Life of Zarf: The Trouble with Weasels

Life of Zarf #1

by Rob Harrell

Shrek meets Wimpy Kid in this epically funny tale of a troll trying to figure out how to be more popular

It’s not easy being Zarf. As a troll, he's stuck at the bottom of the middle school hierarchy, way below
the prince and knights (populars), ogres and giants (jocks), and even the lowly minstrels (band geeks). Plus, trolls aren't exactly known for their brain power or cool demeanor. But it gets worse. When the king disappears and Zarf's archenemy, the prince, ascends the throne, he makes Zarf's life even more miserable. And so it is that Zarf and his two sidekicks (a neurotic, mutton-obsessed pig and the not-funny son of the court jester) set out to find the missing king as well as their way to middle school heroism. (Okay, the heroism part might be wishful thinking.)

The first book in this brilliant new illustrated series from comics creator Rob Harrell has the perfect mix of real world and fairy tale.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Juvenile

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that trolls could be so entertaining. Rob Harrell's funny coming of age troll story is a bright engaging tale of a boy troll in middle school who has to learn to harness his "troll blood". I had a smile stuck on my face for most of this fairy tale like farce, and my son, who is 11 loved it too. I dare say that any middle grade boy will find it funny. It's set in an alternative universe fairy tale world, where Goldilocks is the lunch lady and kids and monsters go to school together. Harrell's background in comics is also front and center because each page has a little drawing that adds to the humor. We got an advanced reader copy of this novel from the publisher.

Zarf is like any other kid in middle school, knocked around by the football kids, who here are real ogres, just trying to get through algebra. He hangs out with Kevin Littlepig, who is the scion of the pigs who lived in brick houses (and survived the wolf), and has yet to overcome his anxiety of just about everything. Another pal, who frequently joins Zarf and Kevin in their tree-house would be Chester, soon to be Chester the Jester. While Zarf is on the bottom of the social chart, Chester's jokes all fall flat. Chester is a big fan of the Knoble Knight, and like any little kid, has underwear with his hero on them.

Zarf's biggest nemesis is Prince Roquefort, the sole heir to the throne, who also goes to school. Roquefort, the meanest of the mean, is followed around with two huge ogre bodyguards, but it's mouth that is his biggest weapon. He does not like trolls and the feeling is mutual. Zarf gets in some trouble with him in school when his "troll blood" takes over and he beats on Roquefort. So the boys have to meet outside school to joust on giant frogs with nerf lances. Naturally, Roquefort cheats.

But the real trouble happens when the good King Cheznott, who had enacted laws banning discrimination against trolls, is captured by the dangerous Weasels, monsters that have been terrorizing the town, and Roquefort is made King. His first act is to go after trolls in general and Zarf in particular, who is immediately imprisoned in the creepy dungeon.

Zarf escapes the dungeon with help from Goldilocks, and Kevin and Chester and the Knoble Knight, who was imprisoned there and goes on a quest to find and try to rescue the King. The story flags a little during the quest, but is rescued more than once by Harrell's puns, jokes and just plain funny writing and scenes.

Of course, Roquefort also is trying to rescue the King so Zarf and Roquefort spend some time together. Its tough to be a troll.

Can Zarf learn to use his natural "troll blood" and rescue the King and for once be the hero of the middle school novel. What do you think.

It's all fun. A perfect book for back to school.

[Lauren Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

This is a book that is perfect for children of all ages. While it has the cartoons embedded within its pages, I hardly think that the book needs it, the story appears to be well thought out and the characters, though obviously made up, come to life and almost form a friendship with the reader.

Zarf, a middle school aged troll, is your average every day kid. He has two best friends, one of which is a pig, and the other a very un-funny court jester in training. His sworn enemy is a prince, go figure, who is a spoiled brat. Naturally, in stories like this, the enemy and the not so average (it turns out) hero pair up to save the day. When the king goes missing it is all anyone can do to go and find him due to the blatantly obvious fact that the prince is a complete jerk.

In this book you will find a royal family, court jesters, trolls, pigs, ogres, and even Goldie Locks, Daring adventures paired with middle school crushes, and jousts to boot.

The one thing I did not like, and I felt it repeatedly throughout the book was that in this fantasy land, where they eat the most delicious sounding Flumpmeat pie along with other items never before heard of, they also have items such as smart phones, and reference energy drinks like red bull. I found it frustrating that while the story was unique and full of life, the references to every day items was distracting and frankly, off putting.

Overall, I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I would give it 3.5 to 4 stars

[Barb Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My older brother called me "Barbie" until I barfed up Welch grape soda in the car on a road trip from Minnesota to Texas one summer (no air-conditioning... not a pretty picture... not a pretty smell... and a permanent gross purple stain on my pillow). Even though I was five, those are the childhood fiascoes that lead to family nicknames such as "Barfie." We had a Buick station wagon with two rows of seats and a third row that flipped up facing each other. Being fourth out of five kids I got shoved to where the trunk should be like a "flumpfruit". When I puked orange soda I made it to the front. I remember snuggling with mom liking my move up the ranks to the front seat. Needless to say I love the troll-boy Zarf. His name rhymes with barf too. Except his nickname is "Stink Dragon." The illustration of Zarf reminds me of my 1977 faddish troll doll with electrified-looking pink hair I had as a kid - they were called, Dam trolls, after the Danish guy who created them, Thomas Dam. No kidding. (Mom wouldn't let me call mine that.) Zarf is picked on at school and mistreated by the Cotswain's community. He too, is at the bottom of the social hierarchy like me in my family. People don't like trolls. They are unpredictable and hot-tempered, going berserk at times. Add in features such as size-22 hairy feet and a liking for poo-poo berry fritters and fish and ye have a silly olde story. The nonstop slapstick, play on words, and poking fun at fairy tale conventions, (and schools, and popular movies, and music, and technology... you get the idea), reminded me of "The Heroes Guide to Saving the Kingdom" or the movie, "Shrek." Adult and kid humor makes this a zinger.

When Zarf loses his temper while at middle school, he beats up the king's son for cheating in a joust. Not only does Zarf angrily lose control, but his vision turns red and his arm becomes a fist-pumping piston. (That might be a slight exaggeration, but I liked the word combo. A more accurate description is a fist-slapping-punching combination.) When he regains his sanity he is ashamed of his actions and runs home feeling like "frog goop." Yes, the king's son is a bully, but Zarf can't go flailing away at every twit he meets. His grandpa, who is the famed troll that got duped by the "three billy goats gruff", explains that Zarf comes from a long line of infamous Belfords known for their frenzy in battles, but that he needs to learn to use his anger "ta help others." When the king is kidnapped by the evil Snuffweasels, his son takes over the kingdom and immediately imprisons Zarf for beating him up. Zarf decides to rescue the king who has been kind and tolerant of trolls changing laws for their benefit. A wild adventure ensues with honey bogs, Snuffweasels, and dragons.

Zarf's best friends are Chester Flintwater, Jester-in-training that can't make a joke, and Kevin Littlepig, one of the three little pigs that makes the cowardly lion look brave. The three misfits learn about friendship and are willing to risk their lives for each other. Even Kevin overcomes his fear to save Zarf. Goldie, the lunch lady, is a spoof on Goldilocks. She's ladling soup and joking with Zarf that it is "just right." The other kids are afraid of her with her skull cap and fierce ways. Rumor has it she's a witch or serious bear hunter. The ogres seem like stereotyped henchmen, but this author reminds me of when I thought I was getting a mint, strawberry ice cream cone in Taiwan and ended up with a red bean, green tea flavored cone. He constantly surprises the reader!

The gags are delivered using illustrations and prose, each one playing off the other adding to the humor. When they go into the dark forest a sign reads, "Ye Olde Snarly Tangle Enter at Ye Own Risk" with Chester looking on saying, "Daaang!" in a speech bubble. When Chester slices off the dragon's toe the prose has the dragon grabbing his toe and screaming "My PINKIEEEE!" while the illustration shows Chester holding a sword saying, "And this little Piggie got none." Or when Zarf is so scared he says it was making his "teeth shimmy" and the picture next to it is a crazy-eyed human heart doing a cannonball.

The setting is rooted in kingdom and fairy tale lore. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," "Hansel and Gretel," and "King Arthur" as a comic book hero are just a few of the many hilarious references to classics. The anachronistic use of a cell phone and references to pop culture from music such as "Eye of the Tiger", "Red Bull" drink, to word-plays such as the movie, "Dead Man Walking," for "Dead Troll Walking" make for funny running gags. My favorite line captures a mix of the two when the ogre is asked who his phone provider is when he can't get reception at the honey bog. "'Grimm unfortunately.' Kevin threw his hands up in disgust. 'SEE? Grimm is the worst! I told you guys.'"

The story is not all gags. Themes are layered in laughter. Zarf learns how words can hurt and heal, but that he has to not lose his temper. He is continually bullied and hurt throughout the story, but when he finally shows at the end that it doesn't get to him and he walks out of the room, he has become mature about his temper. Although I do think the king was out of character. Or perhaps the author really wanted to cement the community's intolerance for trolls as unchangeable.

The intolerance of the community is tempered by a few characters that genuinely like Zarf such as the Knoble Knight and Goldie. Again, the ending didn't quite work for me because I thought the Knoble Knight would stand up for Zarf. While I understand the attempt to show Zarf maturing, the about-face actions of the King and other adults didn't make sense. Perhaps a bit more of an explanation could have shown their motivation or lack of it in the final scene. Or perhaps the author is making a mockery out of aristocracy and adults. I just had a "Huh?" moment at the end. You'll have to decide for yourself. The theme of controlling your anger and not fitting in at school can be explored as well. There is plenty to talk about. Just plan on snort-laughing through discussions.

Rob Harrell's graphic novel, "Monster on the Hill," pokes fun of fantasy conventions while this one does at fairy tales. It too, has an odd quirky wit similar to his graphic novel. Both are funnier than heck. Rob Harrell writes syndicated comic strips and is a talented artist. I'm glad he's entered the foray of children's books. If you have a kid or students that won't set down their graphic novels to try prose, then I highly recommend this book. Actually, I would recommend it to everyone. Even my brother that still calls me "Barfie" once in a while. "Ladies and Germs," this is one "Daaang" funny book. Don't miss it.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich habe das Buch für meinen kleinen Bruder gelesen. Es ist schnell vorbei dennoch ist es lustig und kinderfreundlich geschrieben. Für meine Altersgruppe würde ich es zwar nicht weiterempfehlen, aber kleine Geschwister könnten an diesem Buch durchaus Gefallen finden. :-)

[Savanna England · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's chapter book! The kids and I laughed a lot while reading this one.

[Meggies Fussnoten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spotz ist ein Troll und hat es nicht gerade leicht im Königreich Scherwutz. Denn wenn man als Troll dort lebt, steht man auf der untersten Stufe der Beliebtheitsskala. Doch Spotz macht das Beste daraus. Zusammen mit seinen Freunden, dem Schwein Kevin und dem Hofnarr-Anwärter Joe, versucht er, seine Schulzeit so gut als möglich hinter sich zu bringen.
Als der beliebte König Kastanius von den Schnupfwieseln entführt wird, sieht Spotz seine Chance, sich beliebt zu machen und so macht er sich zusammen mit Joe und Kevin auf, den König zu retten. Das dies natürlich nicht einfach werden wird, ist ja wohl klar.

Schon das Cover sieht vielversprechend aus und als ich bei Blogg Dein Buch die Chance hatte, das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar zu bekommen, nahm ich diese wahr.
Auch war ich sehr interessiert, wie denn ein Comic-Roman so aussehen könnte.

Schon am Anfang gab es etliche Dinge, die mich schmunzeln ließen. So schon, wie sich Spotz selbst beschreibt. Sarkasmus scheint sein zweiter Vorname zu sein. Doch macht er das Beste aus seiner Situation Denn in der Beliebtheitsskala nimmt er die unterste Stufe ein und muss sich schon sehr, sehr anstrengen, um von seinen Mitschülern akzeptiert zu werden. Sich da gerade mit dem Sohn des Königs anzulegen, ist natürlich nicht die beste Lösung.

Der Coppenrath Verlag hat mit der Herausgabe dieses Buches einen gelungenen Griff getan. Denn es macht einfach nur Spaß, sich auf die Geschichte einzulassen. Vor allem die eingeworfenen Bildchen sind ein hübsches Gimmick. So wird alles aufgepeppt.

Spotz ist eine sehr interessante Figur. Er weiß, dass er als Troll auf der untersten Stufe steht, versucht aber trotzdem, sich zu integrieren und nimmt manches einfach gelassen hin. Nur bei dem Prinzen kann er sich nicht zurückhalten und dann kommt sein Trollblut in Wallung. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt kann er für nichts mehr garantieren und so führt eins zum anderen. Und plötzlich sitzt er im Kerker und wartet auf seine Bestrafung.

Die Mischung aus Roman und Comic ist eine interessante Art, gerade für Kinder. So können sie sich im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes ein besseres Bild von den Figuren machen.

Die Nebencharaktere sind genauso besonders, wie Spotz selbst. So ist da Kevin, das Schwein, dessen liebstes Essen Hammelkeule ist. Diese Ironie ließ mich immer wieder schmunzeln. Und Joe, der Hofnarr-Anwärter, der lieber Ritter sein möchte, bringt durch seine lahmen Witze so manchen unfreiwilligen Lacher.

In die Geschichte fließen viele Märchen mit ein. So treffen die drei Freunde auf ihrer Sucher nach dem König zum Beispiel auf das Pfefferkuchenhaus der bösen Hexe aus Hänsel und Gretel. Nur das dort nicht mehr die Hexe wohnt, sondern die Person, von der Spotz es am Wenigsten erwartet hätt Mehr kann ich dazu nicht sagen, weil ich ansonsten massiv einiges Spoilern würde. Aber nicht nur Hänsel und Gretel müssen daran glauben, nein auch Goldlöckchen, Die drei kleinen Schweinchen, verschiedene Sagen- sowie Fantasiegestalten aus Grimms Märchen.

Die versteckten Andeutungen zu verstehen, hat mir ebenso Spaß gemacht, wie auch die Suche nach der etwas ernsteren Aussage des Buches. Und die lautet: mit guten Freunden schafft man einfach alles.

Für einen Nachfolger ist natürlich auch schon gesorgt, der im Herbst 2016 erscheinen soll.

Fazit:
Ein sehr lustiges Kinderbuch mit Comic-Einwürfen und drei mutigen Helden, die das Königreich Scherwutz vor viel Unheil retten.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review based on Advanced Readers Copy as procurred at BEA

~

May contain some minor spoilers. (names, tiny plot points, and such)

~

I really loved this book. I love that it was in the same style of Timmy Failure and The Odd Squad (which I just finished reading), but instead of being set in a modern middle school was placed in a fairy tale world. I wasn't sure how I felt about the inclusion of modern technology, but I think that it added an element of humor. The king was obviously in trouble because *gasp* he was unable to be reached on his cell phone. (Although, thinking about it, this is probably funny to me because I am rarely ever able to be reached on my cell phone.)

I loved that the characters were important. Especially Zarf. I loved that they had to learn that who they were and the strengths they had were enough. I thought there were some quiet subtleties to the characters that kept them form being flat.

Quite a fun read I highly recommend.

[D. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zarf is your average, every day, unpopular middle schooler - who just happens to be a troll. He lives in the fairytale kingdom of Notswin. He has two best friends - Kevin Littlepig, whose family is of The Three Little Pigs fame, and Chester, the son of the King's court jester.

Zarf also has an enemy - Prince Roquefort, who of course is at the top of the middle school social ladder, and has two ogres for bodyguards. (Zarf thinks one of them's name is Buddy, but he isn't sure.)

In this book, the first of the series, the king disappears after sightings of Snuffweasels (which are far more fearsome than their name might imply), and hijinks ensue.

The author has hilariously mixed old fairy tales with current day school issues with delightful drawings that add to the story. Highly recommended for readers who are graduating from picture books to chapter books - and recommended for adults too!

[Cornmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wimpy Kids fans will love this story of a troll and his adventures in his fractured fairy tale land. Goldilocks is a lunch lady, his best friend is part of the 3 Little Pigs family, etc. etc.

The humor abounds, and I loved the illustrations that serve to explain parts of the story and also have dialogue balloons that become part of the story. Very cheeky, with just the right touch of potty humor.

Boys will enjoy this, especially reluctant readers. I really liked the way Harrell worked new vocabulary into a sentence so a reluctant reader could pick it up through context. Very smart.

[Linn Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care if you have no children in your life. You need to read this book. It's funny and compelling, adorable and juvenile without talking down. Zarf is the person I wish Greg Heffley had been. He has friends who aren't the brightest and the best, but they're his friends and he cares about them. There's a girl he likes but she isn't paramount. His family loves him and doesn't always know what he's up to, but supports him no matter what.

This is a fantastic book. It's described as Shrek meets Wimpy Kid, but this isn't enough. It has heart and spunk and great illustrations.

I can't wait for the next book. Why isn't it September yet?

[Suraia Munia · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read books with my little brother also i enjoy reading children book alone too sometimes. i thought this would be some hilarious book about a troll who messes things up or fixes it. I was right about the concept but i just didn't find it very funny. It was not bad. In some parts i chuckled a little but no LOL moment. i don't see myself reaching out for the second book in the series.

[Carolanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants readers will eat this up. I laughed out loud at several points. I would like to recommend it as a read-aloud but the potty humor may make for some awkward moments. However, kids will eat it up!

[Vivi's kreative Medienwelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das Buch ist ein Kinderbuch für Kinder ab 10 Jahren aber auch Erwachsene können sich an dem Buch erfreuen. Es ist sehr spannend, lustig, geschrieben und die Comic Zeichnungen machen das Buch für Kinder sehr ansprechend. Ich bin begeistert von den tollen Zeichnungen und die Geschichte reist einen einfach mit. Spotz und seine Freunde erleben spannende Abendteuer, mit Happy End. Man möchte garnicht aufhören zu lesen. Ich freue mich schon sehr auf das zweite Buch und ich bin gespannt was Spotz und seine Freunde im nächsten Teil erleben bzw. Welches Abendteuer auf sie wartet. Spotz ist als Hauptfigur sehr gut gewählt, weil ein Troll im Königreich Niederlungen, die selben Probleme hat wie ein angehender Jugendlicher in der Schule. Der Autor hat sich sehr viel mühe gegeben das, dass Buch von außen und innen Ansprechend ist. Das ist ihm sehr gut gelungen durch die tollen Zeichnungen und durch die aufwenige fühlbare außen Hülle. Das einzige was manchmal verwirrt sind die Sprechblasen der Figuren, aber daran gewöhnt man sich schnell und dann kann man die Sprechblasen gut in den Texten einbauen. Vielen Dank das ich es lesen durfte, ich warte auf Teil zwei.

Als Schluss Satz muss ich euch sagen das der Prinz in diesem Buch echt gemein ist, er ist so garnicht Prinzenhaft aber davon überzeugt euch lieber selbst.
100% Weiterempfehlung nicht nur an Kinder auch an Erwachsene. Das Buch ist auch zum Vorlesen geeignet. Ich wünsche euch viel Spaß beim Lesen, Vorlesen und beim betrachten der Bilder.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

This book is absolutely hilarious. A perfect in-between read to My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and The Last Kids on Earth. Fantastic humor, quick pace, engaging story that's easy to dive into.

Set in a fairy-tale world and featuring a cast of magical creatures, the story has plenty of action and humor, with some nice morals slipped in. The narration is interspersed with illustrations, which pair nicely. They help add another dimension to the story and are quite entertaining in themselves.

Good fit for reluctant readers and book-lovers alike who enjoy adventure, gross-out humor, and fantasy. I was hooked from the first chapter. The many references to pop culture and fairy tales were fun and there is so much creativity packed into these pages. Such an entertaining read.

I was happy to see this is the start of a series. Can't wait to start in on the second book for more of Zarf's adventures.

[Brad Meltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got a ‘Wimpy Kid’ lover in your life? Here, Zarf is a troll at very bottom of the middle school food chain, below the princes and the giants. Think the fairy tale of ‘Shrek’—but in middle school. As a troll, Zarf is even stuck below the prince and knights (populars), ogres and giants (jocks), and even the lowly minstrels (band geeks). And then Zarf’s life gets even worse when his archenemy, the prince, ascends the throne and Zarf and his two sidekicks (a neurotic pig and the not-funny son of the court jester) set out to find the missing king, as well as their way to middle school heroism. (Okay, the heroism part might be wishful thinking.) Award-winning comic creator Harrell has middle-grade humor mastered with his Life of Zarf series, of which this is the second installment.

[BubblesTheKat77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: READ BOOK BEFORE MY REVIEW, SPOILER ALERT, READ BOOK BEFORE MY REVIEW!!!!

This was hilariously enjoyable to sit down and read in only, what, 4 days?? Knock Knock the lava dragon?? Giant weasels who eat people?? Gigantic jerk-of-a-prince Roqufort becoming king?? Who knows in this hilarious, I-can't-put-the-book-down series??

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kind of hated this. Each of the characters is incredibly annoying and the setting makes no sense. In one sentence the author spews some nonsense word and in the next there is a Sponge Bob Square Pants reference. So this fantasyland has cable?

The tone was all wrong as well, told in first person, Zarf comes off as arrogant and stupid, instead of some sort of lovable underdog.

Overall, this was just stupid. It felt like it was written by a 7th grader instead of just being written for one.

[✨Jinglemarco✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that this book is bad. It's funny and a fast read. But I'm always seeking fairy tales retellings and with that I mean with real fairy tales references. In this tale there are any, but overall this is a generic fantasy modernized story and less fairy talish. It starts with a troll who lives under a bridge who is friend with a pig who is the heir of the third of the three little pigs, and there is a Goldie Locks, but the rest of the cast is medieval social category kind of people in a medieval yet modern setting.
I recommend this anyway to whom would like a funny little read!

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you cross Wimpy Kid with Ye Olde Fairy Tales? A surprisingly descent book, according to my 7th grade son. He really like the mash-up of current day 21st century with middle-aged Europe. He skimmed through the first half, but then the plot picked up in the second half, when Zarf goes on some kinda rescue mission. Then he couldn't put it down.

I don't think he made the Shrek connection, so I guess the book stands on it's own without that movie tie-in. Now my 5th grade son has to read it.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so much a graphic novel as an illustrated novel. Rob Harrell is a funny, funny writer and illustrator. This is book 1 about Zarf the troll. I love the illustrations sprinkled heavily throughout the book and how the speech bubbles in them truly add to the storyline and almost always make me at least grin if not giggle. I also enjoyed reading about how Zarf was learning to channel his anger properly. Looking forward to reading books 2 & 3.

[Katya Vinogradova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book and oh boy, it does not get boring or repetitive! I enjoyed it immensely, like the first time, but that's partly because I don't remember the books I read very well.
Anyway, Zarf is a wonderful character and narrator. I love the blend of Wimpy Kid and fairy tale, and I love that the characters are so relatable yet believably fantastical.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/14/2018 ~ Genre? It's one of those books that are technically fantasy, because, you know, trolls, Goldilocks, etc. BUT it reads just like realistic fiction: teased & bullied because of your physical attributes, yep. Privileged school bully, yep. Hero lunch lady, yep!

You'll want to get this into the hands of your fans of Wimpy Kid books.

[Gabie (OwlEyesReviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book very much. It’s crude and crass and uses ableist language I would never want my students to repeat. I’m pretty disappointed this book was chosen for Oregon elementary Battle of the Books for next school year :/

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tall tale that delights in whipping up silly elements from classic fairy tales and spinning them with sarcasm and salt. This volume focuses on managing emotions while supporting your friends (and even your enemies). Funny for the intended audience.

[Genesis Bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kid says: I feel like it was a good book, unfortunately I did not like the ending. It felt unnatural after the king had acknowledged his son was being a jerk in the snuffweasle cave. Definitely not a book for children under 10.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay but not the best. I read it in 1 1/2

[Mister · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite thing about this book was Zarf jousting with the prince. I also liked the fight with the lava dragon.

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter (9yo) read. "Really funny."

[Yeats Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no! The snuff weasels had such a funny name.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay, definitely made for younger readers but I still had a great time. couldn't quite understand the plotline time about 3 quarters into the book. Otherwise great story.