The Big Bad Blackout

Judy Moody & Stink #3

by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Hold on to your umbrella and stock up on marshmallows — Judy and Stink face wicked weather in their third full-color adventure.

Judy and Stink and the whole Moody family hunker down with beans and batteries, ready to wait out the storm. But along with massive rain and strong winds, Hurricane Elmer throws down ghosts, squirrels, and aliens. Spooky! Just when things couldn’t possibly get any freakier — flicker, flicker, gulp! — the lights go O-U-T out. The Moodys are smack-dab in the middle of a big bad blackout! Grandma Lou proposes musical board games and some good old-fashioned storytelling. Will Hurricane Elmer go down in Moody family history as bad news, a happy memory, or simply an LBS (Long Boring Story)?

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, 2nd Grade, Humor, Fiction, Juvenile

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2014

About the author

"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," says Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, the Stink series, and THE SISTERS CLUB. "I'm certainly moody, like she is. Judy has a strong voice and always speaks up for herself. I like that."

For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."


Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."


More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.


Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this out loud to my girls after my oldest daughter told me it was hilarious and we should read it. I typically really like Judy Moody books, and even appreciate that this is a funny story about a potentially scary situation. I was shocked, however, to stumble upon a whole chapter where the kids bust out Grandma's Ouija board and start playing with it. I'm not sure if it's just a Christian thing (I didn't think it was? but I could be wrong), but that kind of stuff isn't something I want my kids messing with. Because we believe in good and bad spirits, any Spiritual contact that isn't through God and prayer is considered very dangerous. It forced me to have a conversation that I wasn't totally ready to have with my girls and I was surprised it was so casually thrown into this story. Aside from that, this story is wonderful, turn off the electronics, sit around the fire and tell stories with the family. Sounds like my dream day and it definitely helps makes storms not seem quite so scary.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just spotted these books, and as I could always use more Moody family in my life, I directly got them.

I picked this one first. And it was a terrific fun read about Judy and her brother and them going through a storm. I always love books about storms, we don't have them that big here, so it is always interesting to read about them. It was fun to see how the kids first didn't know what to do when the power went out, but then later found out all sorts of things to do. From singing songs to playing board game musical chairs (I will have to try it too, it sounds like a delight), to much more.

I also love their enthusiasm when their school closes. I never know the feeling, schools don't close here for storms (then again we don't have big ones) nor do they close for any other weather stuff, and if it wasn't for books I would have thought this was normal. :P

Of course Judy and Stink still argue at times, and I just get a bit tired of that. Yes, I get that they are brother and sister and apparently, by default, should argue or something, but I just get tired of it. Can't we just be nice for once?

The grandma was also fun, just as the pets she has with her. Oh, and don't forget Gert.

I had a laugh at the ending when the power came back on, and how they didn't notice for the first few seconds. Then suddenly they had energy for 1000 people and I just laughed some more.

I would have liked to see how the neighbourhood looked after the storm, see some more about the aftereffects. We get so much information about the storm, and that he is doing damage, but then it is just all like it never was around at the end.

The book is also full of illustrations, the same ones from the original Judy Moody series and I was happy to see them. Since I have an ereader I can't comment on the all colours that they are supposed to have. :P Come back when ereaders have the ability to show colours.

The book also has tips at the end, and I quite like that they were added.

All in all, this was a fun first book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books that I found from this series.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com

[Bridgette Pascoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd grade student read aloud...

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a mood to read a fun book so once I found one it was called Judy Moody and Stink The Big Bad Blackout. It was one stormy night when Judy and Stink heard a thump Judy thought it was a ghost so she scrambled down from her bed and grabbed her Grouchy pencil, but just bumped into Stink so they waited out the storm until it was over. they both thought it was a spaceship that landed on top of there roof so Stink grabbed his talking flashlight and it was just a storm. This book is really enjoyable especially when the author made these two characters that are siblings execute it so entertaining and have this significant imagination. If you are bored and want to read a fun enjoyable book I certainly prescribe this book.

[Heather Rosales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute! "Scary" stories were age appropriate and fun.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on to your umbrella and stock up on marshmallows — Judy and Stink face wicked weather in their third full-color adventure.

Judy and Stink and the whole Moody family hunker down with beans and batteries, ready to wait out the storm. But along with massive rain and strong winds, Hurricane Elmer throws down ghosts, squirrels, and aliens. Spooky! Just when things couldn’t possibly get any freakier — flicker, flicker, gulp! — the lights go O-U-T out. The Moodys are smack-dab in the middle of a big bad blackout! Grandma Lou proposes musical board games and some good old-fashioned storytelling. Will Hurricane Elmer go down in Moody family history as bad news, a happy memory, or simply an LBS (Long Boring Story)?

[Molly Mejstrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this early chapter book about Judy Moody and her brother Stink, Judy and her family are caught in Hurricane Elmer! School is canceled and its pouring buckets, but most exciting of all is Grandma Lou is staying with them until the storm passes. She brought her kayak, her dog Pugsy, as well as, Milo the ferret and Candy Cane the snake, who she is pet sitting for her neighbors. That night, the lights flickered. There was a blackout! Without technology to occupy them, Judy and Stink spent time with Grandma Lou learning how to knit, playing musical board games, and eating “ghosts in the hole” and s’mores. They all took turns telling hurricane and spooky stories, like Grandma Lou’s story about how when she was little, Hurricane Annabelle carried her favorite chicken several towns away! Or they story of their mom and dad’s wedding, when hurricane Stacy got in the way. Judy told a silly story about Mr. Drybones and Stink made up a spooky story about Abe Lincoln and the Viper. They played with Grandma Lou’s Ouija board and played a trick on her by pretending a ghost was haunting her. After a few days the hurricane passed and the lights came back on. While they were kayaking in the flooded backyard, they made the Ghost Toasties Oath, which was to unplug for a while and do the activities that they did during the blackout of Hurricane Elmer!

A very cute beginning chapter book starring a popular character of intermediate books! I loved that the illustrations were in color!

1. Who and what did Grandma Lou bring with her to Judy’s house during the storm? Why did she bring them?
2. If you were stuck in your house during a blackout, what would you do to have fun?
3. Describe some of the activities and stories that Grandma Lou, Judy, and Stink did during the blackout. Which one sounds like the most fun?
4. Create your own spooky hurricane story and tell it to a friend!
5. At the end of the book, Judy, Stink, and Grandma Lou agreed to do Earth Hour together. What is Earth Hour and why is it important? Would you participate in Earth Hour?

Mcdonald, M. (2014). Judy moody and stink: The big bad blackout. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are now over 35 books between the different series that include Judy Moody and Stink Moody. And while some of the books that focus more on one or the other of them the best books are the four when they are featured together. In part because they come fully illustrated by Peter H Reynolds in full color, and in part because Jody and Stink are always better together. The first two cross over book The Holly Joliday focused on the holiday of Christmas, the second cross over book focused on family vacation and The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Mad Treasure Hunt. This one focuses around an extended blackout during a hurricane. And as usual when they Moody's are working together rather than fighting some great things happen. The chapters in this book are:

Crash Landing
Elmer
Big Bad Blackout
Ghost Toasties
Hurricane Annabelle
Annie Oakley and the Fireman
Mr. Drybones and the Viper
The Ghost of Weejie
Up Periscope!
The Ghost-Toastie Oath

As mentioned a hurricane hits and the Moody's are at home, and it is so bad that Gradma Lou has been evacuated and she comes to wait out the storm with them. But of course being a Moody adventure it is not that simple, Granma Lou had to being the neighbour's pets that they could not take to a shelter. So We now have mom, Dad, Granma, Judy, Stink, a cat named Mouse and a Pug named Pugsy, Milo a ferret and Candy Cane a snake. The Moody household is packed full and then the power goes out. No TV, little radio, but they have a fireplace, games and the family together. A great stay at home adventure takes place.

I really enjoy all the Moody books, but these joint books are always just a little more fun. It is a great book in a fun series that is linked to so many other good reads. So if you have not yet met the Moody's give it a try and if you have I am sure you will love it.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by McDonald and Reynolds.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurricane Elmer is heading towards the Moody's house. Their Grandma Lou comes to stay with them for the duration of the storm, since she lives much closer to the coast. Stink & Judy help their parents get ready for the coming storm. When the power does go out, Grandma Lou keeps them occupied with all kinds of games and activities. After a few days the storm passes and the power comes back on. A reassuring book for children who live in areas affected by hurricanes and other storms causing power outages. Recommended for grades 1-4.

[Jody Guennigsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads First Reads winner and read the book with my daughter, who is 7.

My daughter really enjoyed it. She loved discussing the chapters and couldn't wait to continue reading at bedtime!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

(audio)

Would make a good bedtime story for children who do not scare easily. Many chapters were basically a separate story told during a hurricane. Was surprised to see Judy and Stink playing with a ouija board-- not typical for a book written for younger children.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny,cute, and nice illustrations. However, the kids were playing with a ouija board that the grandma was okay with. That was not okay!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Judy Moody is back in an all new action-packed adventure that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat. Judy Moody and her brother, Stink, hear a crash on the roof. What could this be, aliens, giant squirrels, Santa Claus??? Luckily or maybe unluckily for the Moody family, it is just a hurricane. The Moody family seems to be prepared for the raging storm, but wind and water are causing chaos outside of the Moody's house. However, they feel safe and secure inside their home, until suddenly, the lights go out! What are the Moody's to do without power and alone in a hurricane? Join Judy Moody in another one of her troublesome adventures and find out what happens during Hurricane Elmer. Are the noises they are hearing in the dark just the storm, or perhaps a ghost?

Questions:
1. Formulate a safety plan for a hurricane. What would you do? What items would you need to include in your safety plan? What would you do in the event of a hurricane?
2. In Judy Moody's case, the hurricane caused minimal damage. However, this is not always the case. Hurricanes are natural disasters. Brainstorm some ways that you could help families whose lives have been affected due to a natural disaster.
3. Judy and Stink play with a Ouji board towards the end of the story. Judy insists that ghosts exist, but Stink doesn't quite believe her. Do you thinks ghosts exist? Defend your claim.
4. Suppose you were in a 3 day blackout, what are some things you could do without power and electronics? Why is it important for us to know how to live without electronics? Explain your answer.
5. Judy Moody's family passes the time by discussing family traditions and telling stories. What are some family traditions that you have? If you could change or create a new family tradition, what would it be? Why?

Citation:
McDonald, M. (2014). The Big Bad Blackout. Somerville, MA. Candlewick Press

[Sue Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my son's pick for his 'Book in a Bag' project for school. It was a very good pick. The story was up to Megan's high standards with several creative activities done by the Moody family described inside. Many of the activity ideas came from Grandma Lou who had to evacuate her home during Hurricane Elmer and come for a visit. One of her activities was to make Ghost Toasts in the skillet over the fire- while the power was out. Conveniently, Grandma Lou had a Ghost Cookie Cutter in her purse to do this activity. We thought we'd do this activity ourselves, turns out that my ghost cookie cutter is much to big- so we used a mitten cookie cutter. Fitting since it snowed overnight. What a fun activity idea. The five things my son put in his bag for this project were: a flashlight, batteries, a candle, a s'more kit and a cookie cutter. We have enjoyed many of Megan's books because her books tend to have a lot of potential spin-off activities that can be enjoyed while reading the book.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite childhood series so it was fun to read one of the books that I never got around to reading. I really enjoyed the story and was pleasantly surprised by how much I still liked the characters and remembered their unique nuances. I thought the premise of this book was interesting too, as someone who has lived in Florida their whole life I can definitely relate to hurricane stories and making the most out of a blackout lol. This was really cute and I'm glad I read it although I was honestly surprised by all the British references for a book set in Virginia? I don't remember those as a kid and found them kind of out of place.

[Angelena Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, I liked this book because it was entertaining and it mad me what to read more each time. It started off when a storm came in and Stink was waiting to hear his schools name so he wouldn’t have to go to school. Their grandma comes over and brings a whole “zoo”, she brought so many animals. Judy and Stink found games to play. Judy and Stink were planning to prank their grandma with “Fake hand in the Toilet joke”, the storm was over and their grandma takes them on a canoe ride.

[Sheri S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am beginning to like the Judy Moody series a bit more than I had originally. The story was entertaining and contains some facts about storms and how individuals can be prepared in the case of a storm. I appreciated how the book described ways that people can entertain themselves without the use of technology.
For readers of a more conservative leaning, I want to mention that there is the use of a Ouija board in the book.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shame on this author for putting the occult in a children's book!!! Having two little children play with a ouija board is offensive and unacceptable. This book deserves negative stars. There was no good reason to do that.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb (age 5): "I listened to this on audio. It was separated into two discs. It was a very good book."

[Jaden Denman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Judy and Stink in a hurricane witch causes a blackout and the hate sense its dark and they cant watch TV I would rec amend this book to whoever like comedies cause it is funny.

[A. D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little bit confusing

[Raniafatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the pets of Grandma lou.

[Owen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in fourth grade, great book for young audience.

[Alisha Joiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANT TO READ IT...IT WANT LET ME

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is good, creative and funny

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the portrayal of siblings in the Judy Moody and Stink books.

[gabymck · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter’s review:
I liked it a lot and it was very funny 😆. I liked 👍🏽 the stories that they told to each other.

I recommend it for you📚📚📚📚📚📚

[Fenco Chen]

Lexile®: 510L, 9471W, 100%, 6y4m

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

the funnest part was when the ghost talked back to them!