Invisible Inkling

Invisible Inkling #1

by Emily Jenkins, Harry Bliss

From award-winning author Emily Jenkins and  New York Times  bestselling illustrator Harry Bliss comes the first book in a sweet, quirky chapter book series about a boy and his invisible friend, Inkling. Perfect for fans of Clementine and Ivy and Bean. This series is a great choice for emerging readers who are ready for chapter books. The thing about Hank's new friend Inkling is, he's invisible.No,  not  imaginary. Inkling is an invisible bandapat, a creature native to the Peruvian Woods of Mystery. (Or maybe it is the Ukrainian glaciers. Inkling hardly ever gets his stories straight.) Now Inkling has found his way into Hank's apartment on his quest for squash, a bandapat favorite. But Hank has bigger problems than helping Inkling fend off maniac doggies and searching for Bruno Gillicut is a lunch-stealing, dirtbug caveperson and he's got to be stopped. And who better to help stand up to a bully than an invisible friend?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Humor, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 2011

About the author

Emily Jenkins is the author of many books for children, including the recent picture books Tiger and Badger, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. Her chapter books include the Toys series, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; she is co-author of the Upside-down Magic series. Emily Jenkins lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank Wolowitz is missing his buddy Alexander Wainscotting. How will he make it through 4th grade without his best friend? Then he discovers Inkling, the invisible bandapat, after saving him from Rootbeer, the dog. Now Hank has an invisible friend. And this invisible friend is not imaginary. Hank soon realizes that Inkling is a resourceful and entertaining friend who also has a voracious appetite -- for squash. How does a 4th grader convince his mom to buy squash from the grocery store, especially since he claims he will eat it raw? Awkward! There are some heartwarming and humorous moments. I predict that kids will be adding bandapats to their Christmas lists after reading this inventive and magical tale. One thing I did not like was the trouble Hank had in convincing the adults around him that Gillicut is truly bullying him. So frustrating. Inkling was the only one to believe for quite some time. In contrast, the aha moment Hank has after trying to force Inkling to hold still in front of the bathroom mirror is gold.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was planning to give this book three stars because it is a good enough book....until I reached the end. I did not like the way the author rectified the bullying situation.

The story is that Hank Wolowski meets an invisible talking animal. At the same time, there a bully at school who is stealing Hank's lunch. None of the adults he turns to help him. (They are pretty clueless....annoyingly so.) Anyway, at the end the Inkling (the invisible animal) bites the bully on the ankles. Everyone thinks Hank did it.

THEN the bully stops bothering Hank. Evidently he is now scared of Hank because Hank bit him. Problem solved.

I did not like that this teaches that biting can solve a bullying problem. Maybe in real life that would work, but I certainly don't want my kid trying it out to find out.

[Beth Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read-aloud with my son for Battle of the Books.

My favorite part of this book was when my eight-year-old finished the book without me because he just couldn't wait to know what happened next. (Then he insisted we finish it together, because it was "really good," he said).

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice early chapter book. I can see third graders, especially boys, really getting into this story of a boy and his invisible pet. My only quibble with the book is that, when Hank is being bullied he does the right thing and goes to an adult. In fact, he goes to several adults, and none of them help him at all! Very frustrating to have that "it doesn't do any good to tell the teacher," mentality reinforced by the books we give children to read!

[BeParticular · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a library copy as a gift possibility for my nephew and decided NOT to buy it. The invisible friend storyline was great, but the bullying storyline baffled me. I did not understand the author's point there at all. The bullying goes on for weeks and weeks. Every single adult to whom the main character reports the bullying (including his parents) is completely and utterly useless. A teacher lets slip that the bully has "issues" (my terminology) and suggests that the bully "could use some friends" because "he's been going through a rough time". The teacher then tells the bullied student, "You could reach out. You can switch the situation around. You can be an ambassador of goodwill." I'm all for compassion and trying to see situations from another perspective, but these boys are fourth graders. The bullying is resolved in a way that has NO application to real life. Bullying is all too real and the issue calls for better handling than it's given here. Hank is an engaging character and Inkling is also wonderful. The illustrations are terrific.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing is for sure -- this may be the only children's book I ever read that name drops Seth Mnookin (except for the sequel of course). :)

A quirky premise, but really enjoyable with funny, sweet main characters.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating is my own, and I rounded down because I don't feel the need to read more in the series. But I do think that if you're interested you might want to check it out. So many fun details. For example, I, for one, do think that many of Hank's creative ice cream flavors might be delicious... I am so bored of the same old same old, even though I shop at Braum's which is known for its extensive selection.

I find it interesting that Hank knows that he has a very creative, very active imagination. And yet he's sure that the invisible bandapoot is real.

I liked Nadia. A good big sister who is also a 'typical' teenager.

"How can you really know someone if you don't know how he looks? I know Nadia by her green hair and big boots-not the whole Nadia, but an important part of her."

"Nadia rakes her hand through her green hair. 'Why, Hank, why?' ['Why can't you be a normal person?']
'"Because I'm not a normal person!' I scream. 'I'm not. Why can't you just like that about me?'"

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Jenkins, but an amusing story of Hank, whose best friend has moved away and who is now dealing with a bully. Help arrives in the form of Inkling, an invisible creature who is either from Peru or the Ukraine--he is an very unreliable storyteller. He's a bandapat, nearly extinct--which is why he needs to stay invisible--and he lives on squash, which is why he turns up at Hanks's parent's shop in Brooklyn, "The Big Pumpkin"--but it's an ice cream shop. The quest for squash is big in the plot, as is Hank's desire to see his new friend. **Spoiler: **The bully ends up being afraid of Hank after Inkling invisibly bites him, which I think is a troublesome message.

If the Toys Go Out series weren't SO great, I'd probably like this more.Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic

[Charlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the advanced reader's edition, received for free through Goodreads First Reads

Hank Wolovitz is short on friends and long on imagination, so when he saves an invisible bandipat from a neighborhood dog, the bandipat makes him a friend for...well, not life. Inkling, the talking bandipat, promises to help Hank to pay him back for Hank's rescue. It's the beginning for a new school year and Hank's best friend, Wainscoting, has moved away, so Inkling becomes his new best friend. At school, Hank has a huge problem: Gillicut, an upperclassmen, has chosen Hank as his victim for the year. His teacher is not very helpful and his parents don't seem to understand the impact Gillicut is having on Hank's life. How long will Hank daily have to surrender the best parts of his lunch to Gillicut? Can an invisible bandipat solve Hank's problems? This short chapter book if just right for third and fourth graders.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the Children's Lit fest discussion on imaginary friends.

Loved the story and the name, invisible inkling, how creative to have an invisible friend that even he cannot see but had an inkling of his presence.

Why I didn't love it - the parents and teachers were completely withdrawn from helping the child with a bully at school. While it may be a reality for some kids it was horribly frustrating reading this and seeing how NO ONE was hearing this boys story except for his invisible friend.
Lead me to question if the invisible friend was real or if he himself bit the bully in the end.
Either way was happy it was handled, but as far as kids reading this independently not sure of the message and apathy from adults.

[Kelly Ickes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of ideas that would lead to class discussions: bullying, friendship, honesty, family, imagination. The main character is in fourth grade, but this book would be good as a read aloud for second or third, maybe even first. Good book for beginning of the year. It would be interesting to use as a quick draw when reading the parts that describe the invisible friend. The only thing I really did not like in the story is the school's non-action to the bullying. It plays into the humor at the end, but I prefer to have kids believe in their teachers and their schools. It would have otherwise been a 5 star book for me. I look forward to reading the next book.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the language of the book. Hank's voice was really distinct and gave him a lot of character. The plot itself was really cute and made me want to have an invisible animal in my life. I checked this book out from the library to see if this was a book I could use at school, and I could probably use it for reading group. Not only is it fun with the invisible bandapat, but it also has a good lesson on some different life situations. Thumbs up to you Emily Jenkins!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book for 1st-3rd graders-ish. I loved that it explored how easy it is to become a bully if you are being bullied, and that Hank really felt bad about how he treats the kid who is treating him badly. I also loved the character of Inkling -- he's sassy and adorable and loooooooves squash. I want my own invisible bandapat! I may book-talk this for younger kids for summer reading.

[Brandon Suazo-Lino]

I think this book is really good for all ages.Its funny,but it does have bullying in it.But besides that the main character in the book learns from his invisible pet that life is basically nothing without friends and family.Even if they get on your nerves all day long.So I suggest that you snuggle up in bed with your child and read it to them.I bet they will enjoy it.


By: Brandon

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a second- and third-grade book club pick. Not my favorite title for this age group. Kind of boring, the adults suffered from Disney Channel Stupid Parent Syndrome, and it seemed to be weird for the sake of being weird. Interested to see how my book club attendees feel about it.

[Kristie Stauffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a favorite. It is cute and may appeal to kids, but I really did not like the bullying issue. The adults were useless and the bullying continued. The teacher especially was ridiculous.

[M. Morikawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Emily Jenkin's "Toys Go Out" every year for six consecutive years to first- and second-graders, and it is one of my absolute, all-time favorite read alouds. So I thought it was about time that I try one of her other chapter books. I picked Invisible Inkling to read for a chapter-book study with a group of 1st/2nd graders, and I'm so glad that I did. This book had me hooked from it's quirky first page, right through the last chapter. The students have been asking to read it every day, and it's mix of humor, relevant scenarios, and lovable characters make it a perfect read for early elementary readers. I particularly appreciate Emily Jenkins' ability to voice her young characters, making them incredibly relatable.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! Fourth grader Hank stumbles upon and befriends a furry, squash loving invisible creature known as a bandapat. Inkling, as he names Bandapat, becomes a close friend and confidant for young Hank, who is missing his recently moved away best friend and dealing with a bully at school. Hank's family is portrayed as busy and loving, and occasionally wrong about things....aka realistically. I've been reading this aloud with Leo and he and I both love it. Would make a great rec for a family read aloud or a classroom read aloud.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way this book deals with bullying is very concerning to me. The main character is bullied for week and weeks by a kid in his grade, and every single adult the kid turns to is useless and doesn't help. His teacher Ms. Cherry is particularly infuriating, suggesting that if only he shared his lunch treat (sprinkles) willingly they would become friends, because the bully is 'having a hard time'. Also, the way the bullying becomes resolved is nonsensical and completely teaches the wrong lesson.

No amount of invisible cuddliness can make up for these issues.

[Amalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook with my children. They LOVED it. It is a cute story of a boy who finds an invisible inkling who helps him overcome the challenge of starting a new school year after your best friend has moved away. It discusses the subjects of friendship, bullying, being respectful of children and it is a short and sweet chapter book. Both my 6 and 8 year old loved the book and I am glad I took the time to read it with them.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb and I listened to the audio book together. We both loved it, some parts made us laugh out loud! Particularly because the narrator, Michael Goldstrom, does such a fun voice for Inkling, the bandapat.

My favorite part of the book was when Hank is trying to find out what Inkling looks like since he’s invisible:
I’ve asked him over and over, but he never really answers.
“I’m extremely cute,” he tells me when I ask again tonight. “What else do you need to know?”

[Staci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book out loud with my 9 year old for battle of the books, she loved it, but there were some TROUBLING MESSAGES.
Spoiler warning: there is a real mean kid, Hank uses violence to solve his bullying problem and it works. Hank says some awful things to and about this bully and there really aren’t consequences.
That being said, 9 year old loved it and we have ordered the rest of the series. Really hoping for some better messages in the next one

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really debated how to rate this one. After a lot of back and forth, I decided to go with 4 stars the plain reason that this book made me laugh out loud over and over again. I think the answer to many criticisms of Hank's "violent" solution to the bully is simply to discuss and reflect on the story with young readers. (DRA 38 - appropriate for younger students)

[Genetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun chapter book about Hank, a fourth grade boy with an invisible friend. Not imaginary, but invisible. Inkling is a bandapat, an unusual animal that can speak many languages and who craves squash. Inkling's craving creates hilarious situations, and his understanding of human nature allows him to help Hank when a bully at school causes problems.

[Beth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book from the 3rd grade Battle of the Books competition. Read this one with my son this week and we really enoyed it. It's a great way to normalize invisible friends, which can come to help us through tough times, a way to address bullying and how we treat bullies, and how to recognize friendships when they show up. What a great book for an elementary school audience.

[Bronson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, it's a cute book but a lot of the books i'm reading to my kids have some disturbing themes. When kids have imaginary friends to help them escape the hard realities of their lives is interesting to read to an 8 year old. It did help that the imaginary friend was cute.

[Julie Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoyed reading this as a family. Who wouldn't want a fun invisible friends? There is a lot about bullying in it, so we talked about what to do if someone is being a bully. We might read one of v the sequels too.

[Tanner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think other books by Emily Jenkins are ok, but I did not like this one. I thought the bullying in the story was a bit contrived. It seemed like I was reading a response to a trope grab bag writing prompt for middle grades.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this with my kids for Battle of the Books. It wasn't one that kept us invested and every time we picked it up, my kids were like, "Wait, what happened last time?" They did want to finish it, but I would've been ok to put it down.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second grader adores the invisible cute talking pet aspect, however the bully was over the top agressive, the adults useless, and I agree, the resolution less than satisfying. Good overall, but not great.