Zorgamazoo Book Review

Author: Robert Paul Weston. Release date: 2008. Publisher:  Penguin Group. ISBN: 9781595142955.


Annotation: Katrina Katrell happens upon Morty the Zorgle, and together they decide to uncover the fate of the missing Zorgles of Zorgamazoo. 


Personal thoughts: I had heard a great deal about this award-winning novel, and wasn’t disappointed in how clever and unique it is amongst recent literature for ‘tweens. Weston’s rhymes were simply amazing. While reading the book I couldn’t help but be constantly reminded of the work that must have gone into composing an entire novel, completely in rhyme. For me, the storyline played second fiddle to Weston’s literary craftsmanship. I did enjoy the novel quite a bit, and would definitely recommend it to ‘tweens as well as teachers seeking a fun read-aloud.

Plot summary: Katrina Katrell lives with a distant relative, Mrs. Krabone, who doesn’t understand why the young girl is constantly daydreaming about adventures and mythical creatures. One day when Katrina and Mrs. Krabone are on the subway, Katrina is sure she sees a large, hairy creature wearing a tie and walking around the underground tunnels. Mrs. Krabone is finally fed up, and contacts Doctor LeFang to “cure” Katrina with his horrible Cranial Puncturing Mincer of Mind. Katrina catches wind of the plan, and manages to escape. By chance, she meets up with Morty, a Zorgle, and the very same creature she spotted earlier on the subway. It appears that Morty has been given a quest to find out what happened to the Zorgles of Zorgamazoo, an underground country village where the inhabitants have vanished. Morty is quite timid, but his new friend, Katrina, convinces him to proceed on what she’s sure will be a grand adventure for them both.

Review:  Told entirely in rhyming couplets, Zorgamazoo is a creative and entertaining story for readers of all ages. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Weston’s rhymes is that they never grow stale or seem forced. He does have to employ some made-up words (a nod to Dr. Seuss), but, in general, he manages to rhyme ordinary phrases that ‘tweens will be able to understand. The plot of the novel is also very clever, with nods to influential authors like Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket, but in an original package. Younger readers might be frightened by Mrs. Krabone and Doctor LeFang, who want to lobotomize Katrina. Some of the illustrations in the book, such as those of the Octomabots, a machine that is a cross between a bee and an octopus, and of Doctor LeFang’s Cranial Puncturing Mincer of Mind, might be frightening as well. Other aspects of the plot, however, like Winnie the Windingo who constantly cries, and an ogre who is extremely attached to his glass eye, will lighten the mood. Overall, Zorgamazoo is a fun novel for readers who are interested in something a little bit different. It would also make  a great read-aloud for a classroom or group of children or ‘tweens.

Genre: Fiction/Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 3+

Similar titles:  James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket, any title by Dr. Seuss.

Themes: Bravery, adventure, the importance of imagination.

Awards/Reviews: Positive reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and The Horn Book Magazine. Recipient of 2009 E.B. White Honor Book award, Silver Book Award, nominee for California Young Reader Medal.   

Series Information:  None

Discussion Questions:

- This novel is written entirely in rhyme. Do you enjoy this style of writing? Why or why not?

- Why do you think Mrs. Krabone wants to keep Katrina from being imaginative?

- Do you think Morty is brave? Why or why not?

- What do you think the characters of Zorgamazoo look like? Draw some of your favorites.

- Does this story have a moral? What do you think the moral is?

Coraline Book Review

Author: Neil Gaiman. Illustrator: Dave McKean. Release date: 2002. Publisher:  HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780380977789.


Annotation: Coraline Jones lives in humdrum life in an old Victorian mansion apartment with her parents. One day, however, she discovers a passageway leading to another world where everything is better than her own…or is it?


Personal thoughts: As a big fan of the movie, I was really interested in reading the book version of Coraline. I was not disappointed! Like the film, the story is just eerie enough to be enjoyable. I really enjoyed the drawings by Dave Mckean that accompanied the text. They added an element of creepiness to the story, even though I had visions of the film while reading it. I would highly recommend this novel to ‘tweens searching for something fun to read under the covers at night. An instant classic.

Plot summary: Coraline Jones isn’t thrilled when her parents move her into an apartment in an old Victorian house. Her neighbors, two elderly women named Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, and an eccentric old man, Mr. Bobo, don’t help her to feel at home either. Coraline’s parents don’t pay her much attention, so she spends most of her time exploring the creepy old house. One day, she discovers a small door in the wall that has been bricked up. Despite warnings from her neighbors that she is in danger, Coraline decides to explore the door further when she is alone. She soon discovers that the bricks are gone, and instead, a passageway is on the other side of the door leading to an apartment that is identical to her own. Living in the other apartment are her Other Mother and Other Father, also identical copies of her own parents but with buttons for eyes. Coraline learns that this Other World is far more interesting than her own, and spends more and more time there, becoming closer with her Other Mother and Other Father. One day, her Other Mother offers to let Coraline live in the Other World forever. Coraline considers the idea, until she learns that in order to stay she will have to have buttons sewn on her eyes. Coraline quickly escapes the Other World, only to discover that her real parents are missing. Has her Other Mother trapped them in the Other World?

Review: This novel, adapted into the hit 3D film of the same title, is a truly creepy but engrossing story that will spook even the bravest of young readers. Almost from the beginning of the story, it’s clear that something unearthly is in store for Coraline. The house she’s moved to is creepy, and when she discovers the Other World, things get even more suspicious. Although the Other World is, at first, delightful, something isn’t quite right. Why do her Other Mother and Other Father have buttons for eyes? Why does the Other Mother seem so urgent to have Coraline agree to live in the Other World forever? After Coraline’s parents are kidnapped and she must rescue them, things get even creepier. Several scenes when the Other World is beginning to unravel into the horrifying place it is are truly eerie, even for adult readers. ‘Tweens will delight in the scariness of Coraline’s predicament, however, particularly since it does turn out well in the end. Gaiman does a truly remarkable job of creating an unusual and entertaining story for all ages to enjoy. Coraline is likely to be a classic for years to come.

Genre: Fiction/Horror

Reading level: Grade 4+

Similar titles:  Coraline the graphic novel, illustrated by P. Craig Russell.

Themes: Bravery/overcoming fears, taking family for granted, “the grass is always greener” concept.

Awards/Reviews: Positive reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly. Winner of Hugo Award for Best Novella (2003), Nebula Award for Best Novella (2003), Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers (2002).  

Series Information: Film adaptation – Coraline (2009)

Discussion Questions:

- Have you ever wished you could live a different life? What about Coraline's life made her want to spend time with the Other Mother?
- Did you like Dave McKean's illustrations? Do you think they added to the story?
- Have you seen the film version of "Coraline"? If you have, what is different about the book? Which do you like better?
- Did you find this book to be creepy? Scary?
- Explain the concept behind the statement, "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." How does that relate to this book?