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Black Lagoon Adventures #1
The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon
A new trade release of the hugely popular book club series by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee. These fun-filled chapter books mix school, monsters, and common kid problems with hilarious results.
Oh, no! It's the class trip from the Black Lagoon. The kids have no idea where they're going but they imagine a day full of ferocious animals, maniacal monsters, and scary aerial acrobatics. And their teacher, mean Mrs. Green, is going to quiz them on everything! When the kids stop letting their imaginations run wild they soon realize that they're going to a very cool zoo. But that won't change the fact that there's never a dull moment in the Black Lagoon!
Oh, no! It's the class trip from the Black Lagoon. The kids have no idea where they're going but they imagine a day full of ferocious animals, maniacal monsters, and scary aerial acrobatics. And their teacher, mean Mrs. Green, is going to quiz them on everything! When the kids stop letting their imaginations run wild they soon realize that they're going to a very cool zoo. But that won't change the fact that there's never a dull moment in the Black Lagoon!
64 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
About the author
Mike Thaler
295 books118 followersMike 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 11, 2025
The kid thinks the worst of the upcoming class trip, only for it to turn out pretty well.
A good series.
A good series.
January 28, 2020
I loved it. I think he was dreaming. (Finnley, age 6)
November 30, 2019
I found this book so confusing. I had read a few of these in second grade, but I had completely forgotten about the format that they follow. A student is speculating on how the class trip is going to go the next day. They call their friends and share ideas of where they'll go. Then the book launches into this dream sequence of all the horrible things the kid imagines will happen on this school trip.
I got so lost during the dream sequence of this book that I thought that's what was happening. I don't think kids will have a problem with that though. All in all, this was a fun book that invigorates the imagination.
I got so lost during the dream sequence of this book that I thought that's what was happening. I don't think kids will have a problem with that though. All in all, this was a fun book that invigorates the imagination.
July 10, 2018
A funny book with a lot of fun illustrations!
May 18, 2024
Funny book to read with fun illustrations!!
I liked the idea that he was imagining all these events
I liked the idea that he was imagining all these events
April 21, 2015
The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon is a book about a young boy that is excited his class is going on a class trip. He wonders what this class trip could be, he talks about it with his friends Freddy, Eric, and Randy. It is hard for him to fall asleep because he is up thinking about it and the morning came early. He starts the day off bad and he arrives at a small airfield. They ride in a plane for awhile and jump out with their parachutes and land in the jungle. They get attacked by animals and finally arrive at a desert, except for the fact they are hungry and need water. He starts seeing things, like the Pizza Mutt and a school bus. He gets on the school bus and then arrives at the zoo. I thought this book was very entertaining for me and kept my attention the whole time. I couldn't put the book down and I found myself wanting to read on so I could find out what happened to him in the end and what all they were doing for their class trip. At the end, when he said that him and his class arrived at the zoo, I am assuming that his whole story about the airplane and jungle and desert was all a story he had made up in his mind. I feel like this book would be enjoyed by third and fourth graders, but I also feel like they could become confused at the end. I wish the author would have been a little more specific if what happened throughout the whole book was real or not. But maybe that is what he wanted. Maybe he wanted the reader to be left with having to make up their own conclusion and left them on their own to think whether or not it was true. My favorite part of the story was when they were in the jungle and he stated that you had to look out for the dreaded hippo-potty-mess. This part made me giggle and I know younger readers would think that this part was just as funny and appreciate the humor just like I did. I really enjoyed this story and think it would be great to read before a class field trip to get the students excited and anxious to see what field trip they are going to do.
June 1, 2012
This is the first book in the Black Lagoon Adventures series of early chapter books by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee. With short chapters, big font and lots of pictures, these books are just marginally more challenging than the original Black Lagoon series of picture books by the same author/illustrator team. In fact, I think I like the picture books better, but because I've only read one of the chapter books so far, I'll have to reserve my judgment until I've read a couple more.
This was a fairly similar storyline, compared to the picture books we've read. It's entertaining, silly and short. We enjoyed reading it together and I'm sure we'll read more, but it just didn't have the pull or drama for a typical chapter book and it lacked the colorful illustrations of the picture books.
This was a fairly similar storyline, compared to the picture books we've read. It's entertaining, silly and short. We enjoyed reading it together and I'm sure we'll read more, but it just didn't have the pull or drama for a typical chapter book and it lacked the colorful illustrations of the picture books.
March 9, 2017
The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon, by Mike Thaler, is probably on of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. This book has a lot of puns and hummer built into every page. The book is about a little boy who is getting ready for his first ever class trip. Both the little boy and his friend, Randy, imagine all of the possibly that could happen. They talk about all of the old class trips that the older classes have taken. In the end, the little boy realizes that they are taking a class trip to the zoo and he can’t wait!
This book is full of hummer, puns, and jokes. Kids would love this book because the pictures take up most of the page and yet a lot of pictures are very entertaining. This book can help children broaden their horizons and open their eyes to being creative. This is a great read on learning how to read for fun.
Teachers could use this book and let children think of crazy fun adventures and field trips that they would enjoy going on. This could help children learn to be more descriptive on their writing. Overall this is a great book and I highly suggest to young readers.
This book is full of hummer, puns, and jokes. Kids would love this book because the pictures take up most of the page and yet a lot of pictures are very entertaining. This book can help children broaden their horizons and open their eyes to being creative. This is a great read on learning how to read for fun.
Teachers could use this book and let children think of crazy fun adventures and field trips that they would enjoy going on. This could help children learn to be more descriptive on their writing. Overall this is a great book and I highly suggest to young readers.
November 2, 2019
Have you ever been nervous about doing something new? I know I have. In The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon, Hubie, the main character, is extremely nervous about going on a class trip the following day. It’s a little strange that his teachers haven’t told them where they're going on their class trip, but I suppose that would ruin the plot of the book. Hubie and his classmates call each other the night before the trip to speculate on the many possibilities of where they could be going. Hubie is so nervous that his imagination gets carried away. Initially, the reader isn’t directly informed that they are being led through Hubie’s dream about the class trip. However, it’s soon clear that the events have to be a fabrication. From being pushed out of an airplane by his teacher to crawling through a desert, Hubie imagines the worst class trip ever. In the end, he’s relieved to find that they’re going to the zoo for their class trip.
Kids will love this book! Hubie's outlandish imagination will keep them on the edge of their seats. Jared Lee's illustrations are just as amusing as the story. This is definitely a book for those with an adventurous side.
Kids will love this book! Hubie's outlandish imagination will keep them on the edge of their seats. Jared Lee's illustrations are just as amusing as the story. This is definitely a book for those with an adventurous side.
February 24, 2020
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Growing up, I absolutely loved the Black Lagoon picture book series. They were the perfect balance of scary and silly for me. I was really excited when I saw that there was also a Black Lagoon chapter book series.
The structure is very similar to the picture books with hilarious and horrifying artwork, all the puns, and great creativity and imagination. It was nice to read a longer format of the story.
With large text and short chapters, this is a nice simple chapter book. While there are many jokes that I am sure will go over a lot of kids' heads, the story was fun to read, especially for older kids who liked the picture books.
Growing up, I absolutely loved the Black Lagoon picture book series. They were the perfect balance of scary and silly for me. I was really excited when I saw that there was also a Black Lagoon chapter book series.
The structure is very similar to the picture books with hilarious and horrifying artwork, all the puns, and great creativity and imagination. It was nice to read a longer format of the story.
With large text and short chapters, this is a nice simple chapter book. While there are many jokes that I am sure will go over a lot of kids' heads, the story was fun to read, especially for older kids who liked the picture books.
December 13, 2011
Hmm....
Well, the story was short and easy to read....
But, for me, it wasn't all that spectacular. Only one of the many little jokes actually made me crack a grin. The rest seemed a little forced.
But I am an adult who read this book. I am sure elementary age boys would love these books for their silly illustrations and ridiculous story. I was hoping these were books I might be able to read to my preschoolers but I'm thinking probably not. Oh well.
Well, the story was short and easy to read....
But, for me, it wasn't all that spectacular. Only one of the many little jokes actually made me crack a grin. The rest seemed a little forced.
But I am an adult who read this book. I am sure elementary age boys would love these books for their silly illustrations and ridiculous story. I was hoping these were books I might be able to read to my preschoolers but I'm thinking probably not. Oh well.
August 10, 2016
Just read this to 1st graders today... it's a 3rd grade level reading number and does have some bigger words, but really it is a good intro chapter book. It has fun pencil/pen illustrations and plenty of underwear humor, but some of the humor is really over kids' heads and more for a parent reading the book or a really motivated parent to stop & explain little facts or reasons it's funny. Hard to follow story a bit as well.
October 18, 2013
The kids from the Black Lagoon let their imaginations run wild when they find out they are going on a class field trip. Monsters, slime, hunger, thirst...Yikes! Even mean Mrs. Green and bus driver, Mr. Fenderbender seem to get in the evil act. Hooey-boy, it is a good thing that it is just their imaginations getting away from them. To the zoo, they go!
January 6, 2016
Was bored and wanting to give my self a little treat. So I did just that with this book. Unfortunately the kids who owned it managed to rip a page or two out, so I had to use my imagination. But this book was good for what is was. The illustrations especially will grab your attention... Is it just me but isN'T the book SCARY?!
February 21, 2020
I think you should read these and if you did continue with the next book. I hope you like them and if you did please write about what you think and rate it. Tell me what you think and what you thought
they should add to it. If you like these books then I suggest you to keep reading if you think its easy try something new and harder byee! ;3
they should add to it. If you like these books then I suggest you to keep reading if you think its easy try something new and harder byee! ;3
March 15, 2018
Nothing like a little fear, trepidation and anxiety of your very first school class field trip to get your imagination clicking on high alert. Where could they be taking you and your class? Probably not as far as one can imagine.
April 3, 2020
Kid and mom approved
Kids review: It was funny. I liked how they made the teacher look like a crocodile but she wasn't a crocodile.
Moms review: funny. Keeps new readers entertained. I like that it's a series because it makes them want to read each subsequent book.
Kids review: It was funny. I liked how they made the teacher look like a crocodile but she wasn't a crocodile.
Moms review: funny. Keeps new readers entertained. I like that it's a series because it makes them want to read each subsequent book.
February 6, 2018
Funny as usual. Great imagination.
March 30, 2018
Part of the Black Lagoon series illustrated by Jared Lee.
June 26, 2018
The children (they’re 6 now, but don’t read on their own - this was a bedtime story) didn’t get it, but liked it anyway
August 14, 2018
Cute read! Fun little jokes!
October 19, 2018
These books are so funny. Perfect reading for school age kids
December 13, 2018
My son thinks this series is very funny, but I just find it odd. It's definitely not my favorite of the chapter books we have read together.
December 16, 2018
SERIES: I loved this children's chapter book! It incorporates jokes and humor throughout the story by using made-up words and phrases, silly descriptions and wild illustrations.
April 26, 2019
Black lagoon books are okay. They’re an elementary school favorite for sure. I enjoy the wild imagination of Hubie, but what I like the most are the nonstop puns. Wordplay on every page!
September 20, 2019
3.5 stars
April 1, 2020
Per my 1st grader:
“I thought it was funny. 6 stars, mom”.
“I thought it was funny. 6 stars, mom”.
Read
November 18, 2020I don't remember how it happened but I suddenly started thinking about this series I had read years ago. These illustrations influenced the artist in me so much as a child. It made me fall in love with doodling, especially the style they were in with the quirky dialogues, breaking of the fourth wall, fantastical creations, etc. The first book I ever wrote (named Treasure Island! It was from this book making course my mom signed me up to when I was around 7 or 8 maybe, surprisingly some of the book-making techniques this workshop taught has stuck with me to this day) was filled with these types of illustrations. Still have it on my shelf since mom brought it back from Hong Kong. I was very pleased to discover that but still haven't gotten around to looking through it again...
December 10, 2025
As an adult I thought the play on words, jokes, references to historical events/people, and puns were funny. My 6yo son didn’t understand it all but thought that the illustrations and situations were funny. The book is random but an easy read to pick up and put down at chapters. It is entertaining and a great read aloud!
SPOILERS and book notes:
This book is so clever! It talks about famous people and events in a clever/funny way using pictures and a couple sentences. The first chapter are ways the class could travel: boat (titanic), train (held up), and airplane. Chap two talks about famous “class trips”! It was fun to talk more about it with my son: Lewis and Clark, Chris Columbus, Marco Polo, Richard Byrd, Neil Armstrong.
SPOILERS and book notes:
This book is so clever! It talks about famous people and events in a clever/funny way using pictures and a couple sentences. The first chapter are ways the class could travel: boat (titanic), train (held up), and airplane. Chap two talks about famous “class trips”! It was fun to talk more about it with my son: Lewis and Clark, Chris Columbus, Marco Polo, Richard Byrd, Neil Armstrong.
August 16, 2024
A boy and his class are getting ready for their first class trip of the year. He and his friends are so excited and they can't help but wonder where they are going to go? Without a clue as to where they are really going, they imagine all sorts of possibilities and scenarios. After their crazy, hypothesized, and highly imaginative adventures, where will they really end up going for their class trip?
This book is packed with word plays, puns, and references to famous explorers of the past. There's sure to be a lot of laughs. Kids who love joke books will like this one.
This book is packed with word plays, puns, and references to famous explorers of the past. There's sure to be a lot of laughs. Kids who love joke books will like this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews