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Welcome to Wonderland #2
Welcome to Wonderland #2: Beach Party Surf Monkey
There’s always something wacky happening when you live in a motel, and P.T. (named after P. T. Barnum, of course) has grown up at the world’s wackiest! When word gets out that the hottest teen idols in Hollywood (plus current YouTube sensation Kevin the Monkey!) will be filming their next movie—Beach Party Surf Monkey—right in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, P.T. and his friend Gloria know that the Wonderland would be the perfect location. Now they just have to convince the producers!
But when things start to go wrong (crazed fans? missing stars?), it will take all of Gloria’s business genius and P.T.’s wild stories to save the movie before both it and the Wonderland are all washed up!
BONUS: Includes fun extras like P.T. and Gloria’s Famous Fact-or-Fiction Quiz: Movie Edition
But when things start to go wrong (crazed fans? missing stars?), it will take all of Gloria’s business genius and P.T.’s wild stories to save the movie before both it and the Wonderland are all washed up!
BONUS: Includes fun extras like P.T. and Gloria’s Famous Fact-or-Fiction Quiz: Movie Edition
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2017
91 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
155 books2,441 followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 9, 2018
Welcome to Wonderland, a lovely motel with some crazy stuff, and now even crazier movie madness!
I really loved the first book, and then forgot to check if there were more books. Imagine my happiness when I found out there is a second book, and that a third book is on its way! Yippee!
This time not so many tours, but don't worry, there will be enough P.T. patented tall tales of epicness that get more awesome each time that it is told. Yup. I had such a laugh at the imagination of this little guy. Plus instead of tours we get something even more awesome, namely a movie. Yep, P.T. and his friend Gloria manage to get the attention to Wonderland for a brand-new movie featuring several famous people. Like Kevin the Monkey, or Cassie McGinty.
Because Wonderland is still in trouble. And it doesn't help that there is a new hotel next door, The Conch Reef Resort taking a lot of their customers. So I loved that instead of tours and P.T. and Gloria trying to get people to buy expensive stuff, we have a movie! But you can imagine that movies aren't made in one night and that they don't always go without a hitch. And that is what happens in this one. A lot of things go wrong, like the fact that superstar Aidan can't act for life (not to mention having a horrible personality and him arguing about everything), Veronica (daughter of Mr. Conch, yes, that Mr. Conch) is trying to sabotage the movie. You can imagine that P.T. and Gloria work overtime to make sure everything goes well in the end.
I loved reading about the movie, though I have to say the parts leading up to that were also super fun to read. P.T. really had some amazing ideas for tours, and I am just loving it. I would definitely be buying stuff even though I perfectly well know it is all a scam. I would come for the story and see what the kid is up to this time, because I know P.T. will make a show out of it.
But the movie was definitely my favourite. Seeing several scenes from the movie, like P.T. cannonballing (fun at first, but dang, his butt must have been red and blue in the end), the kids singing, even Aidan's acting because it was funny to see, and of course Kevin. I just adored Kevin and loved how smart he was. How he did all those tricks without a hitch (Aidan, you can learn something from that :P).
I was quite worried about the movie, especially after certain events happened. Would everything turn out all right? Can you really substitute a pig for a monkey?
I am also still shipping P.T.'s mom and Gloria's dad together. I really hope those two will go on a date soon, and maybe get together. They are so adorable together. *swoons*
Veronica was just a pest. Now that I read the book I get why she did all of it, but still, girl, just talk to your daddy. I am sure that he will understand or at least get that maybe it isn't fun that he keeps praising someone else and doesn't give you more attention. I also found her quite mean with how she kept stealing P.T.'s ideas. Make up your own girl, this is just pathetic.
Then there is Aidan. I have to be honest and say that I quite liked him before the movie started. But with the movie, and all the crap he pulled? All the arguments? How he thought he was so awesome? How he whined about the tiniest things? Boy, grow up. Eventually people will notice this, and eventually your fans will see your true side. Either change your attitude or be prepared to sink.
Mr. Conch and how he constantly was trying to have P.T.'s mom to sell the hotel, bleh! Even advertising that he was going to expand, and going so far to get on Wonderland's property and just make plans. It was just disgusting. I get that he wants the land, but I am sure there are nicer, friendlier, and better ways to treat people.
I was constantly worried for Wonderland, it was getting to the point that I almost wanted to skip ahead to the end and see what would happen. Yes, I know there is a third book coming, so it would be fine, but I just had to make sure. I hope that with the movie coming out that things will look better for the motel. Hopefully they can go on for a few years more without too much trouble.
Oh and bonus points to Mrs. Frumpkes. Whereas her son is a grumpy old man, she is a fun lady and I loved how she just dragged her son with her to that tour P.T. and Gloria had made because of the movie.
Of course the book is also illustrated and I just ADORE them. They match so well with the story and they capture the characters perfectly. P.T. aloof and silly but with a certain charm, Gloria awesome and kick-ass. And that monkey, Kevin, was just the most adorable thing. <3
The ending was pretty exciting, I loved P.T.'s plan. How he does it, that kid is amazing. He knows how to make a story about anything and also instantly make it a hit with everyone around him. He manages to make people believe it. They want to spend money because of him.
I am happy how several things were resolved, from the movie to the Cassie situation.
So all in all, I think I have said all I wanted to say, just this one last thing: I loved this one, and I would highly recommend it to everyone looking for a fun book with movies, motels, silliness, tall tales, and monkeys!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I really loved the first book, and then forgot to check if there were more books. Imagine my happiness when I found out there is a second book, and that a third book is on its way! Yippee!
This time not so many tours, but don't worry, there will be enough P.T. patented tall tales of epicness that get more awesome each time that it is told. Yup. I had such a laugh at the imagination of this little guy. Plus instead of tours we get something even more awesome, namely a movie. Yep, P.T. and his friend Gloria manage to get the attention to Wonderland for a brand-new movie featuring several famous people. Like Kevin the Monkey, or Cassie McGinty.
Because Wonderland is still in trouble. And it doesn't help that there is a new hotel next door, The Conch Reef Resort taking a lot of their customers. So I loved that instead of tours and P.T. and Gloria trying to get people to buy expensive stuff, we have a movie! But you can imagine that movies aren't made in one night and that they don't always go without a hitch. And that is what happens in this one. A lot of things go wrong, like the fact that superstar Aidan can't act for life (not to mention having a horrible personality and him arguing about everything), Veronica (daughter of Mr. Conch, yes, that Mr. Conch) is trying to sabotage the movie. You can imagine that P.T. and Gloria work overtime to make sure everything goes well in the end.
I loved reading about the movie, though I have to say the parts leading up to that were also super fun to read. P.T. really had some amazing ideas for tours, and I am just loving it. I would definitely be buying stuff even though I perfectly well know it is all a scam. I would come for the story and see what the kid is up to this time, because I know P.T. will make a show out of it.
But the movie was definitely my favourite. Seeing several scenes from the movie, like P.T. cannonballing (fun at first, but dang, his butt must have been red and blue in the end), the kids singing, even Aidan's acting because it was funny to see, and of course Kevin. I just adored Kevin and loved how smart he was. How he did all those tricks without a hitch (Aidan, you can learn something from that :P).
I was quite worried about the movie, especially after certain events happened. Would everything turn out all right? Can you really substitute a pig for a monkey?
I am also still shipping P.T.'s mom and Gloria's dad together. I really hope those two will go on a date soon, and maybe get together. They are so adorable together. *swoons*
Veronica was just a pest. Now that I read the book I get why she did all of it, but still, girl, just talk to your daddy. I am sure that he will understand or at least get that maybe it isn't fun that he keeps praising someone else and doesn't give you more attention. I also found her quite mean with how she kept stealing P.T.'s ideas. Make up your own girl, this is just pathetic.
Then there is Aidan. I have to be honest and say that I quite liked him before the movie started. But with the movie, and all the crap he pulled? All the arguments? How he thought he was so awesome? How he whined about the tiniest things? Boy, grow up. Eventually people will notice this, and eventually your fans will see your true side. Either change your attitude or be prepared to sink.
Mr. Conch and how he constantly was trying to have P.T.'s mom to sell the hotel, bleh! Even advertising that he was going to expand, and going so far to get on Wonderland's property and just make plans. It was just disgusting. I get that he wants the land, but I am sure there are nicer, friendlier, and better ways to treat people.
I was constantly worried for Wonderland, it was getting to the point that I almost wanted to skip ahead to the end and see what would happen. Yes, I know there is a third book coming, so it would be fine, but I just had to make sure. I hope that with the movie coming out that things will look better for the motel. Hopefully they can go on for a few years more without too much trouble.
Oh and bonus points to Mrs. Frumpkes. Whereas her son is a grumpy old man, she is a fun lady and I loved how she just dragged her son with her to that tour P.T. and Gloria had made because of the movie.
Of course the book is also illustrated and I just ADORE them. They match so well with the story and they capture the characters perfectly. P.T. aloof and silly but with a certain charm, Gloria awesome and kick-ass. And that monkey, Kevin, was just the most adorable thing. <3
The ending was pretty exciting, I loved P.T.'s plan. How he does it, that kid is amazing. He knows how to make a story about anything and also instantly make it a hit with everyone around him. He manages to make people believe it. They want to spend money because of him.
I am happy how several things were resolved, from the movie to the Cassie situation.
So all in all, I think I have said all I wanted to say, just this one last thing: I loved this one, and I would highly recommend it to everyone looking for a fun book with movies, motels, silliness, tall tales, and monkeys!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 13, 2017
I really liked this book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes mystery or wacky books. It was written by Chris Grabenstein. I really like his book and he has a good imagination. It is the second book in the "Welcome to Wonderland" series.
In the first book Gloria and P.T helped to pay for the loan to save the Wonderland motel by catching the jewel thieves. Now there's a new fancy hotel next door that wants to buy Wonderland. P.T heard that Aidan Tyler is filming a movie with YouTube sensation Kevin the Monkey. So he gets them to film their movie at the Wonderland Motel. But then, Kevin the monkey mysteriously disappears and P.T and Gloria need to find them.
In the first book Gloria and P.T helped to pay for the loan to save the Wonderland motel by catching the jewel thieves. Now there's a new fancy hotel next door that wants to buy Wonderland. P.T heard that Aidan Tyler is filming a movie with YouTube sensation Kevin the Monkey. So he gets them to film their movie at the Wonderland Motel. But then, Kevin the monkey mysteriously disappears and P.T and Gloria need to find them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 12, 2019Really intreasting
May 23, 2017
Storyteller extraordinaire, P.T. Wilkie, and his business savvy best friend, Gloria, are back with another wacky adventure at the Wonderland Motel! When a major Hollywood movie, Beach Party Surf Monkey, needs a retro motel location in St. Pete’s Beach to film at, P.T. and Gloria scheme to make sure that motel is the Wonderland...which isn’t exactly easy to do when a fancy-schmancy hotel opens up right next door and the owner keeps trying to buy the Wonderland. And P.T. and Gloria soon find that making movie magic is anything but an easy-breezy day at the beach, especially when tantrum throwing superstars and monkey business are involved. Can P.T. and Gloria save the wondrous Wonderland Motel once again?!
Chris Grabenstein returns to his wacky and wild Welcome to Wonderland series with the delightful and entertaining Beach Party Surf Monkey! With Grabenstein’s signature wit, compelling storytelling, and ability to keep his intended middle-grade audience captivated and enthralled, Beach Party Surf Monkey is wonderful from beginning to end.
Like the first book in this series, Beach Party Surf Monkey is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and impossible to put down. Middle-grade readers will love the outrageous scenarios, bone-tickling humor, and engaging characters, while easily being swept into the fun behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a movie, P.T. and Gloria’s motel-saving ideas, and the fun mystery weaved throughout. Once again, the Wonderland Motel, with its beach front location; retro look; kitschy decor; and endless over-the-top stories, makes for a charming setting that readers will love and want to protect as much as P.T. and Gloria.
One of things I love most about this series are all the irresistibly likable (and sometimes deliciously unlikable) characters. From tall tale teller, P.T., smart and capable Gloria, endearingly kooky Grandpa Wilkie, an awesome internet famous monkey, a classy movie star, and a pain in the butt superstar, Beach Party Surf Monkey is bursting with larger than life characters to get to know and love.
Young readers looking for an off the charts fun, genuinely laugh-out-loud book to devour this summer will not be disappointed by Beach Party Surf Monkey!
Chris Grabenstein returns to his wacky and wild Welcome to Wonderland series with the delightful and entertaining Beach Party Surf Monkey! With Grabenstein’s signature wit, compelling storytelling, and ability to keep his intended middle-grade audience captivated and enthralled, Beach Party Surf Monkey is wonderful from beginning to end.
Like the first book in this series, Beach Party Surf Monkey is fast-paced, cleverly plotted, and impossible to put down. Middle-grade readers will love the outrageous scenarios, bone-tickling humor, and engaging characters, while easily being swept into the fun behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a movie, P.T. and Gloria’s motel-saving ideas, and the fun mystery weaved throughout. Once again, the Wonderland Motel, with its beach front location; retro look; kitschy decor; and endless over-the-top stories, makes for a charming setting that readers will love and want to protect as much as P.T. and Gloria.
One of things I love most about this series are all the irresistibly likable (and sometimes deliciously unlikable) characters. From tall tale teller, P.T., smart and capable Gloria, endearingly kooky Grandpa Wilkie, an awesome internet famous monkey, a classy movie star, and a pain in the butt superstar, Beach Party Surf Monkey is bursting with larger than life characters to get to know and love.
Young readers looking for an off the charts fun, genuinely laugh-out-loud book to devour this summer will not be disappointed by Beach Party Surf Monkey!
May 23, 2017
P.T. and Gloria helped pay off the big loan to save the Wonderland Motel by catching the thieves, but that doesn’t mean the Wonderland is in the clear for good. And there’s a big new fancy hotel next door that’s pressuring them to sell out. The amount sneaky Mr. Conch is offering P.T.’s mom is tempting her, but P.T. can’t even think of selling the Wonderland. So he and Gloria put their heads together for their next way to save their home. An idea falls into their lap when star Aidan Tyler tells them they should pitch the Wonderland as the location for his first full length film shoot. P.T. and Gloria do their best, but it’s really Aidan’s co-star, Cassie McGinty, who gets the gig for them. Everything should be great now, right? Except one of the stars can’t act. One of the stars gets kidnapped. And the entire thing might fall apart and get moved to Iowa if P.T. can’t use his quick thinking and crime solving skills to save the movie and his home.
This book might be even better than the first Wonderland story. It’s got a great combination of P.T. and Gloria’s sharp wits and teamwork, the lure of getting inside a Hollywood shoot, the definite need to make things work, and a little mystery to solve. It’s entertaining and eye-catching, and loads of fun. This series is an easy sell even with reluctant readers. Grabenstein continues to use his magical writing skills to whip up a story that makes kids eager readers, and the Brooke Allen’s illustrations just seal the deal of firmly sucking them in. Definitely ordering copies for our library. Highly recommended to readers who like contemporary fiction, humorous reads, and light mysteries.
No content issues.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book might be even better than the first Wonderland story. It’s got a great combination of P.T. and Gloria’s sharp wits and teamwork, the lure of getting inside a Hollywood shoot, the definite need to make things work, and a little mystery to solve. It’s entertaining and eye-catching, and loads of fun. This series is an easy sell even with reluctant readers. Grabenstein continues to use his magical writing skills to whip up a story that makes kids eager readers, and the Brooke Allen’s illustrations just seal the deal of firmly sucking them in. Definitely ordering copies for our library. Highly recommended to readers who like contemporary fiction, humorous reads, and light mysteries.
No content issues.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Grabenstein presents readers with a very, wacky, but quite entertaining second book in the Welcome to WonderLand series. In the first book, P.T. the son of the motel's manager and grandson of the motel's owner, seeks desperately to find a way to pay back a large loan in order to save the only home he has ever known. With the help of his unusual grandfather and Gloria, a current resident of the motel who has brilliant business sense, P.T. sets out to earn as much money as he can over Spring break. Through a rather unusual (read impossible) set of circumstances, P.T. and his allies succeed in saving the motel.
Now in book two, P.T. is once again tasked with saving the motel, this time from their ambitious neighbor who wants to expand his hotel onto the land where the WonderLand Motel stands. Once again, P.T. turns to his showman sense and his friend, Gloria's business sense to save the day. This time they bring in a movie to film at the WonderLand, hoping that this will bring the fame necessary to keep the motel booked. But of course, the path of showbiz doesn't run smooth, misbehaving actors, a missing monkey, and a neighbor willing to sabotage P.T. best efforts. But P.T. and Gloria aren't willing to give up just yet, but maybe they've bitten off more than they can chew.
This is the sort of book that (especially for adults) requires a serious suspension of disbelief. But if you can manage to do that, you are in for a fun, creative ride. P.T.'s ability to tell stories is certainly matched by Grabenstein's.
Now in book two, P.T. is once again tasked with saving the motel, this time from their ambitious neighbor who wants to expand his hotel onto the land where the WonderLand Motel stands. Once again, P.T. turns to his showman sense and his friend, Gloria's business sense to save the day. This time they bring in a movie to film at the WonderLand, hoping that this will bring the fame necessary to keep the motel booked. But of course, the path of showbiz doesn't run smooth, misbehaving actors, a missing monkey, and a neighbor willing to sabotage P.T. best efforts. But P.T. and Gloria aren't willing to give up just yet, but maybe they've bitten off more than they can chew.
This is the sort of book that (especially for adults) requires a serious suspension of disbelief. But if you can manage to do that, you are in for a fun, creative ride. P.T.'s ability to tell stories is certainly matched by Grabenstein's.
July 12, 2017
4th&up
Chris Grabenstein is a hit with my middle school students, and I have to admit, I'm quite a fan myself!
Beach Party Surf Monkey is the second book in the Welcome to Wonderland series, and it is as adorable, goofy, and adventurous as the first. This time around, P.T. and Gloria's latest scheme to save the Wonderland Hotel involves getting producers to use the property to shoot their movie- but in true Wonderland style, nothing goes smoothly. What would be the fun in that! :)
Fans will definitely be pleased, and readers who are new to the series can jump right into the fun.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chris Grabenstein is a hit with my middle school students, and I have to admit, I'm quite a fan myself!
Beach Party Surf Monkey is the second book in the Welcome to Wonderland series, and it is as adorable, goofy, and adventurous as the first. This time around, P.T. and Gloria's latest scheme to save the Wonderland Hotel involves getting producers to use the property to shoot their movie- but in true Wonderland style, nothing goes smoothly. What would be the fun in that! :)
Fans will definitely be pleased, and readers who are new to the series can jump right into the fun.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2018
These books are so ... weird. But they're a great read anyway. The cover and the first few chapters really don't do them justice. They are fun without sacrificing heart and I think it's a cool look at running a small business. Plus the female characters in this books, especially Gloria, but also Cassie, are great. It's not a serious read, but if you're looking for something fun and quick, I highly recommend these.
February 7, 2018
Grabenstein adds another hilarious volume to this new series that will appeal to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. In spite of some potty humor, even most adults will be entertained by P.T. and the ridiculous situations that arise during the movie shoot at the Wonderland motel. The story, told from P.T.’s point of view, and dialog use authentic voices that young readers will find relatable. The black-and-white cartoons with comic speech bubbles are always funny and add to the tale. Grabenstein knows what kids in grades 4-6 like and delivers once again in Beach Party Surf Monkey.
July 29, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS EPIC BECAUSE IT WAS REALLY REALLY EXCITING. IT ALSO TELLS YOU ABOUT MOVIE THINGS. A COMPANY WANTS TO FILM AT THE WONDERLAND MOTEL. IF IT FAILS, P.T.'S MOM WILL SELL THE MOTEL TO THE NEXT DOOR CONCH REEF RESORT!
June 4, 2017
Great Summer read. Fans of Chris Gravensteins will enjoy this next book in the Wonderland Motel series. This time P.T. and Gloria have devised a plan to get the newest teen throbs to film a retro movie at the Wonderland. Will they be able to keep things under control?
April 5, 2023
Again, Chris grabenstein rocks!
June 8, 2017
Love this series - this second book has even more fun, hijinks and antics. Lovable characters P.T. and Gloria are back and the stories and schemes are better than ever. With the short chapters, this is a book that will keep readers wanting to read "just one more"!
March 6, 2020
These books are funny.
April 24, 2017
Just as funny as the first book. This is a book that the kids at school should really enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
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January 29, 2018Will P.T. and Gloria be able to save the Wonderland Hotel? This movie deal could do the trick if Conch Reef Resort doesn't wipe them out first.
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July 10, 2017Fortunately for readers another stellar title in this series was released this year. Welcome To WonderLand Beach Party Surf Monkey Book 2 (Random House Children's Books, May 23, 2017) written by Chris Grabenstein with illustrations by Brooke Allen follows further escapades of P. T., Gloria, Grandpa Walt, P. T.'s mom and Gloria's dad as they try to save the motel from further trouble, this time at the hands of a hotel developer. The sun isn't the only heat coming to the residents of Wonderland Motel.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
August 3, 2017
Can't wait to share @CGrabenstein's #WelcomeToWonderland #BeachPartySurfMonkey with students! This motel is definitely the place to be. You'll find movie set drama, a dung-flinging co-star, bologna and cheese cure-alls, alligators, mischievous neighbors, and flying pigs.
#bookaday #librarianlife #readallthebooks #bookstagram #kidlit #MGlit #FeedYourBrain... #read
This book will be shared with 9 educational leaders by the time it completes its #bookexcursion.
#bookaday #librarianlife #readallthebooks #bookstagram #kidlit #MGlit #FeedYourBrain... #read
This book will be shared with 9 educational leaders by the time it completes its #bookexcursion.
December 5, 2017
Gravenstein and his kid addictive writing style returns in the sequel to this hilarious new series that had my kids animated and quoting favorite lines. Thank you Chris for putting the funny back into books!
April 10, 2018
Asher (12yo) read. "Very funny. A great sequel to the first one. I wonder if real stars like Aidan are that bratty."
May 24, 2017
High Energy, Fast Paced, Good Humored Florida Showmanship
I like middle grade heroes who always have a plan or a scheme or a wacky angle, but if they aren't done right they can become creepy, tiresome or obnoxious. Grabenstein knows exactly how to do such characters, and so this second installment in the Wonderland series is as outlandish and upbeat as the first.
Our two heroes are P.T., (named after P.T. Barnum), whose the fast talking idea man, and Gracie, who's the brains, planner, and financial officer for P.T.'s schemes. They are a well oiled machine, and it is a pleasure to see two great friends sharing equal time in a book like this. The kids are smart and resourceful, and the balance between practical Gracie and outside-the-box P.T. keeps the book racing along on an even keel.
It seems we're always trying to save the old family motel, and this time around the plan turns on making it the location for a surfer dude rom-com movie. So, you get P.T.'s schemes, a few villains trying to bring down the motel, touchy actors, a surfing monkey, and many, many complications.
But as before, we also get a lot of quick thinking, fast shuffling, improv, and antic action. That said, nothing about these books is dumb or patronizing. There are a lot of funny and perceptive throwaway lines, a few groaners, and a good deal of snappy dialogue. There are some pointed bits about fame, celebrity, crooked businessmen, and so on, which adds just a touch of occasional edge. Every character is a bit more than you might expect, and almost every scheme gets one more twist or angle than the bare minimum. So, even though this is aimed at younger readers it has a lot of style and wry humor, and it's always just a little bit more or a little bit better, or a little bit wiser, than it has to be.
Florida is, or course, the best place in which to set wacky and slightly skewed screwball adventures. Adult writers like Dave Barry, Carl Hiaasen, and Tim Dorsey have been mining this territory for years. It's nice to see that middle graders can share in the sunny, white sand, Gulf breeze nuttiness too. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I like middle grade heroes who always have a plan or a scheme or a wacky angle, but if they aren't done right they can become creepy, tiresome or obnoxious. Grabenstein knows exactly how to do such characters, and so this second installment in the Wonderland series is as outlandish and upbeat as the first.
Our two heroes are P.T., (named after P.T. Barnum), whose the fast talking idea man, and Gracie, who's the brains, planner, and financial officer for P.T.'s schemes. They are a well oiled machine, and it is a pleasure to see two great friends sharing equal time in a book like this. The kids are smart and resourceful, and the balance between practical Gracie and outside-the-box P.T. keeps the book racing along on an even keel.
It seems we're always trying to save the old family motel, and this time around the plan turns on making it the location for a surfer dude rom-com movie. So, you get P.T.'s schemes, a few villains trying to bring down the motel, touchy actors, a surfing monkey, and many, many complications.
But as before, we also get a lot of quick thinking, fast shuffling, improv, and antic action. That said, nothing about these books is dumb or patronizing. There are a lot of funny and perceptive throwaway lines, a few groaners, and a good deal of snappy dialogue. There are some pointed bits about fame, celebrity, crooked businessmen, and so on, which adds just a touch of occasional edge. Every character is a bit more than you might expect, and almost every scheme gets one more twist or angle than the bare minimum. So, even though this is aimed at younger readers it has a lot of style and wry humor, and it's always just a little bit more or a little bit better, or a little bit wiser, than it has to be.
Florida is, or course, the best place in which to set wacky and slightly skewed screwball adventures. Adult writers like Dave Barry, Carl Hiaasen, and Tim Dorsey have been mining this territory for years. It's nice to see that middle graders can share in the sunny, white sand, Gulf breeze nuttiness too. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
October 31, 2017
This is another fun series by Chris Grabenstein. You have your goofy boy protagonist and his more grounded female best bud. They have an adventure where both of their skill sets and personalities play a role in resolving the conflict.
P.T. is a good kid, living at the Motel Wonderland with his mom and grandpa. Dad is not in the picture, and every once in a while P.T. gets wistful, but for the most part he is accepting. His best friend Gloria is a current resident at the motel, staying with her dad who is a sports broadcaster. She has a head for business and helps P.T. with his fun schemes to drum up business for the motel.
In this volume, P.T. and Gloria manage to convince a major motion picture crew to film at the Wonderland. Shenanigans ensue involving a diva leading man, and a sweet but mischievous monkey. There's also the mean girl next door, whose even meaner father owns the competing hotel trying to buy out the Wonderland.
It's a fun read. Hand to your fans of Wimpy Kid and Timmy Failure.
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
P.T. is a good kid, living at the Motel Wonderland with his mom and grandpa. Dad is not in the picture, and every once in a while P.T. gets wistful, but for the most part he is accepting. His best friend Gloria is a current resident at the motel, staying with her dad who is a sports broadcaster. She has a head for business and helps P.T. with his fun schemes to drum up business for the motel.
In this volume, P.T. and Gloria manage to convince a major motion picture crew to film at the Wonderland. Shenanigans ensue involving a diva leading man, and a sweet but mischievous monkey. There's also the mean girl next door, whose even meaner father owns the competing hotel trying to buy out the Wonderland.
It's a fun read. Hand to your fans of Wimpy Kid and Timmy Failure.
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
March 16, 2018
A really fun book! There is a bit of mystery and a bit of adventure in this book. P.T. is still trying to insure the survival of his family hotel, The Wonderland. While there is a great opportunity, there are also those who want to halt his success.
The Wonderland is selected as the set for a new teen movie staring an academy award winning actress, a pop singer, and a monkey who is a YouTube sensation.
Kids will like this, and even better, it is one in a series so they have several to read!
The Wonderland is selected as the set for a new teen movie staring an academy award winning actress, a pop singer, and a monkey who is a YouTube sensation.
Kids will like this, and even better, it is one in a series so they have several to read!
May 14, 2018
Wow, Goodreads, that is the world’s shortest description!
Don’t be fooled, this book is hilarious and action-packed. Chris Grabenstein is such a good author! Beach Party Surf Monkey fit the Welcome to Wonderland series perfectly, but still felt fresh and interesting. I loved it, especially the mystery storyline. The fact that it teaches business and economics to young readers is a bonus.
Don’t be fooled, this book is hilarious and action-packed. Chris Grabenstein is such a good author! Beach Party Surf Monkey fit the Welcome to Wonderland series perfectly, but still felt fresh and interesting. I loved it, especially the mystery storyline. The fact that it teaches business and economics to young readers is a bonus.
December 2, 2017
This was a fun sequel to Welcome to Wonderland, which I reviewed for SLJ. I made a mistake reading it with my ears though. Could not stand the narrator's female voices. Otherwise great fun!
December 27, 2017
Gravenstein, Chris Beach Party Surf Monkey (Welcome to Wonderland #2) 300 pgs. Random Housee, 2017. $14. Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G
P.T.’s family owns and lives in a motel in Florida called the Wonderland. In book one he apparently solved a jewel heist mystery and they were able to save their motel from a large developer. In this second book, P.T. and his best friend Gloria are trying to keep the motel running with money making schemes. They hear that a movie might be filmed at a nearby beach they hope to convince someone involved that the Wonderland motel should be part of the movie. Even better, maybe they can be in the movie themselves! But dealing with movie stars turns out to be trickier than they thought and a whole lot of work and creativity will be needed –luckily P.T. is over the top creative.
This book is incredibly goofy and when it P.T. is telling one of his exaggerated stories its not a fun read. The story is busy, fast-paced, and almost frantic –making me feel like I was reading a story that just ate all its Halloween candy. Heavily illustrated, it could work for an upper grade reluctant reader. I disliked reading it so much that I am having a difficult time deciding if a student reader would like it. But since I am the one with the funding to buy or not to buy –I have to say that I would pass on this –it’s just too much of a junk food read.
EL -OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
P.T.’s family owns and lives in a motel in Florida called the Wonderland. In book one he apparently solved a jewel heist mystery and they were able to save their motel from a large developer. In this second book, P.T. and his best friend Gloria are trying to keep the motel running with money making schemes. They hear that a movie might be filmed at a nearby beach they hope to convince someone involved that the Wonderland motel should be part of the movie. Even better, maybe they can be in the movie themselves! But dealing with movie stars turns out to be trickier than they thought and a whole lot of work and creativity will be needed –luckily P.T. is over the top creative.
This book is incredibly goofy and when it P.T. is telling one of his exaggerated stories its not a fun read. The story is busy, fast-paced, and almost frantic –making me feel like I was reading a story that just ate all its Halloween candy. Heavily illustrated, it could work for an upper grade reluctant reader. I disliked reading it so much that I am having a difficult time deciding if a student reader would like it. But since I am the one with the funding to buy or not to buy –I have to say that I would pass on this –it’s just too much of a junk food read.
EL -OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
October 1, 2017
Checking out the cover of Grabenstein's sequel, Welcome to Wonderland: Beach Party Surf Monkey, I suspected this book would be silly. Reading it proved a pleasurable surprise. 11-year-old, P.T. Wilkie lives in a run down motel called The WonderLand in Miami, with his mother and grandfather. His natural gift of wheeling and dealing, by making up clever stories to raise money for the upkeep of the motel, comes in especially handy when he meets Aidan Tyler a heart throb of a movie star. P.T. Wilkie and his clever business minded friend Gloria Ortega, learn that Aidan Tyler will be starring in a beach movie shot in a hotel in southern Florida, maybe even Miami. They find this an irresistible challenge. Shooting the movie at the Wonderland Motel could be fun, and help save P.T.'s grandfather's motel from going bankrupt. But can they win over the movie makers, when neighbor Mr. Conch, a conniving, nasty, mega wealthy owner of the Conch Reef Resort, wants to put them out of business, and shoot the beach movie at his resort hotel? With a real surfing monkey, groovy dances from the 60's, and P.T. Wilkie's wild, and unbelievably bold plans for convincing the moviemakers to pick the WonderLand Motel, the action never stops in this funny wacky adventure. The graphic novel type cover adds just the hook to get kids to open the book, once they start, it's so entertaining it'll be impossible to put down. This sequel can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
January 18, 2020
As a middle school English teacher, I find Chris Grabenstein's book to be an excellent representation of the literacy possibilities that exist for middle grades (MG) and young adult literature (YAL) readers. Through an engaging plot that follows the adventures of young middle schoolers in the world of Hollywood filmmaking, thematic concepts that bridge an adolescent worldview with adult, real-world realities, and a complex, yet attainable, syntactical and grammatical storyline combined with relevant illustrations, Chris Grabenstein's novel is truly a book for all ages. Do not be fooled by the seemingly far-fetched cartoon graphic on the cover! Not only is the story engaging and relevant in an increasingly digitalized world, but the story also features moral and ethical dilemmas that adolescents (and adults) experience each day. I definitely recommend this book for students and anyone interested in the world of YAL, and I look forward to making it part of my classroom library.
December 7, 2018
The humorous story, Beach Party Surf Monkey, by Chris Grabenstein is a fiction story that goes all throughout the wacky wonderland motel as they film a movie. The main characters include part-time hotel owner and storyteller, P.T. Wilkie. Along with his brainiac business partner, Gloria Ortega. A few more characters include, award-winning actor Cassie McGinty, YouTube star Kevin the Monkey, and cocky, self-centered Aiden Tyler. As P.T. and Gloria hope shooting a movie at the hotel will increase popularity, the all new Conch Reef Resort, tries to steal the popularity and sabotage the movie. I really enjoyed this book, it was funny and unpredictable. From Kevin the Monkey getting captured and Cassie McGinty, quitting out of the blue. Will Gloria and P.T. be able to solve the mystery and get rid of the Conch Reef Resort?
November 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this second book in this series and am sure I will continue to enjoy it. I am anxious for the author to introduce more information about P.T.’s father I felt sure we’d get a little more information this time, but alas. The concept was cute, a movie based on old beach party movies needed a place to film and P.T. And Gloria made sure The Wonderland was the place to pick. We got to see a different side of Gloria that shows she is a hard worker even when making money isn’t the intent. I feel like we saw less of Grandpa and Ms. Wilkie but am looking forward to development throughout the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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