Matilda's Humdinger

by Lynn Downey, Tim Bowers (Illustrator)

Matilda's a waitress at Burt's Diner on Fifth and Main. And she's plumb near the worst waitress the diner's ever seen. Her mind's never on the job -- it's always busy dreaming up stories. But Burt doesn't care, because there's nothing the townsfolk like better than to pile into his diner and listen to Matilda tell one of her humdingers.

Then one day, a city slicker by the name of Ralph Q. Yuckley strolls in with a big old list of health codes Matilda's been violating, from failure to wear a hairnet to sitting on the counters! Poor Matilda has no choice but to learn to be the perfect waitress--and soon she has no time for storytelling. But just you wait, Mr. Yuckley, because one of Miz Matilda's humdingers might just save the day. . . .

Genres: Picture Books, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a storytelling waitress (a cat), who loves to tell stories so much that she kind of neglects her waitressing duties. However, the customers all come in for the story, until an inspector comes to try and shut the stories down. This story has a terrific and unique voice.

I thought it was an enjoyable and funny read. Since it is on the longer side, text-wise, I would recommend it for kids in preschool or elementary school who can sit through longer stories.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Southern accent (narrator and characters). Storytelling.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations. The story was nice. A cat embraces being herself, but when scolded for being free-spirited she loses her creativity.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a really cute read aloud for someone that has or can make a STRONG Southern accent. ;)

[Mother Goose Librarian]

Matilda's Humdinger written by Lynn Downey and illustrated by Tim Bowers was published in 2006.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I thought it was a little screwy at first, but it because of this it will likely be enjoyed as a read aloud to young audiences. The other thing it made me think of was that you could segue from this book into have kids write their own short poems or stories.

Matilda is a diner waitress, but she's horrible at her job because she's always telling stories to the customers. When the diner is in danger of being shut down because of poor conditions, Matilda shapes up but doesn't have time to concentrate on storytelling any more and the diner becomes a bit dull. Until, robbers barge in and one of Matilda's stories saves the day!

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An upper level picture book that would be a fun read aloud for older students. The book is written in a southern accent and centers around a fun waitress who loves to write and tell stories. The character exemplifies the exuberance of being an artist. But, when she is forced to conform to save the diner, she loses her passion.

The illustrations capture the fun of the story and the ambiance of the 1950's diner.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storytelling waitress Matilda may spill drinks and mix up orders, but she packs the diner “tighter than a jar of dill pickles” when she starts to spin a yarn. Chock-full of colorful language that puts the reader in mind of the old west, and vibrant, lively watercolors that are the perect complement, this title is an absolute humdinger for sharing aloud.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matilda is a waitress at the diner, but more than that she is the local story-teller. Her mind is so caught up in storytelling that she neglects some of the nicer points of diner-up-keep. Namely, keeping the place clean. So when the health inspector threatens to shut the place down, she needs to get her head in the game.

Illustrations are nicely whimsical.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this to my children in a good ole fashioned southern accent! Brought back memories of the time I lived in KY and aside from the fact my children's relatives live in the south. Very fun to read out loud!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun to read aloud- especially with your best cowpoke accent. I only wish the western aspect had been played up a bit more in the illustrations.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read at the psychiatric institute on 4/8/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, but way too wordy.

[Shelby Deghand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very cute and fun! I loved the animals used for the characters. However, the words were a bit tricky and it might be hard for students to read themselves.

[Karen Holt]

funny book about story writing/telling