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Stink #6
Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
Stink needs a sport, fast! Can his alter-ego, Shark Hammersmash, wrestle a win at thumb wars? Or will a perfect karate kick lead him to victory?
Stink Moody, family brain, brings home a report card that isn't perfect? Yikes! Time for him to get into fighting shape and beat back that U for Unsatisfactory in gym! A scan of the sports channel leads to a knock-out find: world-class thumb wrestling, with tricky moves like Snake in the Grass and Santa's Little Helper (no equipment needed, save for a tiny terrifying mask to sit on your thumb). But when Mom and Dad are not wowed, Stink gets another idea: he'll kick and punch his way to a yellow belt with the help of a Dragon Master, a seeing-eye Moose, and a mind as still as a pond. Can you say Crouching Tiger, Hidden Thumb? Hee-ya! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Stink Moody, family brain, brings home a report card that isn't perfect? Yikes! Time for him to get into fighting shape and beat back that U for Unsatisfactory in gym! A scan of the sports channel leads to a knock-out find: world-class thumb wrestling, with tricky moves like Snake in the Grass and Santa's Little Helper (no equipment needed, save for a tiny terrifying mask to sit on your thumb). But when Mom and Dad are not wowed, Stink gets another idea: he'll kick and punch his way to a yellow belt with the help of a Dragon Master, a seeing-eye Moose, and a mind as still as a pond. Can you say Crouching Tiger, Hidden Thumb? Hee-ya! Ha! Ha! Ha!
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
183 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Megan McDonald
295 books736 followers"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," says Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, the Stink series, and THE SISTERS CLUB. "I'm certainly moody, like she is. Judy has a strong voice and always speaks up for herself. I like that."
For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."
Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."
More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.
Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.
For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."
Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."
More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.
Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 13, 2019
I liked it because stink likes to thumb wrestle and so do I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12, 2020
Cute. Not life changing. But cute.
February 28, 2017
Not really sure why I read this book but I did. The book is a children's book so it's a really easy read. The book isn't very interesting, and its story line is very bad. Then again the book is meant for five years olds so I guess ask them how they felt about it.
April 2, 2011
Reason for Reading: Next in the series. (not that I'm reading them in order :-)
Report Card Day and Stink is so excited. He just knows his will be full of O's for Outstanding, especially after peeking at it through the light of the school bus window. So he basks in the glow of his parents as they open it up and congratulate him on his good marks but slowly their smiles start to turn around into U's. U?? What is a U doing on Stink's report card? What subject? Phys Ed? Whose Ed? otherwise known as gym. Ooooo. Hmmm. Maybe Stink isn't that athletic.
His parents command him to pick up a sport so Stink turns on the sports station and goes through various sports suggested there but has many reasons not participate in any of the regular ones and just as many reasons not participate in the more outlandish ones. Then a commercial comes on for thumb-wrestling and Stink is hooked, not only is he hooked, he's obsessed. See how thumb-wrestling takes Stink into the wide world of sports, creates a classroom havoc and gets him turned onto a "real" centuries old sport that he finally finds is suited perfectly for him.
Loved the story! (as usual). Very fun with a good message of "there is something out there for everyone" The reparte between Stink and Judy is as fun as usual but this time Stink is too engrossed in his activities to pay her much attention and Judy ends up feeling proud of her little bro. at the end. At the back of the book are two punch out cardboard thumb-wrestling masks just like those used by Stink and his friend Winston so if you feel like a game yourself you won't have to go out for competition naked :-) My son is going to enjoy this one as he has just taken up the sport that Stink ultimately chooses himself. Stink Moody Rules!
Report Card Day and Stink is so excited. He just knows his will be full of O's for Outstanding, especially after peeking at it through the light of the school bus window. So he basks in the glow of his parents as they open it up and congratulate him on his good marks but slowly their smiles start to turn around into U's. U?? What is a U doing on Stink's report card? What subject? Phys Ed? Whose Ed? otherwise known as gym. Ooooo. Hmmm. Maybe Stink isn't that athletic.
His parents command him to pick up a sport so Stink turns on the sports station and goes through various sports suggested there but has many reasons not participate in any of the regular ones and just as many reasons not participate in the more outlandish ones. Then a commercial comes on for thumb-wrestling and Stink is hooked, not only is he hooked, he's obsessed. See how thumb-wrestling takes Stink into the wide world of sports, creates a classroom havoc and gets him turned onto a "real" centuries old sport that he finally finds is suited perfectly for him.
Loved the story! (as usual). Very fun with a good message of "there is something out there for everyone" The reparte between Stink and Judy is as fun as usual but this time Stink is too engrossed in his activities to pay her much attention and Judy ends up feeling proud of her little bro. at the end. At the back of the book are two punch out cardboard thumb-wrestling masks just like those used by Stink and his friend Winston so if you feel like a game yourself you won't have to go out for competition naked :-) My son is going to enjoy this one as he has just taken up the sport that Stink ultimately chooses himself. Stink Moody Rules!
March 5, 2015
Stink, brother to the oh so famous Judy Moody, is super excited about his upcoming report card and can't wait until his parents get home so he can open it. All seems well until his parents smile gets turned upside down when they noticed his grade for gym class. Adhering to his families advice, Stink proceeds to find a sport that suits him, so of course thumb wrestling is his obvious choice. Thumb wrestling begins to take over his life and Stink is thumb wrestling every chance he gets which ultimately gets him trouble. Much to his disappointment, Stink must choose another sport and settles on karate, but he doesn't give up his love for thumb wrestling and holds matches every chance he gets.
This book is written for kids ages 6-9, but many of my non- readers enjoy this easy read because of the picture support and large print.
This book is written for kids ages 6-9, but many of my non- readers enjoy this easy read because of the picture support and large print.
May 31, 2015
Stink Moody (Judy Moody's brother) has his own book series.
Stink is expecting a perfect school report, but when he gets an unsatisfactory in PE his parents tell him he has to choose a sport. After considering lots of options Stink sees thumb wrestling on tv and has a go.
It's got to be easy, right? Not so. But Stink is not going to give up!
A light, easy, funny story.
Stink is expecting a perfect school report, but when he gets an unsatisfactory in PE his parents tell him he has to choose a sport. After considering lots of options Stink sees thumb wrestling on tv and has a go.
It's got to be easy, right? Not so. But Stink is not going to give up!
A light, easy, funny story.
February 16, 2015
A boy named stink discovered thumb-wrestling and created a tournament.
My brother showed me another stink book and recommended this to me.
The book was entertaining to me and it was those dumb funny books.
I would recommend this to people that are in grade 4.
My brother showed me another stink book and recommended this to me.
The book was entertaining to me and it was those dumb funny books.
I would recommend this to people that are in grade 4.
May 27, 2016
I think that this book is a good book.And i will recurmend this book who is funny.It about a kid who want to choose a sport but its hard for him to choose
December 1, 2020
It was OK. It felt like it's running out of ideas but I can't say it isn't over the top.
Cover
The cover is pretty dynamic. Between the angle from his fist and the color play in the background. Also That is the thumb mask is the one he uses through the entire story. I like the cover. Interestingly enough this cover is pretty foreshadowing.
Interior
Story
The main goal was to bring his Phys Ed grade up. Sound good I do have to say it's sort of strange that I didn't martial arts coming in considering the front cover.
The biggest problem I found with this book I didn't have with any other book in the series thus far was lack of explanation. Terms like Snake in the Grass, Santa's Little Helper, Crouching Tigger, and
Hidden Thumb are said quite often but I have no idea what I'm reading. All I understood was one if not some of them just meant index finger entering the ring.
We do see a nod of teaching respect which is huge in martial art... after the teacher make is crack about him tripping.
There are a couple things that really make me scratch my head though. I do like how it's spelt out physical exercises can help with lessons but it isn't truly spelt out. Also from my little understanding from Seeing Eye dogs what chaos that does happen did wouldn't pass. They are highly disciplined and trained. Maybe he's overly young puppy? I don't know. (Personally a pound puppy looking for adoption could have been a bit more fitting. It is shown to get pet adopted sooner.)
Illustration
The illustrations are fine. The I love the way the dog was drawn. Great background details and personality in the main characters. I like the illustrations.
After Thoughts
I do have to admit that I think there were a touch too many outside references. I don't mind a few but there are quite a few.
I want to say there is a nod for, To Kill a Mocking Bird aka Virginia Dare School pencil, Star Wars, eight Marvel action figures, four Clifford book references, Dr. Seuss, Nancy Drew, and Gene Zion? I didn't see that one coming. And Karate Kid (which is most understandable for this book.)
But the one that is really going to age this book is the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Thumb) nod.
Cover
The cover is pretty dynamic. Between the angle from his fist and the color play in the background. Also That is the thumb mask is the one he uses through the entire story. I like the cover. Interestingly enough this cover is pretty foreshadowing.
Interior
Story
The main goal was to bring his Phys Ed grade up. Sound good I do have to say it's sort of strange that I didn't martial arts coming in considering the front cover.
The biggest problem I found with this book I didn't have with any other book in the series thus far was lack of explanation. Terms like Snake in the Grass, Santa's Little Helper, Crouching Tigger, and
Hidden Thumb are said quite often but I have no idea what I'm reading. All I understood was one if not some of them just meant index finger entering the ring.
We do see a nod of teaching respect which is huge in martial art... after the teacher make is crack about him tripping.
There are a couple things that really make me scratch my head though. I do like how it's spelt out physical exercises can help with lessons but it isn't truly spelt out. Also from my little understanding from Seeing Eye dogs what chaos that does happen did wouldn't pass. They are highly disciplined and trained. Maybe he's overly young puppy? I don't know. (Personally a pound puppy looking for adoption could have been a bit more fitting. It is shown to get pet adopted sooner.)
Illustration
The illustrations are fine. The I love the way the dog was drawn. Great background details and personality in the main characters. I like the illustrations.
After Thoughts
I do have to admit that I think there were a touch too many outside references. I don't mind a few but there are quite a few.
I want to say there is a nod for, To Kill a Mocking Bird aka Virginia Dare School pencil, Star Wars, eight Marvel action figures, four Clifford book references, Dr. Seuss, Nancy Drew, and Gene Zion? I didn't see that one coming. And Karate Kid (which is most understandable for this book.)
But the one that is really going to age this book is the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Thumb) nod.
September 29, 2017
I didn't love this, but it is hard to find a book that engages all 4 of my kids. Jane (6) could understand everything in this book...since it's written for her age. Yet all of my older boys, who have mostly all read this before, were able to enjoy a good listen in the car to it. The voices had my kids laughing and I even giggled a few times myself. I think boys like Stink more than girls, so it's great for K-2nd grade boys, I think.
April 21, 2018
After receiving an unsatisfactory grade in gym class, Stink is persuaded by his parents to take up a sport. He decides on thumb-wresting, and also karate. Stink through determination, discipline, community service, and hard work, Stink earns his yellow belt, and celebrates by having a thumb wresting pizza party. The final match is between Stink AKA Shark Hammersmash, and Webster AKA T. Rex Wasabi. Stink uses his new found discipline to focus and overcome a tough opponent.
May 19, 2025
I like the Stink series, but I apparently disagreed with the parents in the first chapter. You don't force your child to join a sport if they don't excel in physical education. That is not going to make them better at gym class. You ask your child if he or she is trying his or her best. That is what matters. It doesn't matter if you're getting a bad grade as long as you are trying your best.
November 21, 2017
Good book
February 20, 2019
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 22, 2019
This book was ok stink got a bad grade on his report card.In the subject P.E so he had to choose a sport and he chose thumb wrestling .Since that wasn’t a real sport he choose karate .In karate he learned how to be patient.I had to do a good deed hours for karate .so he went to a library to teach a dog to read. The dog went crashing into the books but stink fixed it .He beat his best friend in a thumb wrestling war .He loved both sports
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
I did this book for a dress up review in fifth grade and dressed like him and the book came with thumb cut outs of the masks from the book
June 16, 2021
Not a lot of kid would like it I think it
December 2, 2022
We love Stink adventures, but I found this one the least interesting so far. Still, a fun read with lots of shared laughs with my now 7yo, so absolutely worth the time we put in.
April 11, 2024
it just up my alley because I really like sports
October 15, 2025
It was really good and these characters look like familiar characters that I like
November 24, 2025
My son loved it
September 11, 2019
Enjoyed reading about thumb wrestling and karate.
August 18, 2016
Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown is a really good novel recommended for ages 7 to 12.(That is what I feel)I am a 11 year old boy and the story of the book is somewhat like this: Stink Moody gets really good grades in everything but a bad grade in Phys Ed, his parents tell him to start working on sports...
He watches many things on T.V like badminton, softball etc but when he sees thumb wrestling, he is a fan of it. He thumb-wrestles his two best friends Webster and Sophie many times but loses every time.
He then becomes a fan of karate chops, he keeps kicking and punching imaginary opponents in his house and ends up breaking one of his sister's trophy. He then joins a karate academy and in the end, he manages to earn himself a yellow belt and his parents allow him to throw a party where he can thumb wrestle too. He defeats Webster in the end becoming the champion...
He watches many things on T.V like badminton, softball etc but when he sees thumb wrestling, he is a fan of it. He thumb-wrestles his two best friends Webster and Sophie many times but loses every time.
He then becomes a fan of karate chops, he keeps kicking and punching imaginary opponents in his house and ends up breaking one of his sister's trophy. He then joins a karate academy and in the end, he manages to earn himself a yellow belt and his parents allow him to throw a party where he can thumb wrestle too. He defeats Webster in the end becoming the champion...
April 25, 2011
Stink Moody had been so excited to share his report card with his parents. Even though his grades were mostly O's for Outstanding, his happiness faded away after seeing the U. U stands for un-satisfactory. Stink Moody received a U in P.E. What should his parents expect? Stink has little legs making all sports a challenge. Stinks parents feel that he should sign up for an after school sport so he can get practice. After many hours of watching the sports channel, Stink finds his calling in the extreme sport of Thumb wresting! However, the title of Thumb Luchador is harder to obtain than Stink thought. Maybe some mind and body work outs that karate classes will provide can aid Stink in his quests for Thumb wresting greatness?
July 11, 2012
Stink is back in a new adventure. This time Stink has gotten his report card and he did well in all classes except one. Stink fails P.E. and has to find a sport he is good at in order to get his grade up. He decides to take up thumb-wrestling, but soon learns he is better at karate. The cute cartoon-style drawings really help move the story along and I think the story is an endearing one.
This is a great series for elementary school and would be good for really low level middle schoolers, but the large print would make them feel it was too young for them.
Price: 15.95
Suitability: Grades 2-5
Illustrations: Comic style black and white photos
Genre: Realistic fiction
Possible Censorship Issues: N/A
Call #: FIC MCD
This is a great series for elementary school and would be good for really low level middle schoolers, but the large print would make them feel it was too young for them.
Price: 15.95
Suitability: Grades 2-5
Illustrations: Comic style black and white photos
Genre: Realistic fiction
Possible Censorship Issues: N/A
Call #: FIC MCD
June 7, 2016
I like this book and I would recommend it to my cousin because he acts like him.Stink Moody is excited about her grade and he gets a bad grade on his report card and he has to do better and he has to join another class to get the points back that he got bad. And he has to take an extra class to get one more A he needs to get good report cards. He decides the only good thing that's a sport to get his grades better is thump wrestling and every body wants to battle him and every body loses and then he gets the grades that he wants.
April 21, 2017
Stink can't believe it when he sees a U on his report card, and neither can his parents. Phys Ed. just isn't Stinks' strong point, so his parents have him pick a sport thinking maybe that will help. First Stink decides on thumb wrestling, then picks up karate.
Another solid addition to the world of Judy and Stink.
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
Another solid addition to the world of Judy and Stink.
Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest
April 25, 2016
Stink anticipates all good grades on his report card but finds out he phys ed performance is lacking. Stink gets interesting in Thumb-Wrestling as a sport and takes up Karate too. Illustrator Peter Reynolds shares some comic book Thumb-Wrestling stories, kids learn how to create their own Thumb Wrestling mask. Megan McDonald makes reading fun and shows children learning and practicing new skills. Check out Stink books at the Library-http://bit.ly/1SEPXLJ
January 16, 2017
My son really liked this book, probably because he could read it on his own, and because of Peter Reynolds' illustrations. He probably also liked it because he could relate to Stink in a few ways: 1) He is in Second Grade; 2) He is studying Tae Kwon Do; 3) He reads to dogs at the library; and 4) He has a lava lamp in his room. These may not seem like connecting details to adults, but, apparently, if you are eight, they are.
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March 3, 2011Stink’s P.E. grade stunk and now Mom and Dad are making him take up a sport. And take it up he does—as only Stink can do!
Full of fun characters, laugh-out-loud humor, action, lyrical repetition and rhyme AND graphic novel type illustrations, Megan McDonald has written another chapter book that’s sure to please parents and early readers alike.
Full of fun characters, laugh-out-loud humor, action, lyrical repetition and rhyme AND graphic novel type illustrations, Megan McDonald has written another chapter book that’s sure to please parents and early readers alike.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews