Link + Hud: Heroes by a Hair

Link + Hud #1

by Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey

Lincoln and Hudson Dupré are brothers with what grown-ups call “active imaginations.” Link and Hud hunt for yetis in the Himalayas and battle orcs on epic quests. Unfortunately, their imaginary adventures wreak havoc in their real world. Dr. and Mrs. Dupré have tried every babysitter in the neighborhood and are at their wits’ end.


Enter Ms. Joyce. Strict and old-fashioned, she proves to be a formidable adversary. The boys don’t like her or her rules and decide she’s got to go. Through a series of escalating events—told as high-action comic panel sequences—the brothers conspire to undermine Ms. Joyce and get her fired. When they go so big that even Ms. Joyce can’t fix it, suddenly she’s out. Finally, success! Or is it?


With warm and authentic humor, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have blended prose and graphic novel-style illustrations to craft a unique and subversive new series full of brotherly mischief and mayhem.

Genres: Humor, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Childrens, Family, Juvenile

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een geweldig hilarisch boek met leuke stripstukjes tussen alles door. Ik wil zeker meer avonturen (en streken) van deze jongens, wat een fantasie!

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hijinks ensue in this mashup of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel. Lincoln and Hudson are high energy brothers who have defeated every babysitter in town, except for Ms. Joyce, who is old school strict. Love her no nonsense dialog! Filled with boy appeal from the far fetched adventures to underwear on their heads.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Interesting mix of text and comic style panels. Link and Hud's imaginative stories are related in the comic style panels.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade book fuses together a graphic novel and a novel style as it alternates format throughout. In the graphic novel style chapters, there are approximately 3-6 boxes per page and the pictures, while in black and white only, are easy to understand. The text bubbles are in a fairly large font and relatively easy to read. The novel-style sections are short chapters and continue the story from where the graphic novel section left off. The chapters are short, about 2-5 pages usually and there are pictures as well. I think that the choice to alternate between the writing styles is fantastic! Often parents and even some teachers worry that graphic novels are "too easy" or "not really a chapter book" when in reality they require a lot of special skills to read. That being said, chapter books can also be difficult for middle grade readers, especially those without pictures. As a result, I feel that this book is at a good complexity level, with enough substance and interesting writing that it will appeal to both kids and the adults who buy them books.

The basic premise of the story is there are two young brothers who are trying to create and save their own imaginary world. There are lots of typical middle grade ideas that will win over readers, including: underwear, crazy pranks, and attempts to try to pull one over on the adults and babysitters in their lives. There are also positive messages such as working hard, being flexible and taking care of family members. There is a scene where one of the brothers is suddenly naked, covered by a cereal box, you can see his bum in one of the pictures but it is related to turning invisible, having to leave clothes behind so that he is not seen and then reappearing in real-life without clothes, nothing sexual.

I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers of children in the age 8-11 or grade 3-5 range, perfect for the middle grade/early chapter book audience. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book for grades 3-5 about brothers, written by brothers. According to the forward written by the pair, this series opener is “part novel, part graphic novel, part semi-autobiography, part picture book…” The mixed format should appeal to readers of traditional text only books as well as to lovers of graphic novels. The premise of two elementary aged brothers creating their own “save the world” and highly imaginative fun, complete with underwear, toilet paper and water balloons as props while they also dodge various babysitters gives the target age group ample ways to connect to events in the book, both the fantastic ones (presented in the graphic panels) and the realistic (written in prose). I received this book in arc form and while the cover and first chapters seem to be in relatively finished form, I cannot accurately judge the illustrations well, except to say that they convey much movement and energy by the two would-be heroes. As for message or theme, nothing is heavy-handed or overly serious, but there are plenty of family values that stand out: working hard to achieve goals, when a plan doesn’t work out then adapt, all family members helping in the home, etc. Text and panels stay free of profanity and sexual content and “violence” is limited to the messes made by the boys as they launch water balloons from ceiling fans, etc. Promising start to a new series. Thanks for the print arc, Norton Young Readers.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: We find the Yeti Expeditionary Force exploring the remotest peaks of the Hillymayas. You man Himalyas. Yeah, that's what I said--Himalayas.

Premise/plot: This book blends two formats--chapter book and graphic novel. When Link and Hud (our two protagonists) are in the midst of an imaginative (imaginary) action-packed adventure, the book's format is in comic-strip panels (with speech bubbles). "Real life" is portrayed by [normal] prose. Link and Hud are brothers with BIG imaginations. They seem to stay in trouble most of the time. They are a handful for their [busy] parents. And an even bigger handful for any babysitters or caregivers. Ms. Joyce is an elderly neighbor/friend. She means business. But is that a good thing or a bad thing for their family's business???? Would the boys be heroes if they got her fired???? Or villains????

My thoughts: This is a lively, fast-paced read. It features an "us" vs. "them" story arc. With the "them" being the babysitter, Ms. Joyce. Plenty of humor. (Lots of talk of underwear. One slightly-slightly inappropriate scene at a party. (You'll know it when you come across it.) Let's just say that things don't go well, when one of the boys sneaks across the house to get a box of cereal....

I do think it has kid appeal--my best guess. It is a quick, silly read.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and know that my students will love it. This book is sweet, laugh-out-loud funny, and uniquely laid out. It's sure to grab and keep middle-grade readers' attention and will make a nice read-alike for Wimpy Kid or Big Nate fans.
Lincoln and Hudson Dupre are brothers with VERY active imaginations. This often gets them in a good deal of trouble. While they are reenacting their cleverly imagined archeological expeditions, spy missions, and trips to outer space, they are also making messes all over their house. Their Mom and Dad decide to hire the very old-school Ms. Joyce to keep the boys out of trouble and to make sure the house is tidy and in order each day while they work to ensure their hair care business is successful. Link and Hud inevitably clash with Ms. Joyce and that's where the mystery and fun begin.
This book is very cleverly laid out. Each chapter starts by introducing the boy's imaginative adventures in graphic novel format and then slides into narrative text. It's eye-catching, engaging and lends itself nicely to the arc of the story. I enthusiastically endorse this book for Wimpy Kid fans or for most middle-grade libraries. I'm hoping there will be a book 2 and 3.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brothers Link and Hud have what many adults who see them call "overactive imaginations." They make their games and fun by imagining any task they are doing as a top secret spy adventure, a survival mission, and more. When really, they are playing in sneaking cereal from the kitchen and climbing through packing peanuts. Their antics get them and their absent-minded teenage babysitter in trouble leading to Mrs. Joyce, a strict older woman that demands they help with chores and tricks them into watching the soap opera she likes. It turns out there may be more to Mrs. Joyce though. She might be stealing from Link and Hud's dad's new haircare business, so they need to catch her in the act. The book is told through mostly regular text and then has panels for these make-believe adventures, similar to the Invisible Emmie series or Stuntboy. I could see kids imitating the brothers' shenanigans for themselves, so beware. I loved the transition from make-believe to the real world to see what trouble they were actually getting into. The soap opera plot line is funny to watch as an adult too. The chapters are really short and the panels throughout pick up the pace even more. For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Stuntboy.

[Jen Stradling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I’d like to thank W. W. Norton & Company for approving this arc copy of Link & Hud: Heroes by a hair, I requested this arc as I love a good novella/graphic novel and it did not disappoint. It was a quick easy and enjoyable read, I would suggest the audience for this book be around 6/12+ year olds.

This story is about two brothers who go on hero missions together with undies on their head! The pair have a funny and great relationship which is adorable. There parents don’t feel there at the stage to be left on there own yet due to hiccups after school that have occurred so they hire a babysitter and the boys come up with a plan to get rid! But does the plan go the way they think??

I loved this was a cool read so much fun and I definitely suggest you treat your little one to this because if they haven’t got a reading bug yet they will definitely develop a love of reading with this novel! The graphics are amazing too!!

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Link and Hud have extremely active imaginations that cause them to get into a lot of trouble. They've gone through many babysitters and their parents don't know what to do with them. But when their father is showcasing his hair supplies for sale in comes Ms. Joyce who quickly becomes their new babysitter. Ms. Joyce isn't like the others she punishes the boys making them stay in the bathroom.... where there aren't any games, electronics or fun. She makes them help clean and watch "her TV shows" with her. The boys want Ms. Joyce gone....but how to make that happen? They scheme to remove their nemesis from their lives and return to non observant babysitters who let them rule. How things turn out in the end is very surprising.
I like the combination of graphic illustrations when the boys are in their imaginations and the written stories when they're in the real world. Nicely done.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just adorable. The Dupré brothers, Link and Hud have busy and vibrant imaginations that often leaves their house a mess and a trail of defeated babysitters who can’t keep the boys from out of mischief. While trying to balance their careers and their struggling hair care business, Dr. Dupré and Mrs. Dupré hire an older, wiser and tougher babysitter named Ms. Joyce. Now Ms. Joyce isn’t afraid of the boys’ or their never ending fictional adventures because she’s raised 16 kids and countless of grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Link and Hud have finally met their match with Ms. Joyce and they try to find a way to get her fired.

This illustrated novel focuses on children and how they try to correct their wrongs in a gentle and entertaining manner.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces us to Link and Hud, a pair of brothers with vivid imaginations that lead them to turn everyday activities into amazing adventures, much to the chagrin of their parents. When yet another babysitter is hired to keep the brothers and their active imaginations at bay, they dream up creative schemes to get rid of her. The reader friendly mix of text and illustrations will appeal to readers looking for more books along the lines of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I will definitely be adding this to my school's media center collection.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique read for me. See, the book switches between prose and comic panels depending on what the main characters are doing. When Link and Hud are playing with their imaginations, the book is a comic book. When they are not (mostly due to getting in trouble), the book is written in prose (though there are a few illustrations still in these parts.)

As it deals with two boys with active imaginations, the story is full of humor brought about by their antics. From two brothers bickering about how their games should go to driving their parents and babysitters up the wall, there is no shortage of humor and wacky situations that were just fun to read/see.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from W. W. Norton & Company through NetGalley.
Told in alternating text and artwork. Readers meet two brothers - Link and Hud - who want to be heroes. They are typical kids with huge imaginations. Their dad is a bit eccentric and their mom grounds the family. When they get yet another new babysitter, they set out to see what makes her an archenemy. Readers will enjoy the humor throughout and relate to some of the "missions" they undertake.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Norton Young Readers for the print ARC of this delightful book. I enjoyed this part prose part graphic novel story about two brothers with very active imaginations and their adventures. Written by two brothers with imaginations just as active as their characters, this seems to be a start of the fun new series. Great for upper elementary aged children (grades 3-5). Can’t wait to find out what shenanigans Link & Hud are up to next.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute middle grade that combines the graphic novel format with prose chapters about two brothers with big imaginations who decide their new babysitter is a villain. Written by the brother team behind The Old Truck, this is a fun read centering Black boy joy and brotherhood.

[Wina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyable and silly, this contemporary hybrid (part GN, part traditional prose) for ages 8-12 had some laughs, a little bit of lesson, a clueless younger brother, and parents like Berenstain Bears. Different characters use different dialect (including "teenage girl") and Ms. Joyce speaks in a thicker Black Vernacular English than the rest of the characters. I hope some of our kids give it a try.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The format of this realistic novel with interstitial adventurous graphic novel sections matches the two brothers' imaginations perfectly. They have the most fun in their heroic stunt graphic panels, but real life comes crashing down during the prose, along with the consequences. Kids will appreciate the high-jinks.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lincoln and Hudson Dupre are two brothers with active imaginations, that run through babysitters faster than the speed of light. But when their parents hire Ms. Joyce, a no nonsense, old school babysitter whose seen it all, it becomes a battle of wits and will for the siblings to try and get rid of her, and her rules.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Kids will LOVE this new series! Humor, comics, superheroes, trouble-making brothers, and more. It is funny and, overall, a great read! Similar to Stuntboy in the Meantime and Captain Underpants, this will be a hit!

[Sara Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So clever - using comic format for the boys' imagination, and prose for the reality. They dovetail nicely for the most part. The casting of the old-lady babysitter a the villain didn't work perfectly for me, but will likely be just fine for young readers.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagination and a nice mix of graphic novel and traditional novel formats. I laughed out loud several times and smiled much of the way at the antics of these young brothers battling a potentially evil babysitter.

[Brandi Rae Fong]

Just funny. Betwen the picture books, early reader book, and this, the Pumphrey brothers have fast become some of my favorites. I hope Link & Hud get another imaginative adventure. Give this to Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed out loud. So, so creative - the perfect blend of graphic novel with the style of a traditional middle grade novel, and so funny that kids will not stop reading until they’ve finished! Good thing that book number two is coming out next spring… :-)

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 3 out of 5]

These brothers have fantastic imaginations and create all sorts of adventures around their house--you'll see them climbing a snowy mountain, and then find out it was packing peanuts for example. They are often trying to get rid of a babysitter. I found it pretty hilarious.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the combination of traditional chapter book with graphic novel panels. As a librarian this will definitely be one I suggest to my students. Great for those who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Terrible Two and The Best of Iggy!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book at the start. Two brothers with big imaginations and the switching of formats between graphic novel and chapters. But the story lines veered off in directions that didn't really make sense to me.

[Eleanor Woffinden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is really whole telling a full story. I think the incorporation of comic book and chapter allows the young reader (child) to really stay engaged in the reading and the story

[Lee Bannister · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book. I can see so many children relating to these characters and their adventures. Absolutely hilarious. Children will love this.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for fans of Captain Underpants! Starring a pair of imaginative black brothers (Lincoln & Hudson). Fun stuff!