Some Assembly Required

Toy Academy #1

by Brian Lynch, Edwardian Taylor (Illustrator)

Playing is serious business.

Welcome to Toy Academy: where toys learn to play. This is where action figures train to battle, stuffed animals study the art of the hug, and collectibles practice standing very, very still.

Though Grumbolt isn't really any of those things, he's determined to fit in. But when the Evil Toy Academy threatens to bring down his school, it's up to Grumbolt to go where no good toy has gone before and prove he's truly a great toy after all.

This laugh-out-loud chapter book by Brian Lynch, the writer of Minions and a writer of The Secret Life of Pets, is a classic in the making.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Juvenile, Chapter Books

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 26, 2017

About the author

Brian Michael Lynch is an American film and comic book writer.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thinking this is better as an audiobook because I laughed out loud listening to it even though I’m about twenty years older than most middle grade readers.

It’s predictable and not overly mature, but it’s also really fun and my kids are gonna LOVE IT. :-)

3.5 stars

[Brendan Creecy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fun read and suitable for all ages. The illustrations are wonderful and Lynch's humor is a delight for both kids and adults. Can't wait for the next one!

[Grace Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this would make a great book for younger children who aren't as interested in reading as playing with their toys. Books can sometimes be boring, especially for young readers and reading a book about toys would make reading so much more enjoyable. Even though I am in 8th grade and wouldn't pick this book as my first choice, but I could defiantly see any kid wanting to read this. Kids have an amazing imagination and having them read this book would bring their imagination to a further level. Even as an older reader, I still enjoyed the illustrations on almost every page so I guarantee kids in younger ages would love looking at the pictures to go along with the story. A lot of lessons came out of the story that I even thought were beneficial to me now in my life.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year-old son and I read this book together and he greatly enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and unusual, and the plot was well considered. He's been asking about the sequel for months.

He enjoyed this book so much, in fact, he asked if we could make his own Grumbolt. It turned out pretty well, but not perfect; my son said that made it even more authentic, since the character himself is flawed.



Really looking forward to the next installment.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I laughed out loud and was taken on a wild ride with this unusual cast of toys. I was rooting for Grumbolt from the start and could relate to the struggles he faced. I think most kids will be able to relate and that is why this book will be a HUGE hit. I thought this book was both clever and original. I want all kids to read this book because it illustrates that we may not always know what we are supposed to do or who we really are and that is OK. We just need to live our lives, be kind and stand up for what is right. I adored this book and I highly recommend it. Thanks to Scholastic for providing me a free copy for review.

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a awesome book. I have read your other book too. That is awesome book, too. In the " Ready For Action " book, I like how you made Rex learn a lesson, "to be nice", and on the first book, you made Bootleg steal the commander's arms and almost melt the commander, but you made Grumbolt save the commander, AND TOY ACADEMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS MY FAVORITE PART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Um, I actually don't know what MY favorite part is. Maybe I should read it again? I might. May you please make another book? If the answer is "No", that is fine.But it would make me happy if there was another book.

[Camille Caliman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The illustrations were cute (I just loved Salt and Pepper) and the story was nice too. Didn't really see the villain coming and I was sure a certain party was involved.

I can't wait to read the next one.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was chosen by one of our junior book club members. It was a cute, easy read and I think it would serve as a great transition for younger readers who are ready to move into something a little bit more while sticking with simple, relatable themes.

[Bari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is adorable and a fun read. This book will appeal to fans of the movie Toy Story or Monsters Inc. The author, Brian Lynch, has also written several screenplays, including Puss in Boots, Minions, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and The Secret Life of Pets both #1 and #2

Short chapters, high adventure and a fast pace make this especially appealing for reluctant readers.

[Neil Sarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Brian Lynch's career, to one extent or another, since he was putting "Angry Naked Pat" comics online, so it was exciting to have this book to share with my son, who is indeed about the right age for it, and a fan of both Minions and Secret Life of Pets. It was good enough that I considered reading to the end after he fell asleep each night, but I decided I really wanted to share the experience of reading it a bit each night together. I'm glad I did. It's a charming book, and we had a lot of fun reading it together.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads for my grandson. It was an awesome book, that I can't wait to read to him. Grumbolt was so cute, and even though he was different he kept trying. He didn't let the other toys remarks put him down. In the end he came out the hero. So cute, hats off to Brian Lynch for a very good kids book.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very exciting, this is something of a first for us. We have previously read a highly abridged illustrated chapter book of 'Alice in Wonderland' but that was a little different as we'd read other picture book versions first and watched the animated movie many times. This was simply a random pick at the library so that Miss 3 could have her very own 'grown up' book and stop stealing my library books off my high library-book shelf.

Our library classifies it as 'Step 5' (whatever that means) and I imagine it's aimed as an early chapter book reader for 6-8 year olds. Miss 3 adores books and has a long concentration span for them; I've been reading it to her for 20 minutes or so each night. There are plenty of illustrations which I think helps - as does the subject matter. She loves Grumbolt (she has decided that he's a bunny) and I love that Brian Lynch wrote a kids book! There are plenty of '80s jokes for parents that are reading it (like Omnibus Squared - Optimus Prime - complaining about his arthritis as he transforms).

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new intermediate/middle grade series, and it's SO much fun. Grumboldt is a stuffed animal of some sort - he has a somewhat amusing and dubious origin - and desperately wants to belong to a kid of his own. He meets a transforming car robot named Omnibus Squared, who, as it turns out, is recruiting toys for Commander Hedgehog's Institute for Novelty Academia - The Toy Academy. Grumboldt manages to talk his way into admission, and tries desperately to be a great toy, so he'll be assigned to a great kid, but he's got some challenges. There's a bully (it's always a soldier, isn't it?) named Rex constantly bugging him, and he can't stay awake during Bedtime Prep. When Commander Hedgehog's arms go missing, though, Grumboldt sees a chance to help out and make good at Toy Academy after all.Have readers who love Toy Story? (Seriously, who doesn't?) Give them Toy Academy. It's sweet, hilarious, and loaded with toy references that everyone - kids and grownups alike - will recognize and get a laugh out of. Brian Lynch is a screenwriter with Minions and The Secret Life of Pets to his credit, so he knows how to write things that kids like. Edwardian Taylor's art is a perfect match for the wacky, fun storytelling and gives us characters we'll know and love for books to come: Grumboldt is a lovable plush with mismatched parts; Micro is a lively action figure whose collectable status limits her movement - she's stuck in a plastic bag, because she HAS VALUE; Commandant Hedgepig is a knockoff, off-brand version of Commander Hedgehog who insists on being called his proper name rather than his emerging nickname, Bootleg. The second Toy Academy book, Ready for Action, is also available, so put these on your series purchase lists if you don't have them already.  The kids will love them.

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{My thoughts} – Grumbolt isn’t your ordinary toy. He is a stuffed critter that was created out of an advanced sewing pattern that ended up turning into an awkward project result. Grumbolt didn’t look like the pattern he was meant to look like and because of that the girl that had created him by following the pattern had tossed him into the trash. She didn’t want a stuffed critter that didn’t look anything like the package had claimed it should.

Grumbolt ends up going on an adventure and trying to find out who or what he is. In the middle of that adventure he meets some other discarded toys that help him to find his way to the Toy Academy. The Toy Academy is suppose to help and teach toys the things that they need to know in order to be successful toys for children.

While he is attending the Toy Academy some questionable things start to take place. These things cause Grumbolt and everyone else to question many of the other students. If you’d like to know what happens you’ll need to read the book.

I found this book to be a quick and fun read. I think that any child could fall in love with the character of Grumbolt, because he is just a lovable character in my opinion. If you have a child that enjoys movies like the Toy Story Series, I am sure they will fall fastly in love with this book series.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumbolt is a sew toy, and an incredibly unique one at that. He has two different arms, a big head, two different ears, and a funky pattern. Because he is not your typical plush toy, he is quickly discarded. Grumbolt meets Omnibus Squared, an action figure, who takes him to toy academy, where Grumbolt learns what it really means to be a toy. This is a great chapter book for children around 8-10 who seem to be more interested in toys than reading. Why not combine the two? This book is funny, easy to read, and tells a heartwarming story of acceptance, and overcoming obstacles.

Questions to ask children:
What is it about you that makes you unique?
What makes a good toy?
Are toys more about looks or the memories you can make with them?
If you were a toy like the ones in the book, what would you do when the humans left the room?
Would you be able to convince the humans that you weren't alive?

Lynch, B. (2018). Toy Academy: Some assembly required. New York: Scholastic Press.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Assembly Required (Toy Academy #1) by Brian Lynch, illustrated by Edwardian Taylor. 188 pgs. Scholastic, 2018. $13.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL -- ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Grumbolt isn't exactly sure what kind of stuffed animal he's supposed to be. A cat? A koala? A bear? When he gets a chance to go to Toy Academy, he realizes this is his opportunity to discover who he is, develop his purpose in life, and find a kid of his own. But Toy Academy is full of other toys, too -- toys who have secrets of their own.

Some Assembly Required is a hilarious read that would work well for a read-aloud or for reading by individual kids. The pictures are amusing, and Grumbolt is a sympathetic character who is easy to cheer for.

Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story about uniqueness and friendship! Sort of a cross between Toy Story and My Hero Academia. It feels a little disturbing, though, the idea of "accidentally" creating life (and probably ruining said life) by messing up a sewing pattern, haha...

The art is fantastic, and there's so much of it! My one nitpick is Rex has dark hair on the cover, but in the interior art, it looks lighter than that. I almost thought it was a different character! :O

Recommended for young readers who love toys! (I imagine that'd most of them, but you never know...)

[Stacy Blomquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

After I finished reading this funny chapter book, I gave it to my seven-year-old grandson who read it over two days and pronounced that he "liked it." Short chapters with cliff-hanger endings keep the reader turning pages while the lavish illustrations help the reader to picture to action. Adding visual interest to the page are bold-faced terms on many pages, making names and key phrases stand out. Grumbolt, a discarded toy, sets out to find his own kid by attending the Toy Academy where he and his friends foil the plot of the Evil Toy Academy. The classes that toys take at the Toy Academy are cute and clever. The book ends without Grumbolt finding a child, but perhaps that will be solved in the sequel.

[Austin Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book through a free giveaway.

Really good story for kids. Nice starter book into chapter books. Great illustrations by Edwardian Taylor. They story is really fun and well written.
Story follows a Grumbolt. Who is a sew yourself plush that didn’t quite get made right. Has an oversized head, arms different lengths, one long ear and one short ear.
Being thrown away by his maker he meets omnibus squared. A transformer, obviously a pun on optimus prime, which is amazing.
He follows omnibus to toy academy. He has a had time in his plush lessons, and ends up getting expelled.
When the toy academy gets taken over he has to figure it out and save the day.
Great story about how you can be anything you want to be, and discovering yourself.

Quick read, fun story, great characters.

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free preview copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

This is a fun, heavily illustrated novel. More than a beginning chapter book, but it will have appeal to younger strong readers. This was featured in the spring 2018 Scholastic Book Fair promotional video, so I think it will circulate well.

Grumbolt is a mystery stuffed animal who decides to attend Toy Academy so he can become a great toy and earn a child to love. There he faces discrimination, but makes some friends and finds his path as he tries to do the right thing. Overall a funny read that should appeal to a wide array of readers.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cracked up when the book described the Margie doll as being born in Carmel, IN in 1954, with many varieties and accessories. With a little research, I saw that Lynch lived in Carmel a few years when he was young. I went to high school there, and wondered if this was a dig at affluent Carmel. Lynch is certainly an accomplished writer. The book had some clever jokes, but some would be over younger kids' heads. I liked the acronym for China, the radio station your great-great grandparents would like, the bedtime story teacher checking her email, etc. Some platitudes a bit preachy.

[Lensey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book for all ages. Who doesn’t like a story where toys come to life? And what a cool concept—toys going to school to learn how to perform their ‘jobs’ and receive a placement with a kid. This book was fun from beginning to end with some good morals like doing what is right and being comfortable in your own skin. The main character is flawed and lovable. And the illustrations are great! The kids are looking forward to reading the next installment.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember being a child and wondering if my toys came to life. In Toy Academy you see toys of all area (collectibles, action figures squishes) attend to school to better learn how to be the best toy. Grumbolt doesn't really fit in. He was thrown a way by the girl who sewed him and he is left to figure out who he is and how he fits into the toy world. When Commander Hedgehog starts to lose his arms it is Grumbolt who steps into help him and saves the toy academy from an evil villain.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read for elementary level readers. The Toy Academy teaches toys how to be the best they can be in their categories.
Lots of action to keep readers interested.
Characters are introduced and developed.
First book in the series sets up the next one and still tells a complete story for readers.

[Kathy Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter LOVED this book. I didn't think it was that amazing. hahaha. But I really believe it's what got her into reading chapter books. She's at a third grade reading level and had no problems reading it. It was nice because it was challenging enough for her but also had pictures. We just got the second one from the library.

[Kristen]

Kids who like action and humor and are fairly new chapter book readers will find something to enjoy here. I'd recommend it to kids/parents who are looking for something longer than the Branches series, but still want pictures, or are fans of Real Pigeons Fight Crime or Inspector Flytrap.

[Musa Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect thing to relax with. It has vibrant characters, incredible storytelling and an immense joyful vibe. The twist where Bootleg is revealed to be a bad guy is very surprising. It also has all the elements if a Brian Lynch movie. After finishing you will want to keep reading for as long as humanly possible.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from a few pleasurable moments, this book is mostly predictable and bland. Its best joke is ruined by its unnecessary explanation.

I can see children enjoying it but it has nothing to offer to more mature readers.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book because it has received a lot of good reviews and hype. It fell short of spectacular for me. It will make a quick read for early elementary students that enjoy action and adventure.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute read about figuring out what you're truly made of, even if you "look different". I loved that the toys go to this academy to get the coveted "Made in CHINA" brand at the end, but CHINA is actually an acronym. And I actually did NOT see that twist coming. It was well done.