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Black Lagoon Adventures #2
The Talent Show from the Black Lagoon
A new trade release of the hugely popular book club series by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee. These fun-filled chapter books mix school, monsters, and common kid problems with hilarious results.
The kids have to perform in the talent show just because mean Mrs. Green says so! Everyone will have to show a talent for exactly one minute -- in front of the whole school and their parents! Starring in the talent show from the Black Lagoon would give any kid stage fright - but with a little luck this performance might just turn out to be fun!
The kids have to perform in the talent show just because mean Mrs. Green says so! Everyone will have to show a talent for exactly one minute -- in front of the whole school and their parents! Starring in the talent show from the Black Lagoon would give any kid stage fright - but with a little luck this performance might just turn out to be fun!
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
28 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Mike Thaler
286 books117 followersMike Thaler, born in Los Angeles, started his professional career drawing cartoons for adults. A children's book editor saw one of his cartoon stories in a national magazine and encouraged Mike to try writing for children. His first attempt met with success, and "The Magic Boy" was published in 1961.
Mike has produced over 220 published books and is known as “America’s Riddle King.” He has also been called “The Court Jester of Children’s Literature.”
Mike Thaler lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Patty. He gladly welcomes all invitations to do church and school programs, and other book events.
Mike travels each year throughout the world helping children and teachers create their own stories, riddles, and books. He writes and teaches with creativity, inspiring his audiences with a love of language.
--from the author's website
Mike has produced over 220 published books and is known as “America’s Riddle King.” He has also been called “The Court Jester of Children’s Literature.”
Mike Thaler lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Patty. He gladly welcomes all invitations to do church and school programs, and other book events.
Mike travels each year throughout the world helping children and teachers create their own stories, riddles, and books. He writes and teaches with creativity, inspiring his audiences with a love of language.
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 1, 2021
My 2nd graders loves it.
March 12, 2020
It was fine
November 11, 2007
This is another great installment of the Black Lagoon Series. Like all of the others, it has a simple storyline that young readers can use to practice reading. There is also plenty of word play and puns that make the older reader chuckle.
May 6, 2009
Usual silliness from the Black Lagoon Adventures books. It's more detailed than the older Teacher/Principal/Gym Teacher etc. from the Black Lagoon books, (that we keep with picture books.) This one is kept in J, for 2-3rd grade readers.
Read
February 13, 2021I read this book to myself to bring nostalgia.
February 14, 2025
Tried for SAYL reading in 2025
Another book is the series where fears are bigger than they seem. This time an unnamed boy has so many questionable skills for his talent. His mother decides that he should learn the piano. He dreams about talent show horrors. He does find his talent for the show.
Another book is the series where fears are bigger than they seem. This time an unnamed boy has so many questionable skills for his talent. His mother decides that he should learn the piano. He dreams about talent show horrors. He does find his talent for the show.
October 7, 2019
i. Summary
The Talent Show from the Black Lagoon is book #2 of the Black Lagoon Series. This particular story is about how a mean teacher is making all of her students perform in a school talent show. Nobody really knows what they want to do until everybody but the main character (doesn't share his name) has found something to do. His mom signs him up for Piano lessons hoping that will spark something in him, but it did not. He decided to do a magic trick but was terrified when everybody went to practice and no one performed well! Luckily, during the main event there were lots of laughs and claps for all of the acts.
ii. Major Theme
I believe that the major theme in this book is bravery. Even though all of the students were scared to perform their talent, they had to be brave in order to put on a good show for their friends and family that came to watch. They had to TRUST in themselves to put on a good act. They all in fact did show bravery by getting over their fears and putting on a successful talent show.
iii. Star Rating
I gave this book a 5 star rating because not only do I LOVE this series, I think that in particular this story does a good job of showing that you really can do anything once you put your mind to it, and that there is a talent for everybody. Why, the protagonist did an act about magic, something he'd never even thought to do, and everyone loved it! This gives a good message to children of all age levels reading this book, or having it read to them.
iv. Personal Response to the text
I loved this book. I loved the whole series, but re-reading this one brought back a lot of memories in reading the series. I like the message, of how every child performs a different act and has their own unique talent. This really shows that there is SO much out there to learn and explore, and that you really can do anything. I think that this also does a great job in giving readers confidence in doing something that they're not quite sure about, and being BRAVE.
v. Why I recommend this book
Not only for the reasons above, but I feel as though it is powerful to those who are maybe struggling to find their niche, or struggling to find bravery in their education system. Sometimes, I remember in elementary school I was scared to put myself out there simply because I was scared what other people would think about me. This is a common issue in many students across the country, and I believe that books like these are examples that bravery is HUGE and is something that can ultimately be achieved.
The Talent Show from the Black Lagoon is book #2 of the Black Lagoon Series. This particular story is about how a mean teacher is making all of her students perform in a school talent show. Nobody really knows what they want to do until everybody but the main character (doesn't share his name) has found something to do. His mom signs him up for Piano lessons hoping that will spark something in him, but it did not. He decided to do a magic trick but was terrified when everybody went to practice and no one performed well! Luckily, during the main event there were lots of laughs and claps for all of the acts.
ii. Major Theme
I believe that the major theme in this book is bravery. Even though all of the students were scared to perform their talent, they had to be brave in order to put on a good show for their friends and family that came to watch. They had to TRUST in themselves to put on a good act. They all in fact did show bravery by getting over their fears and putting on a successful talent show.
iii. Star Rating
I gave this book a 5 star rating because not only do I LOVE this series, I think that in particular this story does a good job of showing that you really can do anything once you put your mind to it, and that there is a talent for everybody. Why, the protagonist did an act about magic, something he'd never even thought to do, and everyone loved it! This gives a good message to children of all age levels reading this book, or having it read to them.
iv. Personal Response to the text
I loved this book. I loved the whole series, but re-reading this one brought back a lot of memories in reading the series. I like the message, of how every child performs a different act and has their own unique talent. This really shows that there is SO much out there to learn and explore, and that you really can do anything. I think that this also does a great job in giving readers confidence in doing something that they're not quite sure about, and being BRAVE.
v. Why I recommend this book
Not only for the reasons above, but I feel as though it is powerful to those who are maybe struggling to find their niche, or struggling to find bravery in their education system. Sometimes, I remember in elementary school I was scared to put myself out there simply because I was scared what other people would think about me. This is a common issue in many students across the country, and I believe that books like these are examples that bravery is HUGE and is something that can ultimately be achieved.
October 21, 2012
This is the second book in the Black Lagoon Adventures series of early chapter books by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee. With short chapters, big font and lots of pictures, these books are just marginally more challenging than the original Black Lagoon series of picture books by the same author/illustrator team. In fact, I think I like the picture books better, but because I've only read a couple of the chapter books so far, I'll have to reserve my judgment until I've read a couple more.
This was a fairly similar storyline, compared to the picture books we've read. The talent show dilemma is one that many children face and I appreciated the boy's nervousness and stage fright. The story was entertaining, silly and short. We enjoyed reading it together and I'm sure we'll read more, but it just didn't have the pull or drama for a typical chapter book and it lacked the colorful illustrations of the picture books. I liked it better than the first book, though, and perhaps I'll like the rest as well.
This was a fairly similar storyline, compared to the picture books we've read. The talent show dilemma is one that many children face and I appreciated the boy's nervousness and stage fright. The story was entertaining, silly and short. We enjoyed reading it together and I'm sure we'll read more, but it just didn't have the pull or drama for a typical chapter book and it lacked the colorful illustrations of the picture books. I liked it better than the first book, though, and perhaps I'll like the rest as well.
March 11, 2020
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Another great story in the Black Lagoon series. I grew up reading the picture books and have started making my way through the chapter books as well. I love that these books use the same general story structure of the original series and extend the format into short chapter books.
The simple writing and short chapters are good for young readers. There are a lot of puns and references, many of which young readers may not understand, but it is still a fun read. The book does a wonderful job of taking common fears and anxieties and making them into funny scenarios, all fantastically illustrated.
I especially liked the twist at the end of this one. A clever book with great illustrations and a fantastic story.
Another great story in the Black Lagoon series. I grew up reading the picture books and have started making my way through the chapter books as well. I love that these books use the same general story structure of the original series and extend the format into short chapter books.
The simple writing and short chapters are good for young readers. There are a lot of puns and references, many of which young readers may not understand, but it is still a fun read. The book does a wonderful job of taking common fears and anxieties and making them into funny scenarios, all fantastically illustrated.
I especially liked the twist at the end of this one. A clever book with great illustrations and a fantastic story.
November 29, 2017
Mrs. Green announces to the class that they will be having a talent show and everyone has to do something. And we have to be on stage for at least a minute! My friends all have ideas already: Eric is going to tell jokes; Freddy is going to read a recipe for apple turnovers; Derek is going to hula hoop; Randy is going to do magic tricks; Penny is going to lip sync to Beethoven's 9th and Doris is going to dance. What am I going to do? I have so many talents: making duck noises with my armpit, squirting milk out my nose, making a pigzilla monster face ... you name it. But my mother has other plans. She wants me to learn to play the piano. Yuck!
Enter Mrs. Fumble, who wears a ton of perfume and is as big as a wrestler. This doesn't look good.
Enter Mrs. Fumble, who wears a ton of perfume and is as big as a wrestler. This doesn't look good.
May 24, 2010
Required school talent show, 10 hrs long. Every students must participate, a 1 minute to 1 hr performance each. Piano lessons and nightmare of things going awry. While there are few words. Book contain a few jokes were reader must have some prior knowledge and a sense of humor
October 12, 2024
I haven't read the first book to know if the teachers (or Mrs. Green, certainly) are ACTUALLY monsters, or if it's just the main character's perception of them. It's not EXACTLY made clear in this, other than the fact the monsters in other parts of the book appear to be normal humans at the (surprisingly good!) end.
What gets me is the comedy staple of the parent—especially the mother—saying to the bored/stumped/unenthusiastic child, "You should take piano lessons!" Like, WHAT parent just has PIANO MONEY lying around? A piano isn't just something you can rent from the store for the semester or so your child will be learning the instrument before moving on! (And what school just has a piano on hand IN CASE a child happens to learn one song for a mandatory talent show performance?) Even temporarily housing a piano requires movers and a significant amount of space for the thing in the first place! A piano almost needs the same amount of commitment as a pet! (...a very large stationary pet.)
Otherwise, this book hits all the right notes (haha). Fun read for younger readers who maybe have to be in a talent show themselves...
What gets me is the comedy staple of the parent—especially the mother—saying to the bored/stumped/unenthusiastic child, "You should take piano lessons!" Like, WHAT parent just has PIANO MONEY lying around? A piano isn't just something you can rent from the store for the semester or so your child will be learning the instrument before moving on! (And what school just has a piano on hand IN CASE a child happens to learn one song for a mandatory talent show performance?) Even temporarily housing a piano requires movers and a significant amount of space for the thing in the first place! A piano almost needs the same amount of commitment as a pet! (...a very large stationary pet.)
Otherwise, this book hits all the right notes (haha). Fun read for younger readers who maybe have to be in a talent show themselves...
November 29, 2016
Ms. Green wants everyone to participate in the talent show for at least one minute. Hubie has some odd talents but nothing for the talent show. He wants to do his best. He learns to play the piano. He is gifted. The challenge of trying new things is quite frightening but what is discovered is worth much more.
March 15, 2018
Time for the school talent show, where everyone must participate for at least one minute, and no longer than one hour. Everyone has something planned for the show but our protagonist. So with a little help from his mom, he's now taking piano lessons for the big show. Will he pull it off, or suffer from stage fright on the big night?
December 15, 2017
The talent show from the black lagoon by mike thaler is a great book if you like relatable stories. The book is about this one kid who is nervous to do the talent show because he still doesn't know what he is gonna do and everybody else already has ideas on what to do.
July 9, 2018
The Black Lagoon Class is holding a talent show! Disaster is predicted, nightmares are had, but the show ends up going well with a cute twist at the end. Lots of pictures and large font, so only a couple of sentences on each page. Chapters are only a few pages long. Good easy chapter book.
January 3, 2019
I liked that this was easy for my second grader to read. this is something she could read alone and she is more of an average reader, yet it also managed to tell jokes and have a storyline to it as well.
July 21, 2020
I read this to my first grade class and they enjoyed all the puns and silliness. It was a decent read and my own kids liked the books when they were younger as well. The Black Lagoon series are worth a read, but aren’t my favorite kids books.
August 23, 2023
This was a fun early reader. The opening paragraph brought back memories of my dad complaining about school concerts. Kids will find this fun, and parents will enjoy reading it with them as it's quite silly and will bring back memories of school concerts.
March 30, 2020
Read aloud to my ELA class via Google Classroom during distance learning. Very funny book, I think my kids will really enjoy it.
April 3, 2020
Per my 6 year old...
“It was funny. That’s all.”
“It was funny. That’s all.”
April 28, 2020
This book was really fun to read.
August 31, 2021
I know this is an easy reader chapter book but I thought it lacked content.
November 14, 2021
Great read
Fantastic bedtime read for child with active imagination
Great illustrations
Straight to our library will read again and again
Not too long for bedtime
Fantastic bedtime read for child with active imagination
Great illustrations
Straight to our library will read again and again
Not too long for bedtime
March 5, 2023
2.5 stars
April 2, 2023
My favorite part was when the boy performed piano because everyone loved him.
January 29, 2024
I enjoyed this fun and humorous book! Recommended for all!
September 26, 2024
This came in a big box of books my dad brought back from North Dakota. It was okay-ish. Not for me, but kids will probably enjoy the insanity!
Read
June 24, 2018This is an easy read for beginning readers. It's about a talent show that the class has to be put into. The main character is not happy that he has to be on stage for 1 minute performing a talent. He doesn't know what to do for the talent show. He can burp Yanklee Doodle, wiggle his ears and cross his eyes at the same time, touch his tongue to his nose, squirt milk out of his nose, make his armpits quack like a duck, stand upside down and rightside up, tie his body in a knot, and make a pigzilla monster face. His mom, however, calls a piano player and has her teach him lessons for the talent show. He isn't very good at the piano and practices a lot and still isn't good. He has a nightmare about the talent show and bad things happens to everyone. However, the night of the talent show, everyone does a fantastic job and he ends up playing chopsticks on the piano with his toes! Boys would definitely get a kick out of this short and easy read.
January 9, 2017
It's about a boy with a big imagination who doesn't like his piano teacher but still manages to play piano in the talent show.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews