Let's Do a Thing! (Victor Shmud, Total Expert #1)

by Jim Benton

A new series from the bestselling author of Dear Dumb Diary and Franny K. Stein! MEET VICTOR, TOTAL EXPERT IN EVERYTHING(except Guy Who Cleans Up Bedrooms) With his confidence, imagination, and trusty sidekick Dumpylumps (who happens to be a duck), there's no telling what trouble he'll get into. Lucky for him, he has a knack for getting himself out of trouble, too. So when he finds himself at the center of an intergalactic conflict, he's pretty sure the only way out is his top-secret kitchen concoction; his teacher, the extraordinary Mrs. Nozzleburp; and the help of his friend Patti. Will he be able to save the day and find his way back to class? And just what is he going to do next?

Genres: Humor, Childrens, Science Fiction, Fiction, Juvenile, Chapter Books

128 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2017

About the author

Benton began his career in a custom design t-shirt shop where he started designing his own characters. At the same time, Jim did illustrations and artwork for magazines and newspapers. People magazine named him "the most visible cartoonist in America" .

Benton also created greeting cards and worked in the magazine and publishing industry. In 1998, his SpyDogs characters became an animated series, The Secret Files of the Spy Dogs, that aired on Fox Kids. Licensing his own creations brought them widespread attention on products, such as It's Happy Bunny, The Misters, Just Jimmy and more.

Benton currently lives in Michigan, where he operates out of his own studio.

Reviews

[Keri Douglas · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of most disorganized books I have ever read. It seemed like whatever random idea came to the author's mind, his character Victor did. Some that was probably supposed to be kid humor actually came across as inappropriate especially in several of the illustrations. I don't thinks kids will truly enjoy this like they do Dear Dumb Diary.

[Mandy | bookiesncreme · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite Benton book.

As an elementary school librarian, I’m not even sure which kids I’d recommend this to. Reluctant boy reader who likes weird humor? Seems a tad inappropriate, but it probably would go over the target audiences heads. I don’t know. This is a weird one.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book for young kiddos for sure. Not a fan of the illustrations or the story line, but the message of doing a "thing" is thematic.

I read an advance reader's copy courtesy of a book seller.

[Lara Samuels · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't connect with the character Victor Smud. Admittedly, I am not the target audience and sadly I couldn't imagine the reader for this book.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jim Benton, author of the Franny K. Stein and Dear Dumb Diary series that are very popular with my 4th-5th grade library patrons, has likely written this new one for a target audience of 2nd-4th grade boys who just want a goofy storyline with the word "butt" thrown into the text as often as possible. That group will love Victor Shmud and his duck/chicken, but this librarian would really like a little more meat to a story than just a bunch of aliens, space battles, funny sounding names, and a elementary aged accidental hero. The artwork that was complete for this ARC version was engaging and certainly complimented the silliness. Final thought--this book just might grab the attention of younger students who simply won't read the usual books promoted by teachers and librarians. (Review of digital ARC from EdelweissPlus)

[Linnea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victor doesn't know what he wants to do so he tries everything and claims to be an expert in it. In this adventure his claims get him kidnapped by a group of aliens who are convinced he can help them win the battle against their enemies.

**Includes very weird humor
- Victor has a pet duck sidekick that he insists is a chicken
- Victor keeps saying his teach is attractive/his wife (i found that a little too weird)

Good for kids that like Goofy and are looking for something easy to read. I am wondering if the humor will really translate though.

** Liked the bad alien chart ** good for book talks**

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining fare for early chapter book readers. Victor has quite a self-concept and believes he can do just about anything though sometimes he realizes he does need to ask for assistance from his sidekick Dumpylumps and/or friend, Patti. There is plenty of humor and adventure in this sci-fi/fantasy showing how Victor takes on and outsmarts the aliens he encounters. The various names alone will bring plenty of giggles along with Victor's perspective on approaching problems and challenges. Young readers ages 7 - 10 will enjoy the fast pace and wacky humor.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dips into Captain Underpants territory. The humor is obviously not aimed for an adult woman, but kids would enjoy it. A little weird, but I did chuckle at a few parts. I wish there was a bit more explanation at the beginning (it took me a second to understand what was going on). Overall, I think kids would laugh and like the book.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love this but my son sure did.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another series about another kid told in a fairly engaging manner with over the top scenarios and characters, this one is fine, whilst in reality being one that the next day you would go, oh yeah that was ok but I can't recall what it was all about,

[Lu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this because it was on the shelf and I enjoyed the reader from a previous book. This was ok for elementary boys but not all that impressive even for them.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B-. fiction, children's fiction grade 2-3, silly, but seems like something that would appeal to this age level, series, (Victor Shmud Total Expert, #1)

[Nedjoyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastically funny book. Read with my 7 year old boy. Just wonderful.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read the Spanish language version

[Brian]

Silly, thought provoking, and all around fun. Wish he'd written more in this series.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Franny K stein much kore than this series, but this book has plenty of humor and boy appeal

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

My library is full of kids who love funny books, and many are already Dear Dumb Diary fans, but there is no way I am buying this for my library. It's very strange and kind of rude humor, especially considering it is geared towards second and third grade readers. Bigggggggg bummer.