Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Townsend, Michael
7 Reviews
(3)
1-3
Jump-into-Chapters series.
After a trip to the circus, Mr. Ball (a yellow smiley-face orb) and his wacky animal friends are inspired to hold their own circus. A scheme to capture and tame a big, scary wild animal go awry, but much fun ensues. Kids moving into chapter books will appreciate the energetic text and bright, colorful comic-panel pictures on thick cardstock pages.
Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear
(3)
K-3
Janie Jane, an "expert on all things cute," receives a dog for her birthday. Sir Yips-a-lot is her partner in cuteness, until her next birthday, when Janie Jane receives a cat. The cartoony illustrations are a stitch, particularly those showing Sir Yips-a-lot's failed efforts to out-cute the competition. Added bonus for parents: the implicit joke about commerce's cute-ification of childhood.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
Townsend, Michael
Where Do Presidents Come From?: And Other Presidential Stuff of Super-Great Importance
(3)
4-6
Through comic book–style panels, this volume uses recurring gags and broad humor to tackle an array of presidential topics, including the Constitution, the Electoral College, and what Presidents "Actually Do." Historical facts reign, but the hilarious visual interpretations and plenty of silly commentary from a wacky cast of animals (including ninja hamsters) help lighten the lesson. Bib.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(3)
K-3
A simple misunderstanding swiftly moves from sad to bad when Monkey feels excluded from his best friend's party. To "get even," Monkey puts Elephant's toys in the freezer, prompting Elephant to seek revenge. The retaliation escalates to utter chaos, forcing the other animals to fix the broken friendship. Townsend's cartoon-panel illustrations humorously display such offbeat antics as butt-painting and professional wrestling.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(4)
4-6
In the first two volumes of this graphic novel series, Townsend introduces Kit Feeny, a young bear-shaped creature who deals with moving, making friends, and finding the perfect birthday gift for his mom; along the way, he often lands in trouble. Townsend's exaggerated black, white, and orange illustrations build humor, though some of it is forced due to the stories' frenetic pacing. Review covers these titles: Kit Feeny: On the Move and Kit Feeny: The Ugly Necklace.
Reviewer: Beth L. Meister
(4)
4-6
In the first two volumes of this graphic novel series, Townsend introduces Kit Feeny, a young bear-shaped creature who deals with moving, making friends, and finding the perfect birthday gift for his mom; along the way, he often lands in trouble. Townsend's exaggerated black, white, and orange illustrations build humor, though some of it is forced due to the stories' frenetic pacing. Review covers these titles: Kit Feeny: On the Move and Kit Feeny: The Ugly Necklace.
Reviewer: Beth L. Meister
(4)
K-3
Daffy comic-book panels illustrate this story of a boy determined to liven up his class's picture day with a bold new haircut. When thwarted, he finds another way to make the day--and the picture--special. The goofiness promised by the pictures is let down by the overlong and meandering story. Still, Billy's solution is unexpected and funny.
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
7 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.