Book: Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta
Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Pages: 96
Age Range: 8-12
Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta is the third book in Jarrett J. Krosoczka's series of "Lunch Lady" graphic novels for middle grade readers. I reviewed the first two books back in September, and found this one quite similar (as early elementary school kids are likely to want from their series reading). In this installment, school lunch lady and secret crime fighter Lunch Lady notices odd behavior by a visiting children's book author, Mr. Scribson. This behavior may or may not be tied to the mysterious disappearance of the school gym teacher, Coach Birkby. Meanwhile, the three students in the Breakfast Bunch track down Mr. Scribson's home, in an attempt to right a wrong done by Scribson to long-time fan Terrence. Danger ensues.
Scribson is an entertaining character, a hilariously atypical children's book author. He doesn't eat cafeteria food (only gourmet for him), doesn't allow photos during his visit, and says things like "Now, children, I am an author--one who writes books. Some say that I am the greatest author all time." He also lives in a huge, gated mansion, attended by servants. [I'm sure that many of the children's book authors reading this will find Scribson's financial success familiar -- grin. You'll also suspect that he's up to no good when the gym teacher says "I have a few ideas for some books" and Scribson says "I'd love to hear about them."]
Like the previous books, Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta is filled with clever, kitchen-themed gadgets designed by Lunch Lady's sidekick, Betty. I especially liked the Hamburger Headphones and the Mustard Grappling Hook. Of course the Mole Communicator remains a hit, too. Lunch Lady still sprinkles her speech with food-themed exclamations, like "Good Gravy!" and "Great Brussels sprouts!". And the three children remain brave and resourceful (young boys will especially appreciate their technique for saving the day in the Author Visit Vendetta).
Some of the humor in Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta, as is fitting for a graphic novel, lies in the pictures, rather than the words. For example, a glimpse into Couch Birkby's living room reveals a rack of basketballs. Krosoczka's illustrations are active and engaging, with people's expressions particularly well-rendered.
In short, Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta is an excellent addition to the Lunch Lady series, sure to please young graphic novel fans. As I said in my review of the previous books in the series, I highly recommend the Lunch Lady books for Babymouse fans (especially boys, since the Lunch Lady books are, well, less pink). This book in particular is also sure to entertain children's book authors of all ages, and would make a nice gift for them, too.
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 22, 2009
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher
Other Blog Reviews: None that I found. But did you hear that Lunch Lady is going to be made into a movie?
© 2010 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. All Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, and may result in my receiving a small commission on purchases (with no additional cost to you).
Oooh! This sounds good. I really want to check it out. I'm becoming a big fan of the Lunch Lady series. I love the yellow colour scheme.
Posted by: Erin W | January 17, 2010 at 05:06 PM
I love the yellow, too, Erin. So upbeat. These are books that will call out to kids from the shelves.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | January 17, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Love Baby Mouse and Lunch Lady sounds good
Posted by: Kim Kasch | January 17, 2010 at 07:15 PM
This sounds great - not a series I know of but one I shall have to look out for. I'm off to suggest it to Sweet Reads and In Need of Chocolate - I think both of them may enjoy it too.
Posted by: Zoe @ Playing by the book | January 17, 2010 at 10:19 PM
I've been wanting to read this - thanks for the review! Looking forward to the tongue-in-cheek characterization of the author. Good to hear it holds up with the rest of the series.
Posted by: Scope Notes | January 18, 2010 at 06:55 AM
I read this, too. It's a fun series with clever details that make it a good read for adults who like to read along with kids.
Posted by: Jaymie | January 18, 2010 at 07:05 AM
Looking forward to this third book! And I'll get to read it once I pry it out of my son's hands. Always the sign of a winning read. :)
Posted by: Tasha | January 18, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Kim, these are definitely good books for Babymouse fans. Hope you like them.
Zoe, thanks for passing along the suggestion.
Travis, I think you'll especially enjoy this installment of the series, and I look forward to seeing what you have to say about it.
Jaymie, I agree completely. A great book for adults and kids to read together.
Tasha, that sounds like a very reliable sign of a worthwhile read. I'm sure you'll get the book soon - it's a pretty quick read.
Posted by: Jen Robinson | January 18, 2010 at 11:29 AM