Ms. Pac-Man's Prize Pupil

by John Albano, John Costanza (Illustrator)

Book by John Costanza

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 1980s children’s book quest continues with a dive into video game literature.
First, we must acknowledge Ms. Pac-Man’s feminist title—though married with a baby, she retains the Ms. She is a modern woman of the ‘80s, after all. Unfortunately, however, the story casts her as the quintessential woman in jeopardy. While taking baby for a walk and teaching him to identify “oak trees” and “bushes” (trees are distinct, bushes not so much) to justify the title—despite the baby doing absolutely nothing through the book—they are stalked by ghosts Inky, Blinky, Winky and Sue (what happened to Clyde?) who want to steal the power pellets in her purse. When Ms. Pac-Man realizes she’s being followed, she runs for her life with her child—because a children’s book about a defenseless woman running for her life with a baby while being pursued by a gang trying to steal her purse isn’t at all disturbing. Yeah, ‘80s video game lit was dark.

I, the reader, was able to help her escape, however, by navigating her route through several mazes throughout the text, which I though was a rather clever way to make an otherwise typical kids’ book fun. I was actually even more impressed that in the 36 years this book has floated around the used book market, no kid drew all over the mazes, but I can’t speak for other copies. Unfortunately, Ms. PAC-Man doesn’t snarf down a floating cherry and turn the tables on the ghosts, but she does make it home safely, and the ghosts get their come-uppance.

This book was actually better than expected, though my expectations bar is set to low. Also, in the story the ghosts, who have difficulty with the mazes, comment about Ms. Pac-Man and baby Pac-Man’s maze success, “Some smart person must give them a hand!” And that smart person was ME! Blatant flattery earns this book an extra half star.

I remember there was a Pac-Man cartoon on Saturday mornings, and my guess is this book was inspired by that. There is also a Pac-Man book noted in the list on the back cover, which is getting added to my list of books to find next....

[Chance Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really cute. There are a few really cool and smart details I'd like to point out.

Cover
Bonus points for orignal illustration on the cover. It makes sense and foreshadows what to expect.
The Prize Pupil sort of confuses me though. Is Baby Pac-Man homeschooled? I didn't think these are questions a picture book would be giving me because of a title.

Interior
I seriously underestimated this story. It is really creatively humorous. Abusing Inky Blinky Pinky and Sue. I had to look up why Clyde was shunned. Turns out Clyde was replaced in Ms. Pac-Man with Sue making it more loyal than I realized. But then why are the colors off? I'm confused.
I love the ghost abuse in the book. For every good ending Ms. Pac-Man passes they show the bad endings and it's actually funny. Even the 3rd wall breaking joke they make is a nice nod to the reader.
The story is adorably interactive. I love it that it not only gave you three mazes but slightly increased the difficulty with each one. I find it funny how they urge you to use your finger to find the end of the maze like it would work. But my copy is in good condition so apparently it does.
The book is charming.

The book did send me spiraling downa lore filled theory though. Ms. Pac-Man is married to Pac-Man, Is her first name Ms. and Pac-Man is just the last name? Baby Pac-Man? These are theories I wasn't thinking about having when I started reading it.

Spoilers? If it matters.
The end is hilariously and weirdly creative. Who would have thought ghosts getting stuck in a chimney before being picked up by a tornado. Who would have thought a picture book about Ms. Pac-Man would end in Property Damage?

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of mommy's favorites!