Sprites Behaving Badly

by Wendy Elise Walker, Theodore Kasparek (Illustrator)

In the year 1993, twelve year old Wendy cannot seem to get along with anyone, and this includes her bossy and stubborn Aunt Zelda, with whom Wendy lives. Wendy loves watching an 80's cartoon about three Sprites that get into trouble all the time. One night, Wendy's dreams come true when the three Sprites arrive in a time machine that looks like a spaceship. They say that they came to life magically and, unable to get along with the producer of their old TV show, they decided to travel to 1993 so they could live with Wendy, who is their biggest fan. Aunt Zelda reluctantly allows the Sprites to live with her and Wendy, but Wendy and the outspoken Sprites keep getting into trouble with Aunt Zelda who is mean and cranky. All Wendy wants to do is find meaning and purpose in life, but that doesn't seem to happen.

Wendy and the Sprites realize that they have a more serious problem than Aunt Zelda on their hands when another 80's cartoon character travels to 1993 - the arch villain Wowzer. Wowzer wants to spread racist messages to children using television. Wendy finally finds purpose when she and the Sprites hatch a plan to thwart Wowzer on national TV. Can they get their lives together so they can stop Wowzer from indoctrinating the nation’s children?

Filled with 80's and 90's pop culture references, this is a fun, easy-to-read book for children 8 and older, and anyone young at heart.

154 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2023

About the author

I am a huge fan of both MG books and thrillers. I love reading and do it all the time. I have a bachelor's in psychology. I love 80's music. I am the self-published author of the MG fantasy/humor book "Sprites Behaving Badly." It's about three lovable, mischievous 80's cartoons that come to life and stand up against racism.

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an original short novel.

Springs Behaving Badly defies genres, it's kind of a children's-style comedic book, but it's also very much for Millennials who grew up on 80s and 90s cartoons more than for modern kids.

It's silly, in a good way, as mischievous cartoon characters team up with a precocious child (whose tragic circumstances are almost fairy tale-esque archetype already) and cause havoc. Full of imagination, zany adventures, and there's even a racist villain so that's something of a deeper message.

It reads quickly and feels familiar to anyone of this generation. In fact, if it could be time traveled to 90s kids who would read it while still a child, that's ultimately the perfect audience. Still, it's sure to be entertaining to readers of all ages.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sounds like a fun and entertaining read for children aged 8 and older. The plot of the story seems to be well thought out, with a good mix of adventure, humor, and pop culture references from the 80s and 90s. The protagonist, Wendy, is relatable as a young girl struggling to find her purpose in life, and the arrival of the three Sprites adds an element of fantasy and excitement to the story.

The conflict with Aunt Zelda adds a layer of tension and creates a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by children living with difficult family members. Additionally, the introduction of the villain Wowzer and his attempt to spread racist messages through television adds an important message about standing up against hate and intolerance.

Overall, the book seems to be well written and engaging. The themes and messages are appropriate for children, and the pop culture references will appeal to both younger readers and adults who grew up during the 80s and 90s. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read with a positive message.

[Lisa Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story that did a great job of balancing funny predicaments and serious issues facing pre-teens. The 80’scand 90’s references make it a fun read for adults too. If you liked the Paddington books, add this to your bookshelf!