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Reading is for Idjits!
Martin and Morton are identical twins! Which one is which? "Smarty Marty" loves to read. "Morton the Moron" hates it. "Reading is for Idjits!" he declares. But Morton's faulty reading gets him into BIG trouble. His entire world falls apart! After a series of humorous disasters, Morton finally learns to read. He even saves the day with his new skill!
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
97 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2016
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2016
1 star.
The message this book explicitly conveys is that a kid is stupid if he doesn't know how to read. Especially if he has a twin who can read. Nothing like a little sibling comparison to shame your children! If that doesn't work, punish him by withholding things he enjoys until he teaches himself how to read the boring books you give him. In the meantime, let him cross busy streets by himself and trust him to take complete care of himself by following warnings from environmental print, knowing full well HE CAN'T READ. Maybe incur the wrath of natural selection? Who is this book even targeted to? Beginning/advanced readers so they can act sanctimonious to their "moron" peers? Or emergent/delayed readers as a cautionary tale? The accompanying illustrations look like they were taken from a clipart database. But at least the word "poop" is used! That'll get the kids laughing!!!
Illustrations: 1/5
Text: 1/5
The message this book explicitly conveys is that a kid is stupid if he doesn't know how to read. Especially if he has a twin who can read. Nothing like a little sibling comparison to shame your children! If that doesn't work, punish him by withholding things he enjoys until he teaches himself how to read the boring books you give him. In the meantime, let him cross busy streets by himself and trust him to take complete care of himself by following warnings from environmental print, knowing full well HE CAN'T READ. Maybe incur the wrath of natural selection? Who is this book even targeted to? Beginning/advanced readers so they can act sanctimonious to their "moron" peers? Or emergent/delayed readers as a cautionary tale? The accompanying illustrations look like they were taken from a clipart database. But at least the word "poop" is used! That'll get the kids laughing!!!
Illustrations: 1/5
Text: 1/5
July 31, 2016
'Reading is for Idjits' by W.W. Rowe and Charles A. Filius is a cautionary tale about the dangers of not being able to read. Based on the illustrations, it's probably written for children, but I have a few problems with it.
Twins Marty and Morty, aka 'Smarty Marty' and 'Morton the Moron' (my first problem), look alike but they differ in one area. Marty loves to read and Morty thinks it's for idjits, as he calls them. This is disproved over the pages of the book as Morty misreads every sign, sometimes to the threat of his health and safety. He gets punished until he learns to read, then learns to love it. The end.
The pictures are not bad, but I've got some problems with the story. Making fun of those who can't read was certainly one of them. Calling Morty a moron was another one, and probably not what you want your kids calling each other. Certainly the book is written with good intentions, but the execution leaves me scratching my head. This book would make readers feel smug, but I'm not sure it would make non-readers comfortable, or even like they want to learn to read. I wasn't impressed.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Charwood Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Twins Marty and Morty, aka 'Smarty Marty' and 'Morton the Moron' (my first problem), look alike but they differ in one area. Marty loves to read and Morty thinks it's for idjits, as he calls them. This is disproved over the pages of the book as Morty misreads every sign, sometimes to the threat of his health and safety. He gets punished until he learns to read, then learns to love it. The end.
The pictures are not bad, but I've got some problems with the story. Making fun of those who can't read was certainly one of them. Calling Morty a moron was another one, and probably not what you want your kids calling each other. Certainly the book is written with good intentions, but the execution leaves me scratching my head. This book would make readers feel smug, but I'm not sure it would make non-readers comfortable, or even like they want to learn to read. I wasn't impressed.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Charwood Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
August 2, 2016
My first review on goodreads! First let me say I am SOOOOOO glad I read this before reading it with my son. This is NOT a book that any child should read. Period. End of story.
The book tells the tale of two twins. One who is smart and always has his head in a book and one who is not. They call the one twin Smarty Marty and the other one Morton the Moron. Morton cannot read properly and constantly gets into trouble till his parents take away all his favorite things till he learns how to read.
As a mother to a special needs child who has multiple learning disabilities I was frankly appalled by this book. Number one to call a child a moron is never something you should do in a book that supposedly has a positive message. The child was made fun for what quite clearly stood out to me as a learning disability. It seemed like he was dyslexic. But instead of getting him help his parents laugh at him then take away everything he loves till he learns to read (boring books with no pictures mind you). Why kind of message is this?!?!?! If anyone called my child a moron because of his inability to read believe you me I would go full on Mama Bear on them. Instead you have a mother who laughs at him for his problems and then punishes him. The child literally almost dies 3 times in this book. But hey lets not do the right thing and get him help lets punish the child who has almost lost his life several times due to the parents being morons...see what I did there cause the parents clearly are the morons here not poor Morton.
I can't believe I almost read this with my son. I honestly was hoping there was something positive like with hard work and help from professionals Morton finally overcomes his disability and learns to love reading. BTW a number of children who complain about reading like he was, do it to compensate for the fact that they are having a hard time with it. It frustrates them that they can't be "normal" so they lash out. It is not that they are lazy as this book seems to suggest. Words cannot even begin to express how angry this irresponsible book makes me.
This is 1 out of 5 stars....stay away from it at all costs!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book tells the tale of two twins. One who is smart and always has his head in a book and one who is not. They call the one twin Smarty Marty and the other one Morton the Moron. Morton cannot read properly and constantly gets into trouble till his parents take away all his favorite things till he learns how to read.
As a mother to a special needs child who has multiple learning disabilities I was frankly appalled by this book. Number one to call a child a moron is never something you should do in a book that supposedly has a positive message. The child was made fun for what quite clearly stood out to me as a learning disability. It seemed like he was dyslexic. But instead of getting him help his parents laugh at him then take away everything he loves till he learns to read (boring books with no pictures mind you). Why kind of message is this?!?!?! If anyone called my child a moron because of his inability to read believe you me I would go full on Mama Bear on them. Instead you have a mother who laughs at him for his problems and then punishes him. The child literally almost dies 3 times in this book. But hey lets not do the right thing and get him help lets punish the child who has almost lost his life several times due to the parents being morons...see what I did there cause the parents clearly are the morons here not poor Morton.
I can't believe I almost read this with my son. I honestly was hoping there was something positive like with hard work and help from professionals Morton finally overcomes his disability and learns to love reading. BTW a number of children who complain about reading like he was, do it to compensate for the fact that they are having a hard time with it. It frustrates them that they can't be "normal" so they lash out. It is not that they are lazy as this book seems to suggest. Words cannot even begin to express how angry this irresponsible book makes me.
This is 1 out of 5 stars....stay away from it at all costs!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 21, 2020
Reading is for Idjits!
Review on a book provided through NetGalley.
I chose this book because I thought it would be an inspiring tale of a boy who learns about the joys of reading. So I sat down with my favourite test subject, my primary-aged son, and we read it together. When we were done, I felt underwhelmed, disappointed, and numb.
First, we are introduced to twins Martin and Morton, also known as "Smarty Marty" and "Morton the Moron". "Smarty Marty" always has his head in a book, while "Morton the Moron" hates to read. Neither label is healthy or politically correct, but we are just getting started. Perhaps this can be rectified later?
Next, we are introduced to a number of funny scenarios where Morton's inability to read results in silly misunderstandings. Wait a minute, he can't read or he doesn't like to read? They are not the same. Then, suddenly, it's not so funny anymore. Morton's illiteracy almost gets him run over by a truck! It's terribly contrived since traffic safety relies on much more than reading. By now, we have raised plenty of other issues besides not "liking" to read. Hmmm ... is this actually a book about parenting?
After a few more shocking mishaps (that would have most parents shaking their heads) Morton finds himself in bed with a bunch of "disappointing books without pictures". I have been pondering this statement and I'm still puzzled. Does Morton not like to read because of his upbringing? Maybe this is a parenting book, after all.
Finally, there is some closure when Morton discovers he "loves" reading after being banned from all temptations: television, video games, and caramel-swirl ice cream. Wow! Who knew it would be that easy - this IS a how-to book on good parenting. Bet you can't wait to try that gem!
Martin loves to read but Morton does not. There should be an important distinction between "not liking" reading and not being able to read. The former implies a choice, whereas the latter would benefit from an entirely different approach than what is modelled here.
For a children's book published in 2016, this book feels awkwardly discordant with the times. I can not think of anyone for whom I would recommend this.
Review on a book provided through NetGalley.
I chose this book because I thought it would be an inspiring tale of a boy who learns about the joys of reading. So I sat down with my favourite test subject, my primary-aged son, and we read it together. When we were done, I felt underwhelmed, disappointed, and numb.
First, we are introduced to twins Martin and Morton, also known as "Smarty Marty" and "Morton the Moron". "Smarty Marty" always has his head in a book, while "Morton the Moron" hates to read. Neither label is healthy or politically correct, but we are just getting started. Perhaps this can be rectified later?
Next, we are introduced to a number of funny scenarios where Morton's inability to read results in silly misunderstandings. Wait a minute, he can't read or he doesn't like to read? They are not the same. Then, suddenly, it's not so funny anymore. Morton's illiteracy almost gets him run over by a truck! It's terribly contrived since traffic safety relies on much more than reading. By now, we have raised plenty of other issues besides not "liking" to read. Hmmm ... is this actually a book about parenting?
After a few more shocking mishaps (that would have most parents shaking their heads) Morton finds himself in bed with a bunch of "disappointing books without pictures". I have been pondering this statement and I'm still puzzled. Does Morton not like to read because of his upbringing? Maybe this is a parenting book, after all.
Finally, there is some closure when Morton discovers he "loves" reading after being banned from all temptations: television, video games, and caramel-swirl ice cream. Wow! Who knew it would be that easy - this IS a how-to book on good parenting. Bet you can't wait to try that gem!
Martin loves to read but Morton does not. There should be an important distinction between "not liking" reading and not being able to read. The former implies a choice, whereas the latter would benefit from an entirely different approach than what is modelled here.
For a children's book published in 2016, this book feels awkwardly discordant with the times. I can not think of anyone for whom I would recommend this.
August 17, 2016
This book has a very positive and inspiring message for kids, especially to reluctant readers and particularly boys. Many kids find reading boring and do not want to even give it a try because let's face it technology and movies etc. are so much more action-packed and entertaining right? But the very people who produce and create these technological marvels have to know how to read to get those experiences out to the public.
Martin and Morton are identical twins but when it comes to their perspective on reading it is like night and day. Martin (nicknamed Smarty Marty) is an avid reader and overachiever while Morton (nicknamed Morton the Moron) thinks reading is dumb and why should he even bother. Morton's mantra is, "Reading is for idjits!"
Morton finds out the hard way that perhaps he underestimated the power (and safety) of being able to read the words that surround him daily. He discovers that reading is not only beneficial to himself but can be used to help others around him too. Luckily Morton lives in a loving family who encourages him to read and cares enough for him to make that happen.
It is a reading success story that will show kids just how important reading is. It is written with humour and love and will be well received by kids as opposed to a well-meaning nagging parent or teacher. It would be a perfect fit for a classroom and read aloud for beginning readers. I highly recommend this book.
Martin and Morton are identical twins but when it comes to their perspective on reading it is like night and day. Martin (nicknamed Smarty Marty) is an avid reader and overachiever while Morton (nicknamed Morton the Moron) thinks reading is dumb and why should he even bother. Morton's mantra is, "Reading is for idjits!"
Morton finds out the hard way that perhaps he underestimated the power (and safety) of being able to read the words that surround him daily. He discovers that reading is not only beneficial to himself but can be used to help others around him too. Luckily Morton lives in a loving family who encourages him to read and cares enough for him to make that happen.
It is a reading success story that will show kids just how important reading is. It is written with humour and love and will be well received by kids as opposed to a well-meaning nagging parent or teacher. It would be a perfect fit for a classroom and read aloud for beginning readers. I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2016
This has great illustrations and a well meaning message; but I have some cautionary concerns. My Rating 3.5.
This quick story tells how Morton gets into trouble repeatedly when he misreads signs. The mistakes are funny until they start getting Morton injured. Ultimately his misreading leads to a very dangerous event, at which point his mother punishes him until he learns to read properly. Finally he learns to love reading too.
I really enjoyed the fun illustrations in this book which are much more creative than the cover might suggest. But the cover did get my attention to look at the rest.
I had some concerns about calling any child a "moron" as I totally discourage name calling. There are additional negatives, including the "idjit" phrase of course. I am also pretty doubtful that punishing a child to make them read will make them like or enjoy reading. I learned with an oppositional child that it is better to find reward structures than punishing structures.
As humorous as the story is and as cute as the pictures are, the more I thought about reading this with a reluctant reader the more I wondered if it would work. Making reading fun is the goal... and this book does make it fun so it might be worth a try with the right child and an adult to discourage the negatives of name calling.
I received this book through NetGalley.
This quick story tells how Morton gets into trouble repeatedly when he misreads signs. The mistakes are funny until they start getting Morton injured. Ultimately his misreading leads to a very dangerous event, at which point his mother punishes him until he learns to read properly. Finally he learns to love reading too.
I really enjoyed the fun illustrations in this book which are much more creative than the cover might suggest. But the cover did get my attention to look at the rest.
I had some concerns about calling any child a "moron" as I totally discourage name calling. There are additional negatives, including the "idjit" phrase of course. I am also pretty doubtful that punishing a child to make them read will make them like or enjoy reading. I learned with an oppositional child that it is better to find reward structures than punishing structures.
As humorous as the story is and as cute as the pictures are, the more I thought about reading this with a reluctant reader the more I wondered if it would work. Making reading fun is the goal... and this book does make it fun so it might be worth a try with the right child and an adult to discourage the negatives of name calling.
I received this book through NetGalley.
August 24, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Well I am sorry, but this was just terrible. Why can't Morton read yet? He looks old enough to be at school (4 years+), so why the hell can't this kid read. And now, don't tell me, but he thinks reading is for idjits, and books are boring to him. But come on, this is just freaking ridiculous. Some of those signs should also be the FIRST anyone should learn. And why don't the parents go with him if he is so hot on not reading, and apparently not learning anything at school (Where are the teachers????)? All the situations in the book could have been prevented if they just went with him, or kept a closer eye on him, sure he still can't read, but at least he wouldn't be dying every page. :|
And then the solution to the problem? Seriously, it is so unbelievable that I was just shaking my head. So all the time he didn't want to, but suddenly, and by blackmail, and magically he reads all the books without problems? Hahahahahahahahahahahaha, no, that is not how it works. :|
I also didn't particularly like the art. Sorry. :(
This sounded like a great book, and I was interested in it, but then I get this. No thank you.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Well I am sorry, but this was just terrible. Why can't Morton read yet? He looks old enough to be at school (4 years+), so why the hell can't this kid read. And now, don't tell me, but he thinks reading is for idjits, and books are boring to him. But come on, this is just freaking ridiculous. Some of those signs should also be the FIRST anyone should learn. And why don't the parents go with him if he is so hot on not reading, and apparently not learning anything at school (Where are the teachers????)? All the situations in the book could have been prevented if they just went with him, or kept a closer eye on him, sure he still can't read, but at least he wouldn't be dying every page. :|
And then the solution to the problem? Seriously, it is so unbelievable that I was just shaking my head. So all the time he didn't want to, but suddenly, and by blackmail, and magically he reads all the books without problems? Hahahahahahahahahahahaha, no, that is not how it works. :|
I also didn't particularly like the art. Sorry. :(
This sounded like a great book, and I was interested in it, but then I get this. No thank you.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 23, 2016
Marty and Morty are twins who have completely different attitudes when it comes to reading. Marty loves to read and often has his nose in a book. It is a rather tongue in cheek approach to the perils of being a non-reader. "Reading is for idjits!" is often repeated by Morty. What Morty finds out through a series of accidents (slipping on a wet floor, riding his bike in a creek etc.) that reading has a lot of benefits. With some incentive from his parents and encouragement from his brother, he learns to read and is actually able to help his neighbour when she does not see a sign. A cute read with cartoon like illustrations. I am not sure who the target audience would be, perhaps reluctant readers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2016
This book was quite good overall as it went through the pitfalls of what could happen if you don't learn to read as a child and the accidents and injuries encountered by Morton. The only thing that I didn't think was very good was to call him "Morton the Moron" because he hates it - there are plenty of children out there that struggle to read for various reasons such as dyslexia, etc. - the nickname isn't very politically correct and could be a bit offensive.
August 25, 2016
A perfectly adult representation of why reading is important. But I did love the use of the word idjit.
September 28, 2018
Much too brief a story, it did not feel finished to me, perhaps there is a reading set? It would possibly work for a young reader but my reluctant readers would need more.
What it does is to explain to parents and siblings what its like when the words get jumbled up. It is also significant the sometimes students need a bit longer to really understand why reading is important and worth the extra effort they have to make compared to others.
A mixed response but it has promise.
I was given a free copy by netgalley for my fair and honest review.
What it does is to explain to parents and siblings what its like when the words get jumbled up. It is also significant the sometimes students need a bit longer to really understand why reading is important and worth the extra effort they have to make compared to others.
A mixed response but it has promise.
I was given a free copy by netgalley for my fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews