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Welcome to Wonderland #4
Beach Battle Blowout
Welcome to the Wonderland Motel--the funnest place on earth! Contestants, start your engines! The race to be the best on the beach is on, and this year the Wonderland is FINALLY going to win! The competition is fierce! But who needs ROLLER COASTERS and JET PACKS and PIRATES when you have not one but two SECRET WEAPONS? That's right--P.T. and Gloria, of course! Now they just need to SLEUTH OUT who the secret contest judges are and come up with enough brand-new attractions to WOW them and OUT-FUN the competition! Can they do it? Or will the Wonderland crash and burn? Anything's possible when you live in the FUNNEST PLACE ON EARTH!
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2019
75 people are currently reading
152 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 5, 2021
Competition has arrived to our little region and things get very crazy and oh so much fun!
The fourth book in the series and BOY I need more now. This one was so much fun I almost finished it in one go during the 1 to 1.5 hour I had before sleeping. Sadly, I was too sleepy to finish the last few pages, but boy I wanted to do that so much! The author just writes so well and so engaging that you cannot drop the book!
In this one we have a BIG BIG competition happening. This time Wonderland may make a chance and P.T. granddad is, rightfully so, totally hyped about it. Which made me smile. He never had the chance to beat Disney but now, with Disney out, he may have a chance at a prize! I loved seeing P.T., granddad, and Gloria all try to make the motel even more fun. For granddad that meant new rooms that I would love to stay in, for P.T it meant scoping out the competition and get some fun activities started, new stories made, and more. Then there is Gloria who can finally put her stock knowledge to use with the help of granddad. Which just made me smile so much. Plus, she has some other fun strategies that she is going to employ in this book! Smart characters like Gloria are a bit hit/miss for me, sometimes writers just don’t write them right, but Gloria is just wonderful, it definitely helps that she just as eagerly participates in P.T’s wild ideas as many others do.
The competition was so much fun and I loved seeing all the different attractions in the area. From alligator karting to fun castles to golf to pirates and almost puking kids, there is a lot happening and I was just smiling so much! I did think it was rude/sad that there was cheating involved and that even P.T. was thinking of copying people (but thankfully, he just kept it nice).
There is also two new additions to the cast, one permanent and the other I am sure will visit when they can. Namely, Dill who is a little boy whose family is staying in the Wonderland and who is having a fantastic time. I love that P.T. involves him in things, makes him a part of the Wonderland crew! Dill was a very nice character and I loved seeing him enjoy his time in Wonderland and the surrounding area. Next up is Air Fur One, a adorable dog owned by Jimbo. I just love love love that dog and his skill was just perfect for the book.
There is A LOT more happening in this book, again it was just too much fun. The ending (who wins the competition and much more) was a delight and I was just giggling and OMG-ing when we find out certain things! I won’t spoil anything, but I loved the ending!
I am still not sure how I feel about P.T. stories/embellishments. On the one hand I love them when they are done in an entertaining for the hotel way because he truly spins some tales, but in the classroom or outside it just feels a bit too much to lying. It doesn’t help that quite a few people are gullible and believe P.T.. I guess if no one would believe these wild stories I would still be a bit on the fence about it but less.
BTW, I will stick to what I probably already said in earlier books reviews: Frumpkes must be fired as a teacher. What a horrible person that guy is. Inside school, but also outside. I get that P.T. frustrates him, but it is just not good when a teacher does and says such things. I was so happy that it was vacation for our kids, but sadly, Mr. Frumpkes keeps popping up and being a total warthog. 😐
I also wasn’t such a fan of Bradley (then again he is the competition so I guess we must not like him, haha) and the surf dude with rental stuff was first a pretty OK guy… but really changed for the horrible. Man, I just wanted to yeet some people into the sea/ocean while reading.
But all in all, I really really enjoyed this book! Highly recommend this book and this series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The fourth book in the series and BOY I need more now. This one was so much fun I almost finished it in one go during the 1 to 1.5 hour I had before sleeping. Sadly, I was too sleepy to finish the last few pages, but boy I wanted to do that so much! The author just writes so well and so engaging that you cannot drop the book!
In this one we have a BIG BIG competition happening. This time Wonderland may make a chance and P.T. granddad is, rightfully so, totally hyped about it. Which made me smile. He never had the chance to beat Disney but now, with Disney out, he may have a chance at a prize! I loved seeing P.T., granddad, and Gloria all try to make the motel even more fun. For granddad that meant new rooms that I would love to stay in, for P.T it meant scoping out the competition and get some fun activities started, new stories made, and more. Then there is Gloria who can finally put her stock knowledge to use with the help of granddad. Which just made me smile so much. Plus, she has some other fun strategies that she is going to employ in this book! Smart characters like Gloria are a bit hit/miss for me, sometimes writers just don’t write them right, but Gloria is just wonderful, it definitely helps that she just as eagerly participates in P.T’s wild ideas as many others do.
The competition was so much fun and I loved seeing all the different attractions in the area. From alligator karting to fun castles to golf to pirates and almost puking kids, there is a lot happening and I was just smiling so much! I did think it was rude/sad that there was cheating involved and that even P.T. was thinking of copying people (but thankfully, he just kept it nice).
There is also two new additions to the cast, one permanent and the other I am sure will visit when they can. Namely, Dill who is a little boy whose family is staying in the Wonderland and who is having a fantastic time. I love that P.T. involves him in things, makes him a part of the Wonderland crew! Dill was a very nice character and I loved seeing him enjoy his time in Wonderland and the surrounding area. Next up is Air Fur One, a adorable dog owned by Jimbo. I just love love love that dog and his skill was just perfect for the book.
There is A LOT more happening in this book, again it was just too much fun. The ending (who wins the competition and much more) was a delight and I was just giggling and OMG-ing when we find out certain things! I won’t spoil anything, but I loved the ending!
I am still not sure how I feel about P.T. stories/embellishments. On the one hand I love them when they are done in an entertaining for the hotel way because he truly spins some tales, but in the classroom or outside it just feels a bit too much to lying. It doesn’t help that quite a few people are gullible and believe P.T.. I guess if no one would believe these wild stories I would still be a bit on the fence about it but less.
BTW, I will stick to what I probably already said in earlier books reviews: Frumpkes must be fired as a teacher. What a horrible person that guy is. Inside school, but also outside. I get that P.T. frustrates him, but it is just not good when a teacher does and says such things. I was so happy that it was vacation for our kids, but sadly, Mr. Frumpkes keeps popping up and being a total warthog. 😐
I also wasn’t such a fan of Bradley (then again he is the competition so I guess we must not like him, haha) and the surf dude with rental stuff was first a pretty OK guy… but really changed for the horrible. Man, I just wanted to yeet some people into the sea/ocean while reading.
But all in all, I really really enjoyed this book! Highly recommend this book and this series.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 16, 2019
This series is so fun. Grabenstein really knows how to write for kids - the characters are believable, charming, and smart. A great example of creativity, innovation, and ambition for middle grade children.
In this fourth installment, the Wonderland Motel is doing great - still riding the high from book two's publicity dream come true, the filming of Beach Party Surf Monkey. And now, Walt Wilkie finally has some liquid assets that he can reinvest into his motel and attractions.
PT and Gloria are as clever as ever. The perfectly balanced friendship - PT brings the imagination and the dreaming and Gloria brings the follow-through (the girl KNOWS business and how to get stuff done).
We find the crew entered into a competition to be titled the best attraction in St. Pete's Beach area and they're hustling to earn that honor!
In this fourth installment, the Wonderland Motel is doing great - still riding the high from book two's publicity dream come true, the filming of Beach Party Surf Monkey. And now, Walt Wilkie finally has some liquid assets that he can reinvest into his motel and attractions.
PT and Gloria are as clever as ever. The perfectly balanced friendship - PT brings the imagination and the dreaming and Gloria brings the follow-through (the girl KNOWS business and how to get stuff done).
We find the crew entered into a competition to be titled the best attraction in St. Pete's Beach area and they're hustling to earn that honor!
December 9, 2024
In this installment of the series, the kids and the motel find themselves competing with other fun places around their town and their region. While they ultimately did not win a prize, they still won because of their wacky fun.
June 10, 2019
P.T. and Gloria are back for more fun in the sun at the Wonderland Motel. Grandpa is excited that the Wonderland has made the short list for “Hottest Family Attraction in the Sunshine State.” Even better, the big guys like Disney, Sea World and Universal cannot compete this year. P.T.’s grandpa Walt may finally have the chance to beat the most famous Walt in Florida! The kids set to work to make Grandpa’s dream come true and high jinx ensue. The numerous illustrations, complete with word balloons, up the fun of the series. This is a fun series that will have readers laughing out loud.
June 16, 2019
Pretty Good!!!
March 17, 2022
For my full series review, visit my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is my favorite book in the series so far! In this installment, the kids do their best to win a local tourism contest so that they can prove once and for all that Wonderland is the place to be!
The series’ greatest strength is its madcap humor. Kids will get a kick out of all the crazy antics involved with saving the motel. The author weaves in a bit of a mystery surrounding the identity of P.T.’s father throughout the series, which adds a thread of continuity between the different books (though they could easily each be read on their own). Gloria’s intelligence and ingenuity are also a major plus. She’s a business whiz, and is always spouting random business terms that P.T. doesn’t understand. Middle grade readers can actually soak in a few of the fundamentals of business in these books, but they definitely won’t feel like they’re learning. Plus, the whole idea of living in a motel is just plain fun!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This is my favorite book in the series so far! In this installment, the kids do their best to win a local tourism contest so that they can prove once and for all that Wonderland is the place to be!
The series’ greatest strength is its madcap humor. Kids will get a kick out of all the crazy antics involved with saving the motel. The author weaves in a bit of a mystery surrounding the identity of P.T.’s father throughout the series, which adds a thread of continuity between the different books (though they could easily each be read on their own). Gloria’s intelligence and ingenuity are also a major plus. She’s a business whiz, and is always spouting random business terms that P.T. doesn’t understand. Middle grade readers can actually soak in a few of the fundamentals of business in these books, but they definitely won’t feel like they’re learning. Plus, the whole idea of living in a motel is just plain fun!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
June 2, 2019
This is a new addition to the Wonderland series by popular prolific author Chris Grabenstein. Set in the tourist attractions of Florida, the main characters PT and his best friend Gloria lead the way to having the perennial also ran Wonderland Motel finally win the best of the beach award for local attractions. The characters scout out the competition and try to ramp up what they offer. The novel is well supported by graphic asides making it very accessible. Lots of fun wordplay. Grabenstein even gives tips on writing process in end notes. Many intermediate grade readers will have fun reading this book and others in the series.
May 31, 2019
#4 in the Wonderland Motel series.
Grabenstein does it again. He gives readers an adventure, a bit of mystery, and just a lot of fun with this entire series and this book continues the high standard.
The series is great for reluctant readers, with the drawings and jokes in the print version, the storytelling, and the activity of the story. It keeps moving and keeps the reader interested.
Grabenstein does it again. He gives readers an adventure, a bit of mystery, and just a lot of fun with this entire series and this book continues the high standard.
The series is great for reluctant readers, with the drawings and jokes in the print version, the storytelling, and the activity of the story. It keeps moving and keeps the reader interested.
June 8, 2019
P.T., Gloria, and the famous Wonderland Motel are back for another adventure...and this time P.T. and the gang are determined to get the Wonderland Motel chosen as one of the best family destinations in Florida. Without over-the-top attractions, expensive gizmos, and cliché gimmicks, winning this title may be harder than they imagined. But the Wonderland has something those other places don’t: two smart, creative, don’t-know-how-to-quit kids! Now if P.T. and Gloria can just figure out who the secret judges are...
Chris Grabenstein’s Welcome to Wonderland series is one of my absolute middle-grade favorites! Outrageously fun antics, giggle-snort inducing humor, lovable characters, and pitch-perfect storytelling shine in each book in this series. Beach Battle Blowout is another superb addition, with its rollicking summery fun story.
Young readers will have a blast joining P.T. and Gloria on their wackadoodle adventures, as they explore even more of their slice of Florida life. Both P.T. and Gloria are fantastically crafted young characters, whose ingenuity, smarts, determination, and thoughtfulness will inspire readers. Plus, I love their genuine, supportive friendship. And I always love returning to the quirky, one-of-a-kind Wonderland Motel.
Through infectious charm, laugh-out-loud humor, and engaging illustrations, Beach Battle Blowout offers not only a wonderfully entertaining story, but a great lesson about hard work, the power of kindness, and never giving up.
This book, and the entire series, is perfect for reluctant readers!
Chris Grabenstein’s Welcome to Wonderland series is one of my absolute middle-grade favorites! Outrageously fun antics, giggle-snort inducing humor, lovable characters, and pitch-perfect storytelling shine in each book in this series. Beach Battle Blowout is another superb addition, with its rollicking summery fun story.
Young readers will have a blast joining P.T. and Gloria on their wackadoodle adventures, as they explore even more of their slice of Florida life. Both P.T. and Gloria are fantastically crafted young characters, whose ingenuity, smarts, determination, and thoughtfulness will inspire readers. Plus, I love their genuine, supportive friendship. And I always love returning to the quirky, one-of-a-kind Wonderland Motel.
Through infectious charm, laugh-out-loud humor, and engaging illustrations, Beach Battle Blowout offers not only a wonderfully entertaining story, but a great lesson about hard work, the power of kindness, and never giving up.
This book, and the entire series, is perfect for reluctant readers!
February 29, 2020
Hilarious, there was balloons.
March 7, 2020
My daughter is lost in the world of Hogwarts. My son says to her, “Oh yeah, you should come to the Wonderland sometime.” He was shocked that the library only had the first book and needed to speak with the librarian about something very important. He’s writing the author a letter, requesting him to expedite book 5. This was a great series. I love the strong characters and messages of family, hard work, perseverance, creativity, and imagination. The kid was sad it was the last one for now, but I told him we had a very special library to visit next. Wait til I tell him CelRay is a real thing. I’ve never heard of it, yet somehow I can smell it every time grandpa burped.
December 31, 2019
P.T. and his grandfather are involved in a magazine competition - a "secret shopper" is coming to the motel to determine which venue has Florida's best family friendly activities (the mega-attractions like Disney, Sea World and Universal Studios are not eligible)! So, P.T. and Gloria (whose Dad is vying for a job at ESPN) try to figure out who might be the Secret shopper, and, in the meantime, give everyone who stays at the motel a great time. Enlisting Dill, a new kid whose parents are staying at the motel, the 3 try out all the other local entertainments to check out their competition and better present their motel.
Oh so funny! P.T. is a terrifically funny M.C. - I want to go to one of his events. Full of crazy silly jokes and hilarious situations (ever tried a jet pack?) this is one of my favorites in the "Welcome to Wonderland" series. Book 4, I do recommend starting at the beginning, but if you pick up Beach Battle Blowout, Grabenstein brings the reader in well enough that it can stand on it's own, but why? Get the full series, it will be popular.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
Oh so funny! P.T. is a terrifically funny M.C. - I want to go to one of his events. Full of crazy silly jokes and hilarious situations (ever tried a jet pack?) this is one of my favorites in the "Welcome to Wonderland" series. Book 4, I do recommend starting at the beginning, but if you pick up Beach Battle Blowout, Grabenstein brings the reader in well enough that it can stand on it's own, but why? Get the full series, it will be popular.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!
June 10, 2020
4 stars
P.T. Wilkie’s at it again in this fourth installment in the Welcome to Wonderland series. This time, the Wonderland Motel’s been nominated for the Florida Fun in the Sun award, which Grandpa’s excited about since Disney World’s not eligible this year (Grandpa Walt has a great disdain for Walt Disney and Disney World). The only problem with the nomination? The award focuses on all the different activities for kids that are available at the nominees’ locations. The Wonderland doesn’t exactly have a lot for kids to do, but P.T. and his friend Gloria are on the case! Will P.T. and Gloria’s ideas be enough to win the award?
This book was another enjoyable installment in the series. I was rooting for P.T. and his family the whole time. This book was funny and the illustrations gave the story a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” vibe. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a humorous story with a loveable underdog.
- Miss Anna
P.T. Wilkie’s at it again in this fourth installment in the Welcome to Wonderland series. This time, the Wonderland Motel’s been nominated for the Florida Fun in the Sun award, which Grandpa’s excited about since Disney World’s not eligible this year (Grandpa Walt has a great disdain for Walt Disney and Disney World). The only problem with the nomination? The award focuses on all the different activities for kids that are available at the nominees’ locations. The Wonderland doesn’t exactly have a lot for kids to do, but P.T. and his friend Gloria are on the case! Will P.T. and Gloria’s ideas be enough to win the award?
This book was another enjoyable installment in the series. I was rooting for P.T. and his family the whole time. This book was funny and the illustrations gave the story a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” vibe. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a humorous story with a loveable underdog.
- Miss Anna
March 26, 2020
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
Beach Battle Blowout was another quick and fun read from Grabenstein. He manages to fit several different life lessons into every book and make them fun and family-oriented along the way.
I did find myself enjoying this one more than the previous book in this series. This one was more focused on the hotel itself and the fun that P.T. was able to create at it to keep the guests entertained.
Overall this is a great read for any middle grader or any age really. Its some good family-friendly fun!
Beach Battle Blowout was another quick and fun read from Grabenstein. He manages to fit several different life lessons into every book and make them fun and family-oriented along the way.
I did find myself enjoying this one more than the previous book in this series. This one was more focused on the hotel itself and the fun that P.T. was able to create at it to keep the guests entertained.
Overall this is a great read for any middle grader or any age really. Its some good family-friendly fun!
October 10, 2019
Grabenstein adds another hilarious volume to this 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 his attempts to help his grandfather’s motel by creating bigger and better attractions, including a partnership with a surf shop and Frolf (Frisbee golf) with a dog. 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 include funny jokes and add to the tale. P.T.’s friend Gloria contributes educational content by explaining all of the financial terms used, and P.T. includes storytelling tips throughout the tale and in a feature after the novel, encouraging kids to become better storytellers. Kids in grades 4-6 will come for the humorous tale, and adults will appreciate the extra touches that take this book to the next level.
November 19, 2020
Such a cute book series! I read these with my ten year old daughter, they made us laugh and were hard to put down! We looked forward to reading every night before bed and now that we are finished we are hoping there will be another book in the series.
October 17, 2019
it was really amazing i thought thay would win but thay dident what a clif hanger
March 25, 2020
Love this book series! I hope Chris Grabenstein continues to write more of the wonderful, wacky Wonderland stories!
January 28, 2023
I think is my favorite series of Chris Grabenstein. I hope there is more in the works!
March 25, 2023
Very funny and fun book! :)
November 11, 2023
This is the fourth book in the series and a great addition to. There is a contest to see which motel/amusement park is the best. Everyone has pitched in with hopes of Wonderland winning!
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September 24, 2024It was great, cliffhanger was tough, but I can't wait for the next one.
January 2, 2025
This was fun! The big water battle made me laugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
Audiobook
I'm sad this was the last book in this series. I liked the stories and characters (even though this were a little far-fetched). The author is a favorite of mine and I look forward to checking out other series.
I'm sad this was the last book in this series. I liked the stories and characters (even though this were a little far-fetched). The author is a favorite of mine and I look forward to checking out other series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews