Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age

Lug #1

by David Zeltser

A hilarious middle-grade novel about a misunderstood caveboy perfect for fans of Ice Age , Happy Feet , The Time Warp Trio , and Platypus Police Squad .

Lug is a caveboy who would rather paint than club other caveboys. The clan even mocks him, calling him "Little Slug." Like all the other caveboys, Lug must enter the contest to become the clan's next Big Man and attempt to catch the Biggest Beast--even though he would much rather spend his days painting in his secret art cave. When Lug is banished for failing to catch a jungle llama, he thinks he is alone in the world but finds others who believe in his clanmate Stony and a new friend, Echo, a girl from a rival clan who can talk to animals and just may be prehistory's first vegetarian/animal rights activist. Together they face even bigger challenges--Lug discovers the Ice Age is coming and he has to bring the warring clans together to save them not only from the freeze but also from a particularly unpleasant migrating pride of saber-toothed tigers. It's no help that the elders are cavemen who can't seem to get the concept of climate change through their thick skulls. With both funny, anachronistic humor, charming characters, and strong themes, Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age is sure to be a hit with many readers.

Illustrated with black and white line art throughout.

"A great combination of humor and powerful insight." — Al Gore

“Lug makes the Ice Age sizzle.”—Gordon Korman
 
"Fred Flintstone would feel right at home."— Kirkus Reviews
 
"Suspenseful and smartly humorous."— ForeWord Reviews

Genres: Humor, Middle Grade, Historical, Adventure, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Juvenile

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

David Zeltser is the author of Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age and its sequel, Lug: Blast from the North. These novels satirize humanity’s response to climate change and have been praised by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Al Gore, who called the first book “a great combination of humor and powerful insight.”

His debut picture book, Ninja Baby (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode), was a runner-up for the Magnolia State Book Award, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” His more recent picture books include Codzilla (HarperCollins, illustrated by Jared Chapman) and The Night Library (Random House, illustrated by Raul Colón), which School Library Journal described as “sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (Lerner Books, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio) was praised by NPR science journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who kindly lent his voice to the book trailer.

David is also a screenwriter. He co-wrote the feature script Solo with director Joseph Greco; it is being produced by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger and James Trezza.

David and his friend Julia Chiapella co-founded The Word Lab, a free after-school writing center for kids. It’s in Santa Cruz, California, where he lives with his family.

Reviews

[Erin Al-Mehairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we were asked to review the middle reader, LUG: Dawn of the Ice Age, my daughter Emma (age 10) and I jumped at the chance. Emma loves 39 Clues and two of the writers gave LUG glowing endorsements. She also loves any adventure series that features some humor, which we figured this one might have as well. As a mom, I liked how the author, David Zeltser, also worked in the issue of climate control and animal rights. For me as a parent, this book is a total win for kids. It has it all that any 4th or 5th grader would love, boy or girl, as well bringing issues such as humanity and activism into their thinking, without being preachy. It's humorous and light, even while taking on big themes. I highly recommend this book myself for parents, teachers, and especially libraries. It's one that doesn't need to be used just in language arts, but can be used in the study of science pertaining to the environment. This isn't one in which to delay purchase, it's too good for the deep freeze!

GIVEAWAY: Click HERE for a Rafflecopter giveaway of one print copy (US/Canada only).

Without further ado, I'll pass this review on to EMMA (5th grade):

In LUG: Dawn of the Ice Age, I liked how in some ways I can relate to the boy because we are similar (and sometimes people don't get me either), but just from different times, and have some common interests, like art. Although, I can't really think about having to live as a cave girl!! His experiences are not something I want to experience. I like my bedroom.

But if I lived in a cave, I would definitely do cave wall art. I think it would be fun to be allowed to carve things into the wall. I thought I would like this book because I like to read and learn about different time periods. I wasn't disappointed. It was so funny and cute, just like why I liked the movie "The Croods."

My favorite part I liked was how the main character had to try to catch a jungle llama. I love llamas. I didn't like what happened when he didn't catch it. I felt bad for him.

I recommend you read this book if you like adventure or are interested in the environment or animals. Also, artists like me can like Lug because he likes to paint. If you are interested in learning about cave people, you could like this book. Or if you like funny books, you might also like it. I almost read the book in one sitting and enjoyed the story.

--EMMA

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age is a middle grade novel by David Zeltser. Lug is a caveboy who would rather paint than hit other people or animals with rocks. When Lug and another caveboy are banished for failing to catch a jungle llama, he thinks he is alone. Soon Lug finds others who believe in him; his clanmate Stony and a new friend, Echo, a girl from a rival clan who can talk to animals and just may be prehistory's first vegetarian/animal rights activist. Together they face even bigger challenges. Lug discovers the Ice Age is coming and he has to bring the warring clans together to save them not only from the freeze but also from a particularly unpleasant migrating pride of saber-toothed tigers.

Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age is a wild ride, with social commentary on the side. In a world where hitting someone in the head with a rock is the height of social discourse. Everyone needs to follow the rules of the ‘Big Man’ who leads their tribe or risk death or banishment. Lug had to hide his love of art, since brute force is the only thing that gained acceptance, he is bullied and an outsider even before being banished. Failing to capture a jungle llama for a competition against another clan was the trigger to get him banished, but even before that he really did not fit in. Lug is a thinker, dealing with bullies and being different. In his journey with Stony after being banished he discovers that his differences are not necessarily bad. His observations and art are what make him special, just like the odd things about his new friends are in truth their strengths. So while readers are entertained by kids fighting for survival and humor winding its way through the tale, they also get encouragement to be themselves and follow their own convictions.

Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age is a great survival tale, full of adventure and humor. There is also a great deal about coming of age and being treat yourself. I think readers with a variety of interests will greatly appreciate the book, and come away from it both excited and feeling ready to face their own challenges.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the minute I began reading this book that I was gong to love it. The book starts out like this: "If you are looking at my cave paintings, I have succeeded. If not, we humans are probably extinct. You see, the world began to get colder-- much colder And my clan initially reacted by doing this:

That's right, a whole lot of NOTHING." The middle of that first page is literally blank. I kept giggling over it. The story is about a boy who is not like many of the others in his clan. He is a dreamer, he is artistic and he dares to challenge their belief system. Whe he is vanished along with another boy, he sees it as somewhat of an advantage. He learns a lot about himself and about true courage. The story, set in stoneage time is still very appropriate to kids of today. Themes and issues of friendship, bullies, fitting in with your peers and your own family are things every kid today can relate to. I can't wait to put this on my shelf. I also can't wait for the second book in the series to come out next year. It is such a quick and easy read. It is so fun that kids won't realize there are lessons to learn within the pages. I don't think there are enough stars to give this one, but it definitely goes to the top of my middle grade favorites of the year.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinons expressed here are my own.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. I like how the cavemen (and cavewomen) speak – not stereotypical caveman (example – I blogger. You blog readers.), but not perfect English either (although, I think that Lug is the closest). The idea of the story is pure genius – the Ice Age approaches, saber-toothed tigers are invading, and Lug gets banished from his tribe because he won’t bash heads with stones. Yup. Nothing wrong there. Not at all. There are pretty cool cave-art-style pictures scattered throughout the book. Mr. Zeltser has a great writing style that is chock-full of humor and the story teaches a good lesson without being “preachy.” Most of all, I love the off the wall sometimes corny humor of the book (for example, at one point in the book, Lug is talking with a banished caveman inventor, who says that he has invented some pretty useful things, like the “feather fluffer” and the “rock holder”, but he also has some useless things, like this round rock slab with a hole in the middle. Completely useless. He called it a “wheel.”). The environmental message in the book is an important one and one that gets across to the reader. Kids who like Wimpy Kid humor will love Lug. This is an awesome book! I couldn’t put it down!
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lug, Dawn of the Ice Age presents the story of a young cave boy who isn't interested in hunting or playing 'Headstone' the rough and tumble, bash other players heads in game that the rest of the clan is into to. He would rather paint on the walls of his secret art cave. Unfortunately, he fails to catch a jungle llama to use in the big game and is banished. He also seems to be the only one who has noticed the rapidly changing climate which threatens their entire way of life. With the help of Stony, another boy who is banished, and Echo, a girl from a rival tribe, can Lug save not only himself but his clan despite the opposition of the clan leader and his bully of a son?

The modern language spoken by the characters is a bit off-putting in terms of historical believability, but the target audience isn't going to care. The characters are appealing and funny, the plot moves quickly with the characters facing numerous challenges, and the setting is well-defined. I truly enjoyed reading about Lug and his friends. The themes of friendship, being yourself, and observing the world around you are all well integrated into the story. Lug is winner from beginning until end.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a way that makes the reader immediately empathize with the main character (who hasn’t felt excluded and inadequate at some point?), the book takes you on a journey from outcast to leader. It pushes the lesson that is there is value in our differences. Whether those differences are in how we think, how we communicate or which prehistoric animal we ride at break-neck speed whilst hurtling rocks. Easy to read and full of off-hand comments to keep an older reader interested, it is entirely appropriate and entertaining for the pre-teen set. Now excuse me while I go climb Mount Big Big Big.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lug is a neanderthal boy who is misunderstood by his family and his clan. He is banished for lacking the athletic skills to catch a wild macrauchenia. And, to boot, his friends and family fail to appreciate Lug's real skills: he is a cave artist and a keen observer of his environment. He and his unibrow-endowed friend Woolly bring to life an under-represented era in children's historical fiction. This action-packed comic adventure has loads of kid appeal, with its neanderthal riffs on sports, bullying and climate change. Loved it!

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun humorous story about a boy banished by his clan for being a little different. He loves to draw but cannot seem to catch and ride a macrauchenia, something considered very important in his clan. I enjoyed the names of the characters: Lug, Hamhock, Echo, Bonehead, and others. This would make a great read aloud and generate great discussions on bullying, community, and working together.

[Suzanne Warr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read, that manages to keep the focus firmly on the story despite the significance of the message. Warning, though: You will want your own woolly mammoth!

Get the full spotlight (plus the cat's two cents) on my blog, and happy reading!

[Dolafsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read aloud for both my boys, particularly my 12 year old. Some quick witted humor and a good message. The story is simple, but the writing has a nice richness to it which made it enjoyable for me as well!! Highly recommend!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. I gave it to my grandson who found it comical and entertaining. I would love to see more giveaways for books written for older kids in the 13 to 16 age groups. Maybe Mr Zeltser would write one.

[Rob Taboada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun. Witty dialogue, good message, and great characters. I sent this to my nephew and niece (7 and 8) but the humor will appeal above and below those ages.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good middle-grade story that every kid can relate too. Would be a great book to read as a class as well or to read with your child, so you can discuss the story.

[Diana Mickelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny grate book

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress... (August 18th)

I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

Ten Second Synopsis:
Lug is an artist trapped in a clan that likes clubbing things. Can he ever find a way to fit in and make his tribe see that there is more to life than what you can club?

This book has plenty of humour, quirky illustrations and some cheeky takes on modern life reflected in a stone-aged context. Despite appearances, this is a book that has a lot of heart and is trying to convey some complex messages about societal and environmental change in a way that’s accessible for younger readers. There’s a nice spread of characters here too, so both boys and girls should find someone that they can relate to within its pages.

While this looks like it might be a book that you could knock over in one or two short sittings, there’s actually a lot going on. There’s the initial storyline featuring Lug and his tribe and the Biggest Beast catching competition which results in Lug’s banishment. Then there’s a section in which Lug and Echo meet and devise a plan to get Lug reinstated into his tribe, and finally there’s a whole new storyline about the encroaching environmental dangers to the humans in the story. This last storyline pops up rather late in the piece, so at the point where I was expecting the story to wind down, a new major plot point was just beginning.

As an adult reader I didn’t enjoy this as much as the target audience should, but having said that, there are plenty of issues raised in the book that could start some robust discussion between young people and their adults – issues such as the concept of climate change and peoples’ responses to it, and how to balance competing ideas about what to do in the face of impending danger. There’s also a nice theme about leadership running through the story that would provide a nice launching point in the classroom for teaching about leadership styles.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lug isn't like the other caveboys in his village. He doesn't care about headstone or getting the biggest jungle llama. He really likes spending time in his art cave and drawing pictures on the cave walls. He is also concerned about the fact that it is getting colder. He is banished from the village along with Stony, a boy more interested in his frog than anything else. He meets Echo, a girl from the rival village who wants him to help her with Wooly, a young mammoth. Wooly and Lug train to be the best headstone pair so they can get back in the village. Unfortunately, the cold has sent more than mammoths south. A group of saber-tooth tigers is also on the prowl and wants to take over the village's caves. The two villages have to work together to survive.

This was a fun book, a bit silly perhaps, but with a nice message about accepting people's differences and not having to conform. It was a bit different to read a book about cavepeople where they spoke in modern language for the most part. It makes it more relatable for young readers anyway. I thought the story was fine, but did think it was strange when the fantasy element of talking animals was introduced. I wish that element could have been left out, but with it in I wish it would have been used consistently. In the beginning Lug and Echo are special because they can understand animals, but by the end the animals are talking to everyone.

[Dawn Moews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book--much more than I expected to.

Lug's story certainly has universal truths and characters. Although the story is set at the beginning of the Ice Age, Lug is a kid like kids today facing many of the same challenges. Now, I grant you that the survival issues Lug faces are not ones today's kids face, but he still faces bullying within his group and the pressures that all kids have to grow up and be a good citizen. His view of the world does not match those of the rest of his group, and as a result, he finds himself dismissed and open to friendships from outside the group.

I think this is a book that many readers (from those just reading chapter books to young adults) will enjoy. The book is fun and entertaining while still dealing with important issues. I think it might also stimulate some interest in this particular time period.

I highly recommend this book especially for intermediate and middle grade readers.

[Janet Squires · Rating 4 out of 5]

You're in for a treat if you enjoy middle grade fiction, are a fan of humor, or just love an entertaining story. Lug, a thoughtful, artistic boy is born into a clan of macho cavemen and must find a way to stand up for himself in this prehistoric tale. Faced with the challenge of a coming ice age that no one else takes seriously, Lug struggles to save his clan by cleverly finding solving problems with strategies that don't rely on physical strength.

[Dolores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This works for the target age range, but I didn't feel like it was a fully fleshed out story. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments and an interesting intermingling of prehistoric/modern man concepts and dilemmas.

My students loved "A Is for AARRGH!" so I expect they will enjoy this, as well.

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. Lug wants to be an artist, when his clan wants him to be a hunter. A great little book to help younger ones understand it is OK to be different.

MOM NOTES:
Recommend for ages 8+
Seems a little longish for younger ones but includes illustrations so its really NOT.

*If they liked ICE AGE or THE CROODS, theyll love it. Same type of prehistoric imagery and "quirky" humor.

[Wendy Garland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lug is not like the other cave boys in his village. Ultimately, his differences land him banished from his home. While some interesting creatures perk up the story, the pace is rather slow to begin and doesn't pick up much speed as it continues. Fans of Stickman Odyssey may be interested in this quest but I fear it will have a limited audience.

[Yapha · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lug is banished from his clan for being different from the other cavemen, he meets up with some other outcasts from a neighboring clan. They work together to try to get reinstated into their families and to warn them up the upcoming ice age. Silly, with a heavy handed message about climate change and extinction. Grades 2-5.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read twice to my boys we all LOVED it and really enjoy this book. Even as a 4 year old my youngest loved hearing this book. My 10 year old read to himself and the listened to me read it twice. Very funny and also has a great message. We hope there will be a sequel!!!

[Mary-allegra Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable family read aloud with our pre-school son and several of my 3rd graders really enjoyed reading it solo, as well. It spurred some great discussion about following your gut and listening to your true self. Lug had to do both of those things in this book.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story for kids, some nice messages in the middle and the end but also some mixed messages, especially in the beginning with the head-bashing and violence. There are also a lot of characters to keep up with for a normal kids book. All in all, it was just okay for me.

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: I received a digital galley through NetGalley.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2...

[Rondi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great premise but too many characters and adverbs!

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and witty caveman fun - is Lug the only one noticing the approaching global cooling and ferocious beasts?

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous, adventurous cave boy tale. Lighthearted reading, with simple black & white illustrations spread throughout, for grades 3-5.