BOOKS

Noodlehead Nightmares

ARNOLD, Tedd, Martha Hamilton, & . illus. by Tedd Arnold. 48p. Holiday House. Feb. 2016. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9780823435661.
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Gr 1–3—The one in the red shirt is Mac, and the one in the yellow shirt is Mac. They are noodleheads: walking, talking noodles, most likely macaroni, whose brains are as hollow as their heads. In a series of silly shorts, referred to as "noodle" tales, the brothers encounter their nightmares during their daily routines. While most of their fears are typical, their methods for coping are not. This graphic novel is inspired by themes commonly found in folktales, specifically those featuring fools. Like other famous fools, Mac and Mac make decisions that land them in trouble, and when they try to resolve the problem, their unique brand of logic doesn't quite work. In this colorful cartoon, there is no underlying message or lesson; the book is purely meant for entertainment. The easy-to-read dialogue is ideal for new readers. Fallacy, exaggerated gestures, and slapstick are the main techniques used to elicit quick laughs.
VERDICT This modern take on the foolish folktale is full of goofy humor; great fun for newly independent readers and graphic novel newbies.

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