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Mr. Chickee #1
Mr. Chickee's Funny Money
Mr. Chickee, the genial blind man in the neighborhood, gives 9-year-old Steven a mysterious bill with 15 zeros on it and the image of a familiar but startling face. Could it be a quadrillion dollar bill? Could it be real? Well, Agent Fondoo of the U.S. Treasury Department and his team of Secret Government Agents are determined to get that money back! But Steven and his best friends, Russell and Zoopy the giant dog, are more than a match for the Feds. After all, Steven is the president of the Flint Future Detectives Club, and the inventor of fantastic spying and detecting equipment such as the Snoopeeze 9000!
From the Hardcover edition.
From the Hardcover edition.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2005
23 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Paul Curtis
53 books1,234 followersCurtis was born in Flint, Michigan on May 10, 1953 to Dr. Herman Elmer Curtis, a chiropodist, and Leslie Jane Curtis, an educator. The city of Flint plays an important role in many of Curtis's books. One such example is Bucking the Sarge, which is about a fifteen year old boy named Luther T. Ferrel, who is in a running battle with his slum-lord mother. Curtis is an alumnus of the University of Michigan-Flint.
Curtis is the father of two children, Steven, an ensign in the United States Navy, and Cydney, a college student and accomplished pianist. His third child is expected to make an appearance in 2011. Christopher modeled characters in Bud, Not Buddy after his two grandfathers—Earl “Lefty” Lewis, a Negro league baseball pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.
Curtis moved to Detroit, Michigan in January, 2009
Curtis is the father of two children, Steven, an ensign in the United States Navy, and Cydney, a college student and accomplished pianist. His third child is expected to make an appearance in 2011. Christopher modeled characters in Bud, Not Buddy after his two grandfathers—Earl “Lefty” Lewis, a Negro league baseball pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.
Curtis moved to Detroit, Michigan in January, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 21, 2012
A 250-foot drop over a dam, a friend who does not surface at the bottom and a dozen federal agents in dark suits holding what look like satellite ray guns…this is how Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money begins.
An exciting beginning leads to a story told in flashback by the narrator: fourth grader, Steven. He is joined in his Flint Future Detectives Club by his hilarious and oversize 7-year-old neighbor and best friend, Rufus and Rufus’ equally oversized and hilarious dog, Zoopy.
Steven is a marvelous narrator and his frustration with his parents’–especially his father’s–inability to meet him intellectually in his investigative processes will appeal to every kid who reads the book. I certainly recognized shades of my own father when Steven’s dad tells him to “go look it up,” and “think” and ”figure it out.” Steven’s slightly sarcastic responses–only in his head, since to say them aloud would be “sass”–are funny and genuine.
The story rides a wonderful line between silliness and adventure when Steven is given a quadrillion dollar bill by his friend Mr. Chickee. He must puzzle out exactly the right thing to do with it. Is it real? Who else wants to get ahold of it and why?
One of the characters my children and I enjoyed most (this was a bedtime read for us) is Steven’s Great-great-Grampa Carter’s dictionary. The dictionary, the very same one his father often sends him to in order to “look it up,” rearranges its letters on the copyright page to spell out insulting messages to Steven every time he opens it. The first such message he discovers is “Why are looking at this page? You’re not a librarian!”
Known for his award-winning novels such as The Watsons Go To Birmingham, Bud, Not Buddy, and Elijah of Buxton, this story is somewhat of a departure in style and theme for Curtis in its rich fountain of humor seamlessly interwoven in the engaging adventure aspects of the story. It is, however, equal in its content and plot. I highly recommend it for ages 7-10. It is now on my list as a possible read-aloud choice in the classroom and my children loved it at bedtime!
An exciting beginning leads to a story told in flashback by the narrator: fourth grader, Steven. He is joined in his Flint Future Detectives Club by his hilarious and oversize 7-year-old neighbor and best friend, Rufus and Rufus’ equally oversized and hilarious dog, Zoopy.
Steven is a marvelous narrator and his frustration with his parents’–especially his father’s–inability to meet him intellectually in his investigative processes will appeal to every kid who reads the book. I certainly recognized shades of my own father when Steven’s dad tells him to “go look it up,” and “think” and ”figure it out.” Steven’s slightly sarcastic responses–only in his head, since to say them aloud would be “sass”–are funny and genuine.
The story rides a wonderful line between silliness and adventure when Steven is given a quadrillion dollar bill by his friend Mr. Chickee. He must puzzle out exactly the right thing to do with it. Is it real? Who else wants to get ahold of it and why?
One of the characters my children and I enjoyed most (this was a bedtime read for us) is Steven’s Great-great-Grampa Carter’s dictionary. The dictionary, the very same one his father often sends him to in order to “look it up,” rearranges its letters on the copyright page to spell out insulting messages to Steven every time he opens it. The first such message he discovers is “Why are looking at this page? You’re not a librarian!”
Known for his award-winning novels such as The Watsons Go To Birmingham, Bud, Not Buddy, and Elijah of Buxton, this story is somewhat of a departure in style and theme for Curtis in its rich fountain of humor seamlessly interwoven in the engaging adventure aspects of the story. It is, however, equal in its content and plot. I highly recommend it for ages 7-10. It is now on my list as a possible read-aloud choice in the classroom and my children loved it at bedtime!
March 16, 2009
This book is absolutely hilarious; I'm talking about quite a few laugh-out-loud moments being attributable to this book. There were also some heartfelt scenes snuck in amongst the sublime comedic syntax. Perhaps it's the limited amount of stories published by him, but Christopher Paul Curtis is always 100% on the ball with whatever comes from his pen. Simply put, if it's written by Christopher Paul Curtis, my advice to anyone is: Read it.
May 4, 2020
Silly.
If you've never read Christopher Paul Curtis's books before, this would not be a good one to start with. Instead, I highly recommend either "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" or "Bud, Not Buddy," as both of those books are 5-star caliber.
This story is not close to those classics.
This story follows the adventures of Steven, a boy who is trying to become a detective while serving others in his community. One day as he helps a local blind man, Mr. Chickee, back and forth to the grocery store, he receives a quadrillion-dollar bill for his assistance. The bill features the legendary James Brown, of whom Steven knows nothing about.
However, instead of discovering more about James Brown, Steven becomes consumed with whether or not the bill is authentic. He first asks his dad, who responds as I probably would have, telling Steven that the bill is not real. Then he asks his mom, who responds that the bill seems authentic. She pressures her husband to call the government. In no time at all, Steven and his dad are meeting with a federal agent from the U. S. Treasury Department in order to get more information about the money.
From this point, the silly thoughts and antics of a nine-year-old boy take a back seat to the silly plot that follows. I would typically have quit the book at that point, but because the other Curtis books I've read were so good, I was compelled to finish, but this one never reached the level of the others. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this story as a nine-year-old either.
Instead, be sure to check out "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" or "Bud, Not Buddy" for a better read from Christopher Paul Curtis.
If you've never read Christopher Paul Curtis's books before, this would not be a good one to start with. Instead, I highly recommend either "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" or "Bud, Not Buddy," as both of those books are 5-star caliber.
This story is not close to those classics.
This story follows the adventures of Steven, a boy who is trying to become a detective while serving others in his community. One day as he helps a local blind man, Mr. Chickee, back and forth to the grocery store, he receives a quadrillion-dollar bill for his assistance. The bill features the legendary James Brown, of whom Steven knows nothing about.
However, instead of discovering more about James Brown, Steven becomes consumed with whether or not the bill is authentic. He first asks his dad, who responds as I probably would have, telling Steven that the bill is not real. Then he asks his mom, who responds that the bill seems authentic. She pressures her husband to call the government. In no time at all, Steven and his dad are meeting with a federal agent from the U. S. Treasury Department in order to get more information about the money.
From this point, the silly thoughts and antics of a nine-year-old boy take a back seat to the silly plot that follows. I would typically have quit the book at that point, but because the other Curtis books I've read were so good, I was compelled to finish, but this one never reached the level of the others. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this story as a nine-year-old either.
Instead, be sure to check out "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" or "Bud, Not Buddy" for a better read from Christopher Paul Curtis.
June 6, 2022
It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. Probably a great story for an 8 year old boy. I think it would probably make a good cartoon series. Lol
January 23, 2010
Mr. Chickee's Funny Money but Christopher Paul Curtis was overall dissappointing mainly because of the format I experienced the book in, audio. I am not a fan of listening to books on CD so I first had to adjust to hearing someone else read to me. As far as that, I found the reading by actor Joe Holt to be about as boring as watching (or listening) to paint dry. The story is multiethnic in nature because of the setting, urban, and the main characters who are African-American. Joe Holt, who is African American had to have the most neutral voice I have ever heard. In other words, he sounded so plain and emotionless which I really believe did this novel a major disservice to its potential readers (listeners). The only "mention" of the novel's multiethnicity was in the rather annoying intro/outro music that was a depressing snippet of blues chords. I have enjoyed all the other novels I have read by Christopher Paul Curtis (Bud, Not Buddy and Bucking the Sarge) but this audio version did not do this story any justice. It is hard for someone like me to get into an audio book just in general but it becomes even more difficult when there is no animation in the reader's voice or rhythm in the reading. I would not recommend this audio version, and if I have the time, I will try to check out the book version of the text and see if my experience is more enjoyable.
May 17, 2008
Steven has received a quadrillion dollar bill imprinted with the face of James Brown on it from his neighbor Mr. Chickee and now it’s up to him to figure out if this very real looking bill could be authentic. Enlisting the help of his friend Russell, the two must stand up to the black-suited agents of the Department of Treasury. Funny, at times irreverent, and with some refreshing surprises, Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money delivers. An audio-book read by James Holt is enjoyable, though the actor plays it a little on the babyish side for for my taste.
No CIP/ summary:When Steven learns that his quadrillion dollar bill with the face of James Brown it is real, but the government wants it back, there's only one thing to do: detective work!
Kirkus starred review: The zany action will appeal to middle-grade readers and the fast pace makes for an excellent read-aloud. Another winner from a master storyteller.
PW: Offering catchy lingo, bigger-than-life predicaments and an array of boldly drawn characters, this book is well aimed at readers in search of an unconventional and comical brand of mystery.
No CIP/ summary:When Steven learns that his quadrillion dollar bill with the face of James Brown it is real, but the government wants it back, there's only one thing to do: detective work!
Kirkus starred review: The zany action will appeal to middle-grade readers and the fast pace makes for an excellent read-aloud. Another winner from a master storyteller.
PW: Offering catchy lingo, bigger-than-life predicaments and an array of boldly drawn characters, this book is well aimed at readers in search of an unconventional and comical brand of mystery.
April 6, 2010
Christopher Paul Curtis continues to hit the mark with just the right combination of humor, mystery, suspense, accessible reading level, and quick plot. In my continual search to find light-hearted books with African-American protagonists for reluctant readers, Mr. Chickee is one of the few that met my hopes. Junior Detective Steven receives a mysterious dollar bill from neighbor Mr. Chickee, not only does the currency have more zeros than Steven can imagine, it boasts a picture of motown legend James Brown! Steven's investigation leads to wild adventures with his neighbor Russell, his unbelievably large and sloppy dog Zoopy, the Treasury Department, some malicious agents, and a "talking" dictionary with attitude. Some of the dialogue and plot is a bit Disney Channel, and there are a few gratuitously gross scenes thrown in for male readers, but, overall appropriate and appealing for it's intended audience; guys Grades 4-7.
June 4, 2009
Fun and light-hearted first story in his Mr. Chickee series, Christopher Paul Curtis includes elements common in his other books (set in Flint, Michigan, for example) but provides a whole new kind of reading experience. The protagonist, Steven, is given a quadrillion-dollar bill by his blind--and somewhat mysterious--neighbor, Mr. Chickee, for all the help Steven provides him on his weekly grocery shopping trip. Mr. Chickee goes out of town immediately after, leaving Steven to figure out if the money is real and setting off a chain reaction involving secret agents, a giant dog named Zoopy, and Steven's younger neighbor, Russell, the other member of the Flint Future Detectives club. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 27, 2011
A rare piece of currency originating from a blind old man leads the government to trail a boy, his dog, and his friends. Enjoyable and zany, and quite different from others by Christopher Paul Curtis. Starts out with the revelation that a best friend has just died in a tragic accident, which starts the book in a grim way, then begins a flashback to story leading up to that event, where the mystery and zaniness comes in.
Booklegger 3/4.
Booklegger 3/4.
February 18, 2015
Fun read for young but good readers. Two kids, a dog, and a slightly wacky adventure are mixed in with winks for the parents. (For example, a mom who runs to the bookstore for a child-rearing book every time something she can't explain happens.) The adventure is goofy and reads a bit like a kid spy movie. Some elements of fantasy are mixed in with realistic fiction. Kids may need to look up James Brown. A deus ex machina reference made this mom laugh. A quick, fun read.
January 18, 2016
This is one of the sweetest, funniest stories I'd ever read. Most of the times it is very silly, and other times you're in dangerous situations, and some moments really pull at your heart. There are some jokes I think that I missed, and I didn't recognize some of the parts that had to do with music, but the rest of the book made up for that. I think there is a sequel/new adventure, so I hope it's as funny as this one!
January 6, 2017
I love Christopher Paul Curtis. He clearly understands kids and knows how to write for them and in their voice. Mr. Chickee's Funny Money had me a little concerned at first, but he told a story that is appropriate for middle readers, but can make any reader laugh out loud. He tells such funny stories about families and how they work together (or don't). His father's interest in James Brown and music was fantastic and the great-granddaddy's dictionary is hilarious!!!
June 27, 2022
This started with a lot of promise. I liked the premise and the mysterious Mr. Chickee, and then it felt like things got too weird and too disjointed. It felt like a fun sci fi story, and then these weird random fantasy elements were dropped in without blending well. The talking, insulting dictionary? The ridiculously giant dog? I don't think it worked.
And it also felt like bad editing. It's unfortunate because Christopher Paul Curtis obviously has some classics, but this didn't work for me.
And it also felt like bad editing. It's unfortunate because Christopher Paul Curtis obviously has some classics, but this didn't work for me.
October 20, 2015
I am giving this book to every little boy (age 7-12) who says he can't find anything to read! Boys will be able to identify with Stephen's adventures as he tries to solve the mystery of the quadrillion dollar bill, given to him by his neighbor Mr. Chickee. I especially enjoyed the coded dialogue between Stephen and his dad - in the form of James Brown song lyrics! Hilarious!
March 5, 2013
Irreverent and goofy, this book takes Christopher Paul Curtis' unmistakable talent for creating very real child characters and blends it with a romping mystery whose lack of realism Curtis acknowledges with a wink and a nod.
December 1, 2023
Mr. Chickee's Funny Money presents a challenging review due to its dual nature. While the premise of the book is undoubtedly great, and the storytelling exudes a sense of fun and adventure, the humor tends to lean heavily toward extreme juvenility. The silliness, at times, becomes a distraction, potentially hindering the overall enjoyment of the book.
For its intended audience—kids—the book might be considered decent. The adventurous storyline, coupled with the inventive gadgets and the camaraderie of the Flint Future Detectives Club, provides an entertaining narrative for young readers. However, adults might find the level of silliness a bit overpowering.
In summary, Mr. Chickee's Funny Money is a book that excels in its imaginative premise and adventurous storytelling, making it suitable for its target audience of children. The juvenile humor, while a key element for kids, might be a divisive factor for adult readers.
For its intended audience—kids—the book might be considered decent. The adventurous storyline, coupled with the inventive gadgets and the camaraderie of the Flint Future Detectives Club, provides an entertaining narrative for young readers. However, adults might find the level of silliness a bit overpowering.
In summary, Mr. Chickee's Funny Money is a book that excels in its imaginative premise and adventurous storytelling, making it suitable for its target audience of children. The juvenile humor, while a key element for kids, might be a divisive factor for adult readers.
June 30, 2022
Steven Carter is always happy to help his elderly, blind neighbor, Mr. Chickee. Every Saturday they go to the grocery store and Steven gets a few treats. But, this Saturday, something is different. Mr. Chickee is going away for a few months. So, instead Steven gets a currency note with fifteen zeroes!
It can't be real...right? He asks his Dad. He's waves him off. Goes to his mom, she is more curious. They contact a Treasury Dept. agent, Mr. Fondoo. Things really go haywire! Using his super detective skills, Steven finds some sneaky business going on...and that bill with the fifteen zeroes? It may just be real!
It can't be real...right? He asks his Dad. He's waves him off. Goes to his mom, she is more curious. They contact a Treasury Dept. agent, Mr. Fondoo. Things really go haywire! Using his super detective skills, Steven finds some sneaky business going on...and that bill with the fifteen zeroes? It may just be real!
July 29, 2021
This was a great audio for my boys ages 11 and almost 9, they really loved it and thought it was funny. Had that whole kid detective/spy feel to it with some great humor. We had tried to listen to “Spy school” by Stuart Gibbs and within the first 30 min of it, the Lords name had been taken in vain twice and a 3 letter cuss word was used so I had to shut that off even tho my kids were enjoying the story, I wasn’t going to listen to that for 6 hrs!! So I was happy to find this series and knew Christopher Paul Curtis to be a great author!!
September 8, 2018
Read for Battle of the Books.
I am not the intended audience for this book, so I just wasn't as amused as I'm sure a young boy would like. Steven receives a strange bill from his equally strange and blind neighbor. Realizing that it was most likely true Steven tries to get his parents to take him seriously, but since it's a kid's book parents aren't going to listen or take the kid seriously. It leads Steven to go on a crazy adventure with his younger neighbor and a massive dog.
I am not the intended audience for this book, so I just wasn't as amused as I'm sure a young boy would like. Steven receives a strange bill from his equally strange and blind neighbor. Realizing that it was most likely true Steven tries to get his parents to take him seriously, but since it's a kid's book parents aren't going to listen or take the kid seriously. It leads Steven to go on a crazy adventure with his younger neighbor and a massive dog.
January 14, 2019
I really like all the Christopher Paul Curtis books I've read, so I decided to read this one aloud to Sean (being in need of a new read-aloud). He liked it well enough, but I didn't find it an enjoyable read aloud (or frankly an enjoyable read-silently). It was fine, just not inspiring. Luckily, I had the inspiration of leaving it in Sean's room overnight, and he triumphantly declared in the morning that he'd finished the book without me. (Oh darn!)
October 14, 2020
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Although it is funny it has a very important message behind it. Just because someone has a disability and doesn't look like you, does not mean they are different from you. The book was also very creative. Each time I read the page I instantly wanted to know more. I can easily see myself reading this book again. And I normally do not like to do something over again especially when it comes to reading.
February 23, 2017
As the mother of a fifth grader (who has to read this book for her Battle of the Books competition this year) I was not in love with the main character of this book. He was pretty disrespectful and I found his misunderstood/misspoken word choices kinda dumb. I'm sure it would be great for a younger kid, though.
June 30, 2025
My God, LEGITIMATELY who are these UNCS and AUNTIES on Goodreads rating this book?? *Enter washed adult reader doing a 5 paragraph analysis on Mr. Chickee's Funny Money* "This work of literature combines an underwhelming sense of childish...." STFU! The book is AWESOME for any KID reading it! It's for CHILDREN, not you LOSER ADULTS. Sorry your childhoods weren't FUN!
December 10, 2017
I think this book is pretty funny. The book would be good to read to younger children or even have younger reader's read this. It was a good book and I think children would think it was funny and would have a good time reading it.
December 15, 2025
Christopher Paul Curtis is a gifted writer, and I loved sharing his books with my kids, so I wanted to read more of his books. This one was probably too silly for adults but I think kids would definitely enjoy it.
July 25, 2017
A trend on Flint, MI stories lately! Very well written with great references to James Brown, but many of the jokes landed somewhere in between my humor and my kids' humor.
December 11, 2017
Was not sure what I was getting myself into when first reading this book. It ended up being a great book! I do not like the ending though...
February 1, 2018
Enjoyed it - pretty funny and a quick read.
February 7, 2018
IT was ok
May 11, 2018
Very corny, but great for 3rd and 4th graders. Would also make a fun family audio for a car trip.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews