The Inflatables

The Inflatables #1

by Beth Garrod

 

“A pun-tastic, abundantly silly graphic novel” - Guardian

“Puns a plenty, with true comic capers, this new series is perfect for fans of The Bad Guys and Dog Man” - WRD Magazine

Welcome to the Have A Great Spray waterpark! There’s slides, rides and fried ice cream, but that’s not the real attraction . . . Meet Flamingo, Cactus, Donut and Watermelon - four inflatable pool floats who live in an almost-forgotten pool next to the Lost-and-Found office. They may have been left behind by their original owners, but that hasn’t stopped them becoming firm (well actually quite squashy) friends. And of course there’s Lynn too, the traditional blue Lilo who has been floating around since the park opened. She’s been there, done that and got the puncture.

But things don’t always go to plan when you’re filled with air and live in a park packed with pointy things. From Walter S. Lide – the ruthless park owner – to Claws and Paws, the park’s stray cats, everyone is out to burst their bubble. With each day bringing a fresh wave of drama, life with the inflatables is always guaranteed to BLOW UP!

Featuring TWO Bad Air Day and Mission Un-poppable A funny, sunny, splash-tastic new series for readers 6+, featuring a gang of loveable pool floats! Perfect for fans of The Bad Guys, Bad Kitty, Spongebob and Toy Story. 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Humor

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2022

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haha, this was a HOOT! I just had so much fun reading this one though I wonder... why is no one weirded out by moving inflatables? Oh well, magics. XD In this one we meet various inflatables who all live in the Lost and Found pool and together they have tons of adventures. I just loved the personalities and how well it fitted with the inflatable they were. The illustrations were fun and I love the combo of text along with illustrations and comics.

[Ivy Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

What can I say? My kids talked me into reading this one and it’s just not my cup of tea.

[Vicky]

A group of floatation devices in a water park set out on an adventure to visit the new wave pool attraction until one of them sees his worst nightmare. His friends stick with him and retreat in solidarity. In the end, the terrorizing inflatables turn out to be fans and the whole animosity between them turns out to be a misunderstanding. I like how the friends stuck together, even though it meant missing out on something they were very excited about. I also loved that they all talked things out and became friends with the other group in the end. Puns and jokes along with the detailed and emotive graphics really make the story pop and keep the kids engaged. (This was an uncorrected proof where not all the artwork was final, but about half of it was finalized and I’m sure the rest will be just as captivating in the final draft).

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

The first in the series, this book follows a group of inflatable pool toys from the Lost and Found pool on an epic adventure to visit the new wave pool. We're introduced to the mastermind Cactus, fame-obsessed Flamingo, perpetually hungry Donut, supportive Watermelon, and the cynical Lynn.

Humorous dialogue, engaging black-and-white illustrations, and tons of puns. Fast-paced adventure full of laughs.

Great for fans of Dog Man and The Bad Guys: Episode 1.

[Ardin Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was both cute and fun. I loved the puns throughout, and I think Donut was my favourite character. I loved how all of the characters were so determined to help their friend, Flamingo fulfill his destiny, and that no matter what challenge they were faced with, they worked together to find a solution.
I thought this book was really funny, and loved the illustrations. It's definitely something I can see my niece and nephew enjoying, and I'll definitely be recommending it upon release.
Thank you Scholastic for sending me the ARC for review. I'd highly recommend this to young readers who enjoy the concept of films like Toy Story, and comedies like Loud House.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a series, The Inflatables. They are exactly that, a group of inflatable toys who are friends. Each is a different shape and therefore has a different personality. They have all sorts of experiences and adventures at the water park where they live. Flamingo is certain a group of inflatable swans are after him so they all concoct a scheme to hide and keep Flamingo out of sight. Needless to say this leads to all sorts of zaniness which young readers will enjoy. Eventually, Flamingo realizes the swans are not out to hurt him; they only want his autograph.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 2.5 or closer to 3 for me. For those of you who have ever wondered what would happen if inflatables came to life, this one is for you. This was a very silly, fast read full of adventure and terrible puns. It helps as an adult if you don't think too hard about things like how the inflatables can inflate and deflate themselves... or how they're eating food. Wacky, silly summer fun perfect for Bad Guys or Dog Man fans, though I think those series are slightly funnier than this first entry in the Inflatables series.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic copy from Scholastic, Inc.
Book one in a new series by Garrod. Readers meet five inflatable pool toys who live in the Lost and Found Pool at the water park. The author has created five unique characters who share their personalities and bond together as friends. Readers will appreciate the humorous adventures and jokes. Looking forward to more from this series.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Inflata-gang, there is Flamingo, Cactus, Donut, Watermelon, and Lynn. Cactus has learned there's going to be a new wave pool opening today, so they work together to make it. Flamingo is especially determined because there will be cameras there to launch him into the spotlight. A very silly summer story! For fans of Investi-Gators, Bad Guys, and Dog Man. I wish the illustrations were in full color, but the facial expressions so good without color.

[Shaun M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and fun kids book that I enjoyed reading with my younger sibling. The amusing part of the main character stems from the flamingo who, in fact, has the word "star" engraved on his behind :D. The excitement and adventure levels in this book are a sight to behold. The author mentions sweets throughout the book giving me absolute mouthwatering tingles for a watermelon slice and a donut of my own. Overall, a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to the younger audience!

[Malak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in like 40 minutes because I wanted something short but fun, and this was it (ik it's a children's book loll (it's my lil bros book)). But I loved the message behind it that sometimes we're too focused on what we want (in this case, being famous) that we forget to remember what we have. It also has a kinda sad story, and I LOVED the illustrations! Last but not least I also loved the puns in this thing 😭

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cactus, Donut, and Watermelon are the best friends a Flamingo could ask for! These inflatables are determined to help their buddy follow his dreams and the Have a Great Spray! water park... =) and the hilarity (& puns) that are a part of their adventure will cause fans of The Bad Guys to have a new favorite series!

[Becky H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great buddy comic for fans of the Scaredy Squirrel series. Lots of puns at play as the inflata-pals get into mission mode to visit a brand new wave pool at their home, the 'Have a Great Spray!' water park.

[Great Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great early graphic novel for kids and adults to enjoy. It is sure to enlighten anyone! Flamingo is an inflatable that wants to be famous. With the help of some friends will Flamingo be the star that they always thought they could be? Reviewer 28

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Round up
To 3 1/2 stars. I did not care for this book, but my seven year old read it on repeat! There were a few humorous moments, no violence or scary themes. Technically, exactly what I was looking for for a solo long car read. Illustrations are black and white, we wish they were color.

[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blast! Read this for a read along with my daughter and it was really entertaining. Plenty of clever word play and jokes to make it enjoyable for older readers too. We're moving on to the second book Mission Unpoppable next

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this one was pretty cute. I loved the puns and the general goofiness. The fact that Flamingo's fears stemmed from a misunderstanding was a nice touch as well. My only wish is that the illustrations were in color!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars? Kinda random and quirky but I’m sure it would make kids laugh.

Side note: I feel like I’ve been spoiled with fully colored graphic novels long enough that it’s hard to enjoy black and white comics now 😅

[Dolank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and very funny.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 year old loved this!!! We can’t wait for the next in the series this summer.

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for your "Bad Guys" readers.

[Chesbirger659 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really interesting because I was really funny

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Punny kids book. Bright with delightful art.

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize you needed hallucinogens to read this. I didn't have any.

[Cstrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes: Beginning reader graphic, reluctant reader, humor

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very punny. I wish that the pages were full color and not black and white, that's what I knocked a star for. Otherwise it was a great read

[K.J. Haakenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and silly kids graphic novel. Perfect for summer! (I do wish the art was full color tho 👀)

[Heather Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is hilarious. Not only did my 6 year old enjoy them, but us parents too. A great way to read together as a family.

[Joely Novack · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is great if you like humor and comedy. it is a great graphic novel, but sadly is in black and white. it is great for kids too

[Meredith Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

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