Chaos Total: N° 1 - Lundi - La Caverne Des Voleurs (Total Mayhem)

Total Mayhem #1

by Ralph Lazar

See below for English description. Dash Candoo ne s'ennuie jamais. Un lundi, avant même de prendre son déjeuner composé de céréales et de jus de wombat, il est attaqué par une équipe de magouilles et par le Diable Chat à deux queues, prêts à combattre. L'aventure continue lorsque Dash se rend à l'école et doit gérer plusieurs situations chaotiques, dont la perte d'un trophée Wobble-Ball et la disparition d'une bouteille de l'un des parfums les plus chers au monde. There is no such thing as a boring day for Dash Candoo. On Monday, before he can even enjoy his cereal and wombat juice, he is attacked by a squad of combat-ready scallywags and the two-tailed Devil Cat. And that is just before breakfast. The adventure explodes when Dash gets to school and must deal with a number of chaotic situations, including a missing Wobble-Ball trophy and the disappearance of one of the most expensive bottles of perfume in the world. Original Total Mayhem #1: Monday - Into the Cave of Thieves

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Chapter Books, Humor

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2020

About the author

Ralph Lazar was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1967 and studied law and economics at the University of Cape Town and the London School of Economics.

After several years of working in finance, Ralph moved with his wife-to-be Lisa Swerling, to Cerf Island (population of 52) in the Seychelles, where they (very remotely) started their illustration licensing business Last Lemon. Later based in London and now northern California, they have worked with many publishers including Chronicle Books, Penguin and Andrews McMeel in the US, and Harper Collins and DK in the UK.

Ralph and Lisa's book creations include the illustrated project Happiness is..., which has been translated into over 20 languages and has over 3 million followers online, and the New York Times Bestselling Me Without You.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dash Candoo is accosted by mayhem before he even gets a chance to eat his breakfast. And it is only Monday. As he goes through his day at Swedhump Elementary, the adventure continues. Dash and his buddy Rob have to get on their quadcycles and may even need their backpack-ladders to defeat the tw0-tailed Devil-Cat and the Wrestle Scallyways in their tower formation. Are you a bit confused by some of these terms? No worries! There is an Almanac at the back (also available at www.total-mayhem.com) to help decode any confusing vocabulary. Reminds me a bit of the Mac B series. Should be a week full of adventure once all the days are covered.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ralph Lazarin ja Lisa Swerlingin "Maanantai : rosvojen luola" (Kumma, 2024) aloittaa uuden lastenkirjasarjan nimeltään Megamylläkkä. Lukija pääsee seuraamaan Dan Noheva -nimisen koululaisen ja hänen parhaan kaverinsa Roni Nuumasen vauhdikasta koulupäivää, jonka aikana ehtii tapahtua yhtä jos toista kummallista. Heti aamupalalla Danin kimppuun hyökkää kolme taisteluvalmista painiriiviötä ja kaksihäntäinen Pirskatti!

Sankarillamme on onneksi käytössään erilaisia ihmevempaimia ja apuvälineitä, kuten pulpetin alta lähtevä tunneliverkosto, KB15-vaaravaroitin, ajatuksen voimalla käyttöön aktivoitava Nelipyörä ja Löyhkäpallojen kaltaisia aseita. Niitä tullaankin tarvitsemaan, sillä Pattilan alakoulua kohtaa häikäilemätön rikossarja. Entä miten kaikkeen liittyy maailman suurin porkkana?

Teoksessa on vähän tekstiä, iso fontti ja runsaasti kuvitusta, jossa on kai tavoiteltu jonkinlaista Neropatti-naivisimia. En haluaisi kuulostaa mennyttä maailmaa kaipailevalta boomerilta, mutta kyllä kai se jotakin meidän ajastamme kertoo, jos tämä tämmöinen hyllytetään kirjastossa helppolukuisten sijasta perusromaanien joukkoon.

Ääh. Ihan sama. Lazarin kirjassa on paljon vauhtia ja absurdia huumoria, joten ihan varmasti tästä joku tykkää ja jos sinä olet yksi heistä, niin kokeilepa myös samanhenkistä mutta ainakin paremmin kuvitettua Maailman paras puumaja -sarjaa.

[Olivia Fink (NatureGraceReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You Ralph Lazar and Last Lemon for a copy to read in exchange for an honest review!

To be honest I didn’t know what to expect from this book. But I can tell you it is no regular book or graphic novel; it is SO MUCH MORE. The book was so fun and young kids will definitely enjoy it, heck I’m not a kid and I enjoyed it more then I thought possible. I am a very in-depth reader and I prefer novel to graphic novel but this one had me entertained. It was so engaging. I love that there was an Almanac aka glossary. It provided so much more information on the book and the very creative terms used. I have to hand it to the author, he has quite the imagination, and I say that as a good thing. I would never have thought to include half of what he did, and it wasn’t just entertaining but actually funny.
I also have to say I need to get someone to play paper-rock-scissors-carrot-spoon-tissue-elbow with me, if I can get the rules down first. I also never say this especially with short books like this, but I would definitely re-read this book. It still blows my mind how creative this author is. He and his wife did an amazing job and Dash had one jam packed Monday. Can’t wait to see what he gets into on Tuesday.

[Shelley Parr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but that has no bearing on my review.

I love everything about this book. Dash is a wonderful hero that I can see kids becoming themselves in their minds. It will help them take everyday life and find adventure in it. The Cave of Thieves takes place mostly at school. The teachers are great characters. I also love the villain, Devil-Cat.

The illustrations are like they cam right out of a child's mind. This is probably hard for an adult to do. I especially love Devil-Cat.

I like the fact that there is a mix of easy words, a little more difficult ones and some super entertaining harder words like scallywags, triplo-triplocopter. and grobsnot. Don't worry. There is an almanac at the end of the book with definitions. I think this is a nice mix for several ages to enjoy. Younger kids can have fun asking an adult about the big words.

Now that I've read this book it is going straight to my grandkids. They will love it! I will be getting more Dash books for them.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were a 2nd grade boy into Capitan Underpants, I’d love this!! Just not my favorite!

[Josef Komensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heel gek maar tegelijkertijd ook best vermakelijk.

Het gaat over verhalen van een jonge die Dex Kandoe heet en die tegelijkertijd een scholier is een tegelijk een soort geheim agent.

Hij moet het opnemen tegen allerlei rare tegenstanders zoals een duivelskat of worstel schurken ( die eigelijk een soort ninjas zijn )

Hierbij gebruik hij allerlei soorten uitvindingen die meestal een type naam en een serie nummer hebben wat dus alleen maar benadrukt geheime dienst of een leger soort instantie in wiens naam Dex zal moeten werken. Gelukkig zijn meeste geheime uitvindingen, uitrusting en andere termen die in de boek gebruikt zijn uitgelegd in de achterkant van de boek in soort Encyclopedia die De Almanach wordt genoemd.

Heel vaag maar ook heel erg vermakend.

Ja het verhaal is geschreven met hetzelfde stijl als Rory de Raaf en door de zelfde tekenaar ( ster ) zal men al gauw kunnen denken dat er over een soort neven of dochter product zullen kunnen gaan alleen maar met nog hogere onwaarschijnlijk graad.

Ik ben heel benieuwd naar de gevolg
die heet dinsdag de vloek van de blauwe puistjes.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: It REALLY annoys me when one gets into a Total Mayhem Situation before breakfast. Which is exactly what happened this morning.

Premise/plot: Dash Candoo (our young protagonist) is not having the best of days. Depending on how you define best, I suppose. His day is packed with action, adventure, danger, mystery, and a two-tailed Devil-Cat. After he handles the 'total mayhem' around breakfast time, Dash is off to school--along side his best friend, Rob Newman. But he doesn't attend just ANY old school. And his school day, well, it looks very little like yours....

My thoughts: If you want a book that is wacky, silly, funny, and super-packed with adventure and ACTION, then I do recommend this one. It is the first in a new series. I love that it's a super quick read. I think the fast pace plus the illustrations will make this one appealing to even reluctant readers.

[Tara Engel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, another reviewer had the correct adjective for this book, chaotic! An almanac in it to describe what is going on. We just winged it because I was not flipping back and forth. I think the names of the teachers and other articles involved in this book were difficult to try to pronounce. Adventurous but fell flat for me.

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It says at the beginning of the book that if you read it in one sitting, the nearest adult will give you a prize. Seeing as how I’m the nearest adult to myself at all times (and I did read the book in one sitting), I was super excited about what prize I would give myself. I debated between a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, a bag of See’s Scotchmallows, or a Lambourghini Murcielago. The debate was never settled, and then I completely forgot all about it and still have not received a prize. I shall have to re-open negotiations with myself.

[Boekenpearls76 JN Kingma Postma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensie van:

Maandag: De geheime dievengrot

Totale waanzin 1

Auteurs:

Ralph Lazar

Lisa Swirling

Illustraties:

Ralph Lazar en Lisa Swirling

Bedacht door Ralph Lazar en liefdevol in de juiste vorm gebeukt door Lisa Swirling.

Vertaald uit het Engels door:

Hanneke Majoor

Originele titel:

Total Mayhem: Monday- Into the cave of thieves

Wijze van lezen:

Boek aangeschaft naar aanleiding van een spaaractie bij supermarkt Poeisz

Uitgeverij: Condor

Genre: graphic novel jeugd

Cover en flaptekst:

De illustraties op de cover vind ik geweldig. Ze geven het verhaal perfect weer. De cover en de flaptekst nodigen gelijk tot lezen uit.

Mooie tekst:

Mededeling

Dit is geen GEWOON boek. Het zit vol KRANKZINNIGE DINGEN. En GEVAAR. Je bent gewaarschuwd.

P.S. Als je nu meteen gaat zitten en dit boek IN ÉÉN RUK uitleest, krijg je iets LEKKERS van een volwassene in de buurt (ouder, leraar, bibliothecaresse, walrus inspecteur, grobsnotfokker, etc….).

Probeer maar als je me niet gelooft.

Het verhaal:

Waarschuwing: dit boek is écht bizar. Fans van series als DOG MAN mogen dit niet missen!

Saaie dagen? Die bestaan niet in het leven van Dex Kandoe. Vandaag wordt hij al vóór zijn ontbijt aangevallen door een stel worstelschurken. En dan hebben we het nog niet eens over de tweestaartige Duivelkat!
De rest van deze maandag wordt er niet normaler op. Dex gaat naar school, waar hij les krijgt over broccoli-taal en papieren vliegtuigjes. En hij ontdekt een geheimzinnige dievengrot…
Het eerste boek in een serie bomvol grappige tekeningen, losgeslagen humor en onvoorspelbare actie.

Mijn leesbeleving en die van mijn 7 jarige dochter Femke:

Toen we onze spaarkaart vol hadden en voor het rek met boeken stonden waaruit we konden kiezen, werd de blik van Femke naar dit boek getrokken. Waarom? Een ongelooflijk grappige en prachtig geïllustreerde cover. En gelijk allemaal actie die erom vraagt om ontdekt te worden en om erover te lezen.

Thuisgekomen ging Femke dit boek gelijk lezen. In een dag las ze het uit. Na de tijd vertelde ze me dat ze genoten had van de prachtige, hilarische, de tekst nog meer cachet gevende, chaotische illustraties en de tekst. Ze vond alle uitleg voor en achterin leerzaam en leuk. Het verhaal zelf vond ze mooi. Dex sloot ze in haar hart.

Ik kan het volmondig met haar eens zijn. Nadat ook ik dit boek gelezen had. De combinatie tekst: humoristisch, spannend, boeiend, avontuurlijk, uniek wordt uitstekend versterkt door de illustraties. Die tillen de tekst naar een hoger niveau en laten je nog meer genieten van dit verhaal. Ook het genot van het ultieme moeder en dochter lezen het zelfde boek moment voelde fantastisch. In de plot komt alles samen. De almanak met uitleg in tekst en illustraties vind ik een waardevolle toevoeging.

We kijken uit naar het vervolg en zouden deze graag weer samen lezen en recenseren. Een diepe buiging voor Ralph Lazar en Lisa Swirling. Dit boek is geschikt voor jong en oud.

Mijn mening en die van mijn 7 jarige dochter Femke:

Beide geven wij dit boek 5 sterren

Een boek vol humor, absurditeit, spanning, avontuur, uniek in zijn soort en nergens saai.

De illustraties verhogen het niveau van de tekst. En van Dex kun je alleen maar houden wat een dappere, slimme, lieve en doortastende knul.

Geschikt voor jong en oud. Het verhaal zelf is al een feestje maar alles eromheen ook, de inhoudspagina en de colofon vol hilarische en grappige, leerzame en nuttige tekst en illustraties. Subliem.

Graag lezen we nog meer van Ralph Lazar en Lisa Swirling.

 

[Mark Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

My name is Dash, and it's annoying when mayhem strikes before I've had breakfast. The Wrestle-Scallywags attacked me in synchronized movements, but I was able to escape from their move #6694 and made it to school on time. However, the ninjalike warriors and Devil-Cat have stolen several objects from the building. I'm using my hidden tunnels and the warp-vortex to search for their hideout, but I'm sure lucky my KB-15 warns me of danger. It sure comes in handy when surrounded by the enemy. I still don't know who's the brains behind these thefts or why they want them. Why would anyone steal a trophy, a bottle of perfume, and orange juice? I know it can't be for any good reason, so it's up to me to be the hero.

I received an ARC of this zany adventure- mystery. The main character and narrator is Dash, as he speaks directly to readers about his thoughts, plans, and feelings. He wields all kinds of amazing weapons and tools and finds time to skip most classes in order to do his heroic deeds. Because the story moves so quickly, the book leaves unanswered questions. Is Dash part of an organization, because the book never shares where he gets all of his gadgets. It seems unlikely that he invents them himself. He had faced the Wrestle-Scallywags 345 times before, but it isn’t clear why he was the one doing it. What is going on beyond the school? The book’s early pages notify readers of an Almanac found at the back that explains all of the unusual terms found in the story, and there are a lot of them. The story doesn’t provide context to decode strange terms, so the Almanac is very useful. The book is categorized with middle-grade books, but it’s more appropriate for elementary readers. The print size, story length, plot, and pictures are more comparable to the Captain Underpants series. It successfully creates a humorous adventure mystery that will be enjoyed by lovers of wacky villains and quirky heroes.

[Katie Brummell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Monday Into the Cave of Theives
2⭐
Young Reader
📚📚📚📚
Okay, so I read this book back in October and keep forgetting to post it. I read in under an hour. It's a super goofy book perfect for young boys or girls who prefer ninjas and adventure. Good for grades 2-5. It's a simple read with pictures throughout the story. It also has an almanac in the back of the book that explains all the terminology that Dash uses in his story. I think it's a great little adventure books for kids and would recommend it to them or parents looking for books like it for their kids. For me personally it wasn't great but I can see how kids would like it.
📖📖📖📖
From the New York Times bestselling duo Ralph Lazar and Lisa Swerling, a hilarious action comedy for chapter-book readers about Dash Candoo, who must defeat extraordinary foes each and every school day.

It REALLY annoys me when one gets into a Total Mayhem Situation before breakfast.

Which is exactly what happened to me this morning. And I was still in my pajamas!

When the forces of chaos interrupt the most important meal of Dash's day and conspire against him, his friends, his school, his town, and indeed the entire planet, Dash needs to take things into his own hands, and some crazy stuff starts to happen.

Book 55/2021 #bookstagram #books #youngreader #kidsbooks #bookreview #reading

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lazar and Swerling have created a book that defies classification. It’s not a chapter book, but is arranged by chapters; not a novel, although there are the usual elements of a plot diagram present; can’t be called a graphic novel because it doesn’t have cartoon panels, but it is filled with sketches, drawings, cartoonish characters and possibly those illustrations outnumber the words! And what word!! Skallywags, grobsnot, devil cats, krypton-web, and a game called “Paper Rock Scissors Carrot Spoon tissue Elbow.” Are you intrigued, yet? Now go take a look at the website and find out more about Dash Cando and his daily adventures at school, home, and in his neighborhood as he fights the evil Devil Cats and Skallywags along with his best friend Rob. Teachers and librarians may be tempted to write this one off as simply a goofy attempt at entertaining those in the target audience of grades 2-4 (maybe 5) but read it with your kids and be sure to include the glossary in that reading. The total mayhem series will grab the attention of both kids and adults, encourage creation of characters that will fit in with the unusual world and will have all clamoring for the next installment. Thanks for the ARC, Scholastic!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this review is from an 8yo, 2nd grade boy.

I really like this series of books and like the adventures of Dash and his best friend. His never gets to eat his breakfast like he plans to and then he goes to school and gets to save the day. It is fun and has lots of action!

Mom review: This seems to be a series he is sticking with as once we ended this book, we started the next in the series the next night. I will say that he no loner wants to flip back to the Almanac as 1) he knows many of the terms from reading 2 other books in the series and 2) he feels the explanation giving within the story is good enough and the Almanac explanation isn't necessary. I fought him for a bit but no longer do. Not reading the definition in the Almanac doesn't take away from the story. I like that there is enough going on that I can ask context questions to make sure hebis listening and comprehending what I am reading. He has read along with me, but the made up words are a bit frustrating to him, as he does struggle with his reading level.

Overall, I am happy that we finally found a book series that he likes and I know I need to order the remaining books in the series before we finish the Tuesday book.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chaos and mayhem, for certain. This crazy tale is creative fun for kids, featuring Dash Candoo at a crazy school, learning spectacular subjects, and fighting mayhem through it all. The initial warning of craziness is warranted, but the almanac helps you sort things out and Dash Candoo and his friends have just enough fun and adventure to keep even the most reluctant readers flipping pages. The illustrations are a spunky, simple style that are easy-to-follow and just plain silly.

I suspect most teachers or parents (including myself) would classify this book as a waste of time, but it's just the sort of book that could pull kids in, keep them reading, and encourage imagination. Who am I to judge?

Checked out at library and reviewed in consideration for Cybils Award Early Chapter book shortlist for 2021.

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son learned to read with the Dash Candoo series, and with his adhd and autism sometimes sitting through a book is the hardest thing. He loves all the books, and we've almost finally made it to the final book. We bought the whole entire series and read 1 chapter per night. It's great bonding time, and I love seeing him enjoy reading so much. These are perfect for him because the language can be sometimes challenging, but the photos keeps him entertained, so he doesn't get bored reading since he is too smart for most picture books. He's 9 and extremely smart for his age, but without the photos, he gets easily bored with books. These are so entertaining and fun that even my husband and I enjoy story time too.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dash Candoo never seems to have a day without a Total Mayhem Situation. The Monday in this book is no different. Before breakfast, he has to confront the Devil-Cat and Wrestle-Scallywags. Of course, he is victorious but then he has to rush to eat and get to school. Readers come along on the rest of the adventures with Dash and his friend, Rob as they defeat thieves intent on stealing the gym teacher's prized trophy. Hilarity ensues as we see a typical day unfold. Short chapters and constant action will work for more reluctant readers in mid to upper elementary school.

[❂ Ann ❂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dash Candoo was drinking wombat juice when his KB-15 starts flashing. What follows is a zany adventure where classrooms juxtapose with caves and thieves try to steal something that tickles the olfactory. Dash thinks his English teacher is quite weird. But even weirder are the pink goldfish that misbehaving students have to walk during recess. There are gobs of snot drawn on some pages and scallywags dive into ingenius formations such as the double-helix (as an evasive maneuver). Will Dash Candoo be able to save the day? A fast read for reluctant readers and funny as heck.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really funny if I try not to think about it too much (if I do it hurts my head with how ridiculous it is). This book reminds of Kim Possible in terms of the secret agent student with crazy super spy tools and a really dumb villain that keeps needing to be put down. I can really see an 8-10 year old boy being into this book. This is a good early chapter book with quirky, kid-like illustrations and plenty of vocabulary words with a good deal of made up vocabulary words too which the author explains in the “almanac” at the back of the book.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really a 2.5 or closer to a 3...Do you like silly books like Bad Guys or the 13-Story Treehouse series? This is for you! Our main character, Dash Candoo, faces a band of scallywags and a two-tailed devil cat all before breakfast! When Dash learns some objects have been stolen from his school he's on a mission to use gadgets, tunnels and more to find the culprit. Extremely silly, wacky fun!

This felt a little chaotic to me, in a way like the Treehouse books do to me too, but this felt almost a bit more off the wall. I'd be curious to read book 2 just to see what it's like.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have kids 7-10? This book is for them.

We all know kids have vivid imaginations. Dash Candoo, the hero of the Total Mayhem series, has quite an imagination. From the time he gets up to the end of his school day is one big adventure. Monday is no exception.

The illustrations are perfect for this rock 'em-sock 'em adventure that's full of creativity and adventures.

Read this one aloud so you get all the puns!

Thanks to Scholastic for an ARC to read and review.

[AMY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a silly book...with mostly comic-style drawings throughout. I laughed a some, especially the two-tailed devil cat. This author has a very wacky sense of humor. Boys will love this series. It is all about how a day can start off completely wrong and set a boy on a course of danger and mayhem, fighting against all kids of unexpected enemies. I read 46 pages and it kept my attention so far...Recommended for boys in Grades 4-5.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

2/21/22 ~ Nonsensical, funny, and will probably be a hit with Wimpy Kid fans. I also think it will appeal to & be accessible for younger readers who want a "fat chapter book." This is an illustrated notebook style book with very large print and tons of white space.

As an adult, it was chaotic & seemed to lack a cohesive plot. Do see the almanac at the end for descriptions of the odd creatures, futuristic weapons, and other aspects of this interesting world.

[Daniela Ordonez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book follows the adventures of the four siblings, Jack, Ava, Matt, and Lily, who stumble upon a hidden cave while playing in the woods. Inside the cave, they discover a band of thieves who are planning a heist. They must use their wits and bravery to outsmart the thieves and save the day. The book is thrilling and an action-packed adventure that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, especially if this is an introduction to literature for them!

[Ryn (Crafty_Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and adventurous chapter book. Great to new readers since with the Almanac of the created words at the back of the book it teaches young readers how to look up unknown words while reading. Even as an adult I was invested in the story to the point that I didn't want to stop till I got to the end.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9yo son and I really enjoyed the creativity of this book. It has just enough imagery included, and plenty of funny words and character names. It kept him entertained, and he wants to get the next books in the series. I highly recommend it for kids who need to practice reading but might be a little reluctant on their own to get started.

[Grace Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun reads for kids! I read this book my small group of two 3rd Grade boys and this read had them laughing out loud! I highly recommend this for students and kids that struggle with finding the excitement for reading. The pages are short and the pictures are so fun, while also including some bigger words that will help student grow in their reading skills.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual adventure story full of inventive creatures, games, and contraptions…I can see reluctant readers loving the silliness and fast pace of this story. I see similarities to the Wimpy Kid series, but much simpler to read with more visuals. A fun, quick read for students, and part of a series, so it will hopefully hook readers and keep them reading book after book!

[Tiina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating perhaps a compromise between me and my son, who thought this was awesome. I actually felt like this type of crazy adventure is exactly his type - blasting from the school class to a ninja-battle. And I think that world needs many more of such books for boys who have no intention to grab the well-structured fancy-ass classics.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is exciting and full of adventure, and my son enjoyed it overall. However, it’s filled with unusual words and very long or complex names, which made it a bit tough for him to read independently. We do have the second book and plan to give it a try, but I feel he's not confident enough yet to fully enjoy the reading experience on his own.