia.
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