Sleepy, Sleepier, Sleepiest—NOT! When Stink’s parents win tickets to an aquarium sleepover for the whole family, could it be science-freak Stink’s dream come true or his worst nightmare? He loves learning about sharks, but does he want to sleep in the same room with them? He’s nuts about gross stuff, but does he want go to bed thinking about the eating habits of the vampire squid? Creepy, creepier, creepiest—yikes!
"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.
This is a strong entry in the series that features Stink Moody, Judy's seven and three quarter year old younger brother. The Moody family has won tickets to a family sleepover at the aquarium, so Mom, Dad, Judy, Stink, and friends Sophie and Webster are off on an adventure.
The aquarium is actually sort of the star of this book and the author does a wonderful job of making the aquarium exciting as she moves the kids from exhibit to exhibit during a scavenger hunt. Stink is nuts for sharks, of course, but we learn a lot about all of the exhibits, especially jellyfish and the like. The creatures are described exceptionally well and a wealth of information is slipped in along with the general hijinks. This ends up being a "learning-is-fun" exercise as well as a funny read.
And make no mistake, all of the trademark Stink Moody funny business is here - jokes, puns, funny observations, some teasing, some pretty sly throwaway lines from the adults, and that just slightly manic flavor that marks this age group and their funny bones.
On the upside, there is not too much sibling teasing in this outing. I know that's par for the course, and probably hardly registers with kids who have brothers and sisters, and serves as a real eye-opener for only children, but I have to admit that I like my sibling conflict light and in small doses, and that's what you get here. Judy isn't really much of a presence in this book, and Stink basically just gets to racket around with his pals in a cool place. (There is a Bloody Mary the vampire squid story told at the sleepover "campfire" that freaks the kids out a little, but it is handled well and their creeps are explained away early on with laughs all around, so I wouldn't expect it to upset young readers.)
Not a lot of time is devoted to describing the Moody family or how they all fit together, but since this is one of many Moody books I can see where familiarity with the main characters is assumed. That's fine and even if this is your first Moody book you'll be able to pick it all up after a few pages.
I guess this book is aimed at readers who are a bit past simple chapter books but not yet ready for more demanding fare, and that seems right. The books have action, crisp dialogue, distinct characters, bunches of little mini-plots, (my pet crab escaped! Oh, there it is.), and lots of good natured humor. They also feel authentic. That is, the kids act and sound and feel like real kids. Everythinjg can't be fantasy and action/adventure, and these cheery, funny, active, imaginative kids seem like they would be very good companions for a new reader.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Stink’s parents went to a fundraiser and came home with a surprise - the whole family has won the opportunity to visit the aquarium after hours and sleep over! Stink is thrilled at the thought of spending the night surrounded by sharks and other exciting sea creatures, but he worries that when it comes time to turn in for the night, he’ll be too scared to sleep.
What I like about the Stink series is that the stories always have an educational component. In the last Stink book I read, Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk, the focus was on the joy of reading, as Stink geared up for the release of the newest book in his favorite series. In Stink and the Shark Sleepover, the focus is on sea life, and the typical lessons learned at an aquarium become part of the story. Though parents are often skeptical of this series because the main character’s name suggests something gross, I think it is actually one of the better chapter book series for promoting a love of learning and a natural curiosity about the world, as Stink himself has both of these.
What struck me the most about the writing in this book is the effective use of dialogue. There is very little narration in the story; almost everything is conveyed through conversation. Kids who are intimidated by big chunks of text may find this approach comforting, and I think all readers will appreciate the lively, fast-paced style the use of so much dialogue creates. I think this is especially true because of all the information about sea creatures that is embedded in the story. It is much easier to digest facts about the various sea animals when they are delivered in quick one-liners spoken by the curator at the aquarium. Stink’s discussions with his friends also help build excitement and suspense surrounding what might be lurking in the one room which the sleepover guests are not allowed to enter.
Stink and the Shark Sleepover will appeal to any kid who loves sharks, as well as the many kids who aspire to become marine biologists. (I assume this is still a popular desire; it was when I was in elementary school.) For more shark stories, look for Hooey Higgins and the Shark by Steve Voake, Shark Tooth Tale and Shark Attack! from the Ready, Freddy series, and/or The Shark King published by Toon Books.
My first introduction to either Megan McDonald or Peter H Reynolds were the Judy Moody and Stink books. I have since read all the books in both of those series and most of the other books by both Megan the Author and Peter the illustrator. After more than 30 books in this series it is still highly entertaining. I gave up on Xanth long before that and there are few series that keep me that long especially if written by one author. That is a testament to the craft of both McDonald and Reynolds. I still get excited when I find out there is another books in one of the Moody series. And this one the ninth Stink Moody book did not disappoint.
This story begins with Stink trying to stay up because his parents were out at a charity auction and he cannot wait to find out what they won. And they have bid on and won a sleepover for them and a friend at the local aquarium. But from the get go Judy is bugging Stink that he does not like sleepovers, even at their grandma's. When the big day comes The Moody's, Mom, Dad, Judy and stink along with Webster head to the sleepover. When they get there the meet up with Sophie of the Elves. There is an amazing scavenger hunt, a replica megalodon fin, shark feeding and so much more. A virtual campfire and of course ghost stories or in this case creepy Frankensquid story about Bloody Mary! Thor in a few pranks and we have a recipe for a great adventure.
This is yet another great read from McDonald and Reynolds. And now my kids are old enough that we have started reading these books together so it is fun for the whole family. In the Moody's universe we now have Judy Moody, Stink Moody Judy Moody and Stink, and a new series called Judy moody and Friends. And I can say they are all great books in amazing series, check them out for you and the young readers in your life.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by McDonald and Reynolds.
Judy Moody's little brother Stink is thrilled when his parents win tickets for a sleepover at the local aquarium. But he's a little nervous about sleeping near the sharks. As is typical in this series, there is much humor. Fans of the series will enjoy the descriptions of rather gross creatures such as the vampire squid as well as the suspense and drama, all wrapped in a warm familial embrace.
When Stink's parents win a sleepover at the aquarium, Stink is beside himself with excitement! The whole Moody family gets to go, as well as a few of Stink's friends. They have an amazing time at the aquarium, including a scavenger hunt, touching the animals, and a campfire with scary stories. Includes many fun facts about sharks. Recommended for grades 1-3.
I'm not a fan of the Bloody Mary superstition being introduced to young readers. Kids should be protected from the occult. Otherwise a fun story about camping out with family and friends in the local aquarium.
Title: Stink and the Shark Sleepover - Book 9 Author: Megan MacDonald Illustrator: Peter H Reynolds Publisher: Candlewick Press Published: 2-11-2014 Pages: 176 Genre: Children's Fiction Sub-Genre: Marine Life; Siblings; Family Life' New Experiences ISBN: 9780763664749 ASIN: B00HRC9HOO Reviewed For NetGalley and Candlewick Press Reviewer: DelAnne Rating: 4.25 Stars
Stink Moody, and two of his friends and Stink' parents spend the night at a local aquarium. An adventure they are looking forwrd to. Before settling in for the night. There is the required ghost story Round Robin. Suddenly there are things in the shadows. Maybe the glass us not as safe as you thought and those teeth start to look awfully big.
First off my three nephews are crazy about sharks, whales, eels and killer fish. (they range from age 7 to 11) all wanted to read this book. Their parents had no problem with it, but when I read it I thought the stories a bit to graphic and severe for the seven year old, apparently he thought the stories were great and loved the whole book, the eleven year old found the book a bit too young to hold his interest. All I got from him was it was okay. So I set the ages from 7 to 10 years of age. Stink and his friends are good friends. and exemplify childhood friends. This is a good series for kids to read and to help them deal with different situations and creatures of the paranormal realm.
My rating of "Stink and the Shark Sleepover - Book 9" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
A sleepover at an aquarium, a fun night, and sharks!
This is my first Stink book, I have read all the Judy Moody books, and also most (if not all) of the Judy + Stink books. So I thought it was time to check out the Stink series as well, even though he isn't always my favourite character.
In this book Stink gets the chance to have a sleepover at the aquarium along with his family, friends, and also other people who won a chance for the sleepover. Of course it is not just a sleepover, there are all sorts of events happening + you can wander around while the aquarium is officially closed!
Boy, I wish I could have a sleepover at an aquarium, it sounds absolutely fabulous! Sleeping with fish/underwater creatures around you? That is a dream right there!
Stink was pretty OK in this one, though at times I found him a bit whiny, and at other times I found him acting a bit too OMG look how smart I am. But luckily there were enough times that he really showed his good side. Plus his enthusiasm for sharks was really sweet, I loved how he went into fanboy mode quite a few times.
Of course we also see Judy, and I was happy she also appeared. She also seems much more mature in these, perhaps because we see her from Stink's POV. When her brother needed her she stepped up and helped out.
I am not sure what to think of Riley. She was pretty annoying, bleh, and I just wanted to throw her in the shark tank. I am not sure why they were so tolerant of her, she kept being rude and kept butting into things. If I was Stink I would just have asked if she would leave me alone.
There is also a part about facing your fears, and I liked that it was added.
The book also contains some fun facts about sharks.
The illustrations, well I love them in the Judy books, and I love them in here.
All in all, I think I will keep on reading these Stink books. This book was so fun!
Amazingly engaging and fun read! We have 7 little boys in the family of assorted ages and several are currently into chapter books. This series is a hoot. I say that having started with the ninth installment but I feel confident saying McDonald delivers a solid story, characters, dialogue and settings in each outing. Illustrations are perfect. Right off the bat I was sold on Stink, our main boy, napping on the floor surrounded by his fave stuffies, yarn monsters (!) and the cat. As a crochet stuffie person, I'm hooked (no pun intended) immediately. So, mom and dad win a trip, a sleepover for the family, to the Atlanta Aquarium. Jawsome awesome! as Stink would exclaim. Fraught with excitement, stories about giant scary to bits big ancient fishes, etc, spooky tales of Bloody Mary, and regular sister/brother/best friend pranks, this fun fast-paced chapter book will have your kids wanting more Stink. Check out this bit from pg 62, ' "Ooh. Gross. It looks like a kidney. Or a heart", said Webster. "Are you ready for a smack?" Marco asked. Stink jumped back. Marco chuckled. "I don't mean a slap. A smack of jellyfish. That's what you call a group of jellies." ...A smack of jellies floated by like small spaceships. ' Who knew?! For the kids in your life, maybe start at the beginning, the first book, or just jump in like I did! Other titles, Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout or Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown. Yowsers! McDonald also writes a girl series called Judy Moody. Stink's sis. But I bet boys would like it, too, just like I enjoyed Stink!
This is another book in the Stink/Judy Moody book series. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed in this installment. Stink’s parents have won the chance for the whole family to spend the night in an aquarium. Stink can’t wait to go, but worries about being scared in the aquarium when it comes time to sleep.
The story weaves interesting facts about sea creatures into the narrative and by learning these facts, Stink becomes less afraid of the creatures surrounding him. Thus, Stink conquers his fear through learning and education.
The story does include the “Bloody Mary” legend. Though Stink learns that the legend is only a story meant to scare kids, parents may object all the same.
Nearly every page of the book includes some sort of illustration. The text is enlarged and limited on the page so that early readers aren’t intimidated by a large block of text. Despite the inclusion of “Bloody Mary”, I would recommend this book to those children who are reading early chapter books, like animal facts, and enjoy humorous stories.
Stink is back in his 9th installment. This time there is a sleepover at the aquarium which is a dream come true to learn about ocean animals especially sharks. But can he sleep in a room full of sharks with images of Bloody Mary running around his mind.
Who wouldn't want to go on a trip like this...the staff of the aquarium do a wonderful job keeping the kids occupied and educated. The part I didn't like was the Bloody Mary story...I don't like scary stories and Bloody Mary is a popular one around campfires. However, as the kids search for a missing hermit crab, they encounter things that disprove the story.
As always, the illustrations add a lot to the story. The font is large and should appeal to reluctant readers, especially boys.
Stink's mom and dad win tickets to a sleepover at the aquarium for the whole family. It's a science adventure featuring creatures of the deep, including jellyfish, and sharks. Lots of fun facts are provided throughout the story line. Of course Sophie, Webster, and Riley Rottenberger join in on the fun as well. Scavenger hunts, scary stories, a loose tooth, and "would you rather" questions round out the action.
Stink can’t sleep. Mum and dad are at a fundraising dinner and might win a prize. They win, and the family’s off to a sleepover at the Aquarium. The biggest in the USA. There’ll be crabs, jellyfish, and, best of all, sharks. They’ll sleep near sharks. But what if it all goes wrong? I enjoyed the worries the characters dealt with. I’m not sure I’d like to sleep near sharks—a great first chapter book. Recommended for readers aged six to nine years.
An okay entry into juvenile chapter books. There is lots of actions to grab the attention of the reader but the prose is mostly dialogue so it's not really conducive to a read aloud (which is what I did).
The tidbits of trivia at the end of each chapter were great. Not so sure about the inclusion of the Bloody Mary legend no matter how watered down.
I'm done with this author. I read the second half of this book to my daughter tonight before bed, and the bloody Mary story made her so scared she was crying and couldn't fall asleep. We don't need to put garbage about the occult in children's books, and this author has done this on numerous occasions. We're done with this. My family is done.
Stink is on another adventure...this time with his family to the aquarium for a sleepover. As usual, Stink and his friends find themselves in some kind of amusing predicament which, at the aquarium, involves sharks and a vampire squid.
It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t exactly good either. I’ve never read any Judy or Stink books before but one of my book clubs asked so I gave it a spin. Honestly, not much of a fan. My quest for good series at this reading level continues. (Student book club)
Super cute read about the Moody family spending the night at the aquarium. Andy and I listened to the audiobook on a road trip during shark week. Good laughs, good scares, and a good story. Pretty sure Stink is Andy's spirit animal ;)
I think that stink and the shark sleepover was good book. I think this because in this book it talked about sea animals. in the book it would give you facts about the sea animals that maybe you didn't know. I also liked this book because it was kind of interesting to read everyday.
Read with Kurtis. He seemed to like the parts with the most focus on the aquarium and ocean animals. He was frightened by the Bloody Mary story, even though I modified it. There were some interesting informational parts, which was a bonus I wasn’t expecting.
I like this book because of the sleepover over because it was very weird when you have sleepover at the aquarium. I would recommend this book to people who like exploring and for those who like the Judy Moody books or series.