101. Stink: Solar System Superhero

Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald. illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (Canada) - (USA)
Stink Moody, Book 5

Pages: 119 pages
Ages: 6+
Finished: May 31, 2010
First Published: Mar. 9, 2010
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: children, humour, realistic fiction
Rating: 4/5

First sentence:

Flub! Flop! Flunk! Stink Moody had to take a test.

Acquired: Received a review copy from Candlewick Press.

Reason for Reading: My son enjoys these books, his dad reads them to him at bedtime and I thought it was time I saw what they liked about these books so much.

A totally enjoyable experience from start to finish! Stink is a regular kid, with regular kid problems and fears but when he gets an idea he becomes determined and full of spunk. Stink is flabbergasted when he gets his science test back and is told Pluto is no longer a planet, even Judy, his older sister, can't believe it. Stink gets his facts straight and insists that even if it is a "dwarf" planet then it still is a planet. When the resident Space expert in his class teases him and regales him with all the reasons why Pluto is not a planet, the teacher breaks in and explains that they both are right. Scientists took a vote to send Pluto packing, but some scientists still believe Pluto should counted as a planet. She then assigns Stink and "Space Camp" Riley to a debate the next week and their class will have their own vote on whether Pluto is a planet.

A truly delightful book. As my first introduction to Stink, I was taken with him right away and can understand why my son enjoys his books so much. At the end of each chapter was a comic page with information about each of the planets in order based on the mnemonic saying "My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" which was very interesting and extremely humorous. I have to say I particularly liked the stance the author took on Pluto, acknowledging the ongoing debate, showing both sides equally. (I wish all books on science topics did the same!). An amusing and entertaining first chapter book, that could be read aloud to younger children and will hold the interest of older reluctant readers. I'll have to make sure I get books 1-4 read before another new one comes out as I won't be missing out on Stink's adventures any more!