The Doodles of Sam Dibble

The Doodles of Sam Dibble #1

by Judy Press

Sam's birthday is in twenty-four hours, seven minutes, and four seconds. Here's what he wants: a new bike (because he messed up the old one), more pens (so he can draw doodles), and the best birthday party ever. He'll have to wait for the presents, but the only way he can have the best party ever is if Demo Dan, the world's greatest wrestler, shows up. The only problem is, Sam doesn't exactly know Demo Dan (and he promised his friends Dan would be there—he even made a bet on it!). Now time is running out. Will Demo Dan show up in time for Sam to blow out his candles?

Genres: Chapter Books, 2nd Grade, 1st Grade, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2013

Reviews

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

So while you may need to be a seven year old boy to like this book, I wouldn't buy it for my seven year old. It reinforces the worst stereotypes about boys and American kids. The author went out of her way to prove that boys will laugh at the basest gross humor by adding multiple occurrences of picking noses, boogers, poop, vomiting, farts, burping, ear wax...all in just 112 heavily illustrated pages. I think the author nailed the voice, if the voice is a crude, lying, cheating, hateful, lazy boy. I love the format: doodles on every page which may or may not illustrate the text and sometimes finish the author's sentences. I like the author's sense of humor when she is trying to be genuinely funny, and I like her writing style, balancing dialogue and inner monologue, description and narration. The plot moves nicely for this age (if only the main character were more likable) although the ending was disappointing. If I've made you want to read this, then great...it's your kind of book. If you check out the author's other series, then I've accomplished my mission. She is talented, but this one is a waste of her abilities.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot twist was great, but I found the doodles really distracting. Made it hard to read sometimes. Good book for kids who find wimpy kid too hard.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the doodles and the book

[Melissa Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son thought this book was so gross it was funny. He frequently said, "eww" and fauned over the drawings. He kept asking to read one more chapter even past his bedtime so we both gave the book 5 stars for sharing a laugh together ☺️

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story covers a 28 hour period before Sam's birthday. Sam gets himself into a little hot water by making a promise that famous wrestler Demo Dan is coming to his party. He even makes a deal with Max that if Demo Dan doesn't show, then he'll give him his Halloween candy his been saving up. I really liked the illustrations and think this will have some instant kid appeal. To give you an idea, there are chapters titled "An Underarm Fart Doodle, A Barf Doodle, A Superhero Shark Doodle, etc." Even Albert Einstein makes an appearance. The story is probably best for second to third graders who aren't quite ready for Diary of the Wimpy Kid and parents who don't mind the chapter titles. It must be doing pretty well cause Double Trouble is already out and Robots Don't Clean Toilets is due out in July.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Avery, age 9
If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid then you will like this book. Each page is part doodle, part written story about a boy named Sam who likes to doodle and is getting ready for his birthday party in twenty-eight hours, seven minutes, and four seconds. There are thirteen short but very funny chapters. Each chapter is Sam getting closer and closer and to his birthday party and filled with hilarious stories about his friends, family, and crazy stuff that has happened in the past.
Read t he full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/3...

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Sam is an understandable and relatable character, I really felt like this short work was a little too shallow for me. Just because you are writing to a younger audience does not mean that you don't need character development - at all.

Sam is a typical 3rd grade character - full of mischeif and a disagreement ready on his lips. But there are few third graders I know who would pick this up over Wimpy Kid or My life as a Stuntboy.

This Diary of a Wimpy Kid light is more of a 1st or maybe 2nd grade book in my opinion. Just a dash more development of the characters and I would of bumped it.

[Lonna Pierce · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meant to be a clone of the Diary of Wimpy Kid for younger readers, this chapter book shamelessly copies the guy-friendly doodle-lit and mentions all the requisite farts, boogers, poo, barf, etc. in a race to appeal and to gross out third grade males. Michael Kline's doodles are amusing, but they can't rescue the text. Dumb and dumber.

[Meghan Nels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn. I think my 1st - 3rd grade boys would enjoy this books - especially those who aren't quite ready for Diary of a Wimpy Kid. However, I think some parents may not be happy with all the toilet humor. Captain Underpants does this...but I am just not sure if I want to add more of this humor to my library...but in the end I probably will. This is a funny read that will get many boys reading!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic for 6-7 year old boys who can read, but who still work at it. Ellie McDoodle for boys. It certainly isn't my thing (I think the first word is arm fart) but it is just right for the average 6-7 year old boy.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the 2013-14 ND Flickertale nominees. This story follows the pre birthday bragging of third grader Sam. He decides that he is going to have the world's best wrestler at his party. The day continues with his rival betting him. Does Demo Dan make it to the party? Read the book.

[Erin Al-Mehairi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this, but my 9 year old breezed through it as a fun read and found it cute and read in one sitting. Held her attention and she is ready for next in the series. Lower reading level for her, and maybe her age, but it was a stress free and fun evening read.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book for beginning chapter book readers. Like the title implies, enough doodle to keep transitional readers interested. Series is geared toward boys. Silly humor. Love the spacing (great for kids with reading challenges). Can definitely see 2nd grade boys or 3rd grade boys liking this series,

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I did read this book, It's was amazing they really have picture in very page to understand meaning. The Doodle of Sam Dibble, is one of kindest book then find other books. When I read this books: it's not difficult and it was smooth reading.

[Caren · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars.
A Wimpy Kid for 3rd graders.
Think boys would like it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's how good THE DOODLES OF SAM DIBBLE is:

My boys (5 and 7) asked to go up for bed early tonight so we'd have more time to read it!!!

[Barb Keister · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perfect for 2nd/3rd grade boys who love reading about gross things and the girls who have to tolerate them!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and art. Will be reading more.