The Book Report from the Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon Adventures

by Mike Thaler, Jared Lee (Illustrator)

The Book Report from the Black Lagoon is a special book created just for you by Scholastic Book Clubs. It's our way of saying thanks for being a reader.

This Book Report won't feel like homework!

Hubie is very unhappy with his latest assignment. He has to do a report on a full book. Not a comic book. Not a picture book. A real book with chapters! How is he ever going to get through all those pages of words? Good thing there is the perfect book for every occasion!

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Humor, Fiction, Picture Books, Own, 1st Grade

29 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Mike Thaler, born in Los Angeles, started his professional career drawing cartoons for adults. A children's book editor saw one of his cartoon stories in a national magazine and encouraged Mike to try writing for children. His first attempt met with success, and "The Magic Boy" was published in 1961.

Mike has produced over 220 published books and is known as “America’s Riddle King.” He has also been called “The Court Jester of Children’s Literature.”

Mike Thaler lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Patty. He gladly welcomes all invitations to do church and school programs, and other book events.

Mike travels each year throughout the world helping children and teachers create their own stories, riddles, and books. He writes and teaches with creativity, inspiring his audiences with a love of language.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kid is assigned a book report, and is horrified he has to read a real book instead of a comic book.

Funny, really.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a tiny children's book this is cheesy fun. It's way beyond my age level but when it's donated, I read these. I've read another Black Lagoon book and they always draw me in such I get a tickle out of the title and exaggerations - I'm a huge Creature of the Black Lagoon fan so appreciate the cheesiness. This one's adorable, but looks like our main character has been tricked into becoming a bookworm. Illustrations are still dim on the color but it's playful and cute enough. There's silly jokes that are downright puns - such as making fun of the friend for which book they chose - which kids should get a kick out of.

[Leon Alvarado]

This book is very interesting because in one of the chapters, Hubie discovers how Robin becomes an outlaw and how after he was so interested that he didn't even pay attention to anybody or anything. This also inspired me to not think of books as boring stuff, but really cool adventures that you get sucked into. I can prove this is interesting because when I saw the cover, I thought it was a book about monsters. But, then it took twist, it was actually about a really long book and a book report. There is also another reason this book is very entertaining, and it's because since I thought it was short, it was also going to be boring. But, I misjudged it, and it turned out to be not bad at all. I recommend this wonderful, but short, book to 3rd graders, to 6th graders. I also want to say that what I learned from this book is, Never judge a book by it's cover because these books sometimes surprise by the unexpected.

[Kelly Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book about a kid facing the dreadful task of doing his 1st book report. Even though the chapters were extremely short and concise, this tiny book did a great job describing how to do a book report and while that drama was happening, it sneakily shows how the kid starts to love reading unbeknownst to himself as it sneaks up on him. I wish this reading bug would be caught by my children, minus Analíz, who has it. I keep hoping that if I keep pushing the books, they will discover the amazing joy of reading someday!

[Elines Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great, especially for those young readers that are reluctant about transitioning into the chapter book world. The chapters are very short, 1-2 pages, and text is medium-large, very easy to see and read. Also, the illustrations are simple black and white, minus the cover and back of the book. Very funny and enjoyable. Definitely, one to put on the shelves.

[Tyreese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I read this to boost up my goodreads reading goal.. But it was very relatable! And it brought back my childhood from whenever I read this book!

[Christine.Newmanbetheluniversityedu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Comedy Humor Grade: 2-3
This book was a good book that tells a struggling student's perspective of reading. This book is something many students can relate to when it come to reading and writing about what they read. Lots of students struggle with reading then that really effects their writing about what they read. The character in this book is someone lots of students can relate to, all they need to do is find a book that is about something they are interested in to get them to to enjoy reading. Sometimes it takes a teacher or an adult that will take the time to help a student find a book that interest them.

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone avoiding reading a book just because of a book report.
He gets into the book - really gets into it - and gets an A+ on his report.
Then, he can't stop reading books!

Now that's what I call over the top.

My students seemed to like it - they especially liked the illustrations, though.
We finished it in 3 short sittings, knowing it was a humorous book. And yet, the puns still flew right over their heads.

[Janyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Green assigns Hubie and his friends a book report. Hubie has a difficult time finding the right book to read. The librarian suggests Robin Hood. Hubie struggles at first to read the book. However, after his mom begins to read him the book he cannot put it down. Hubie read his book every chance he got. In the end he received an A+ on his book report.

[Isabella Parkhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very nostalgic because I remember reading Mike Thaler books as a kid and absolutely loved this one. This is a short, easy to read chapter book that I believe would benefit students who have a hard time reading, to start reading more! The illustrations are classic Mike Thaler and always a joy! This was an enjoyable book and I would love to read more books in this series.

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2010
Star rating:3
Award:
Genre: Beginner chapter book
Summary w/ themes: In this book, the students have to pick a book to write a book report on. The main character is not enthused, but he does eventually get really into his book.
Use for future classroom: good book to have in my library
Thoughts of book: I thought this was a simple read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story. I love reading, always have. I am trying to instill the love of books into the two little girls I take care of. They enjoyed this book, too.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspired me to go read Robin Hood!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I hope it gets kids excited about books! My 3 kids and I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this book to others.

[Coleman Wigger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and funny.

[Joshua Lechuga]

fuck you

[Mary Teske]

This would be great for third grade or younger! Definitely would a favorite among the kids that like adventure stories

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute for early elementary. Hubie discovers the joy of books.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun; I'll encourage my grandchildren to read this series.

[Jecel Cortes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and the chapters aren't really chapters but that is expected since it is a kids book for like 8 year olds. It still is a very interesting book.

[Israel Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

it has short chapters and it is so funny.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intimidated by the task of writing a book report on a real chapter book, Hubie first gets help from the librarian and then, after stalling as long as he can, finally gives in and discovers the joy of reading.

An enjoyable little book with black and white pictures and most of the text in written form, but some dialogue in the illustrations. The art is simple and, for the most part, effective, but the dialogue boxes in the illustrations don't always flow logically.

Still, it's entertaining enough for an elementary schooler

[Kacy Josten · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book Report from the Black Lagoon, by Mike Thaler is about the struggles of starting a book report. In this short chapter book, Hubie can not decide what to do for his book report. After talking with the other students as well as the librarian, Hubie finally decides to read aand report on Robin Hood. Along the struggle to begin his report, Hubie discovers the joys of reading.
This book was a little slow, and I wasn't a huge fan of the accompanying artwork, but I could see how a struggling reader could really relate to the text.

[Lucero Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how difficult it may be to start reading a book and do a book report when you just do not like to read. This book is a fun way for students who feel that they just can not engage in reading to begin to read. The Book Report from the Black Lagoon allows for students to connect with the main character and at the same time allow themselves to become engaged in reading. This is a great way for the student to find the humor in reading and also to begin to read chapter books.

[Cayla Lile · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Book Report From The Black Lagoon" is one of many from the series "Black Lagoon Adventures." Hubie was just assigned to do a book report, and he is not happy about it. He has a hard time getting started, but he soon discovers that he loves reading! I really enjoyed this book and its illustrations. It is very well written and humorous. I will definitely be purchasing more of the series in the future!

[Amanda S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great book to get a reluctant reader to read. Book reports are dreaded by so many students, but that may be because they have not found the right book or a topic they enjoy reading about. This particular book shows a young boy finding a book that he likes and enjoys. Students may be able to relate.

[Keshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book that is great for reluctant readers a) because it is easy and quick to read, b) because of the illustrations, and c) because it shows how Hubie, a reluctant reader, finds interest in reading. Will definitely use this with my students.

[Alycia Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny children's book chronicling a student's process or writing a book report. Very fun and humorous for

[Yulidy Decena]

It's funny because I felt exactly how Hubie (the boy) felt. -He first procrastinated reading and then got hooked on it.

[Tiffanyemilia]

it is ok