The text will challenge, without taxing, beginning readers and provide struggling readers with the chance to be successful. Young readers will get a kick out of Stink and his adventures, whether they read them independently or hear the stories read aloud. Recommended.

McDonald uses simple, expressive language to keep the story rolling. Stink is a fun, easy-to-love character with an authentic child voice. The action takes off from the very first chapter and is well sustained throughout. Fans of the earlier books, as well as the “Judy Moody” series, will not be disappointed.

Delightful full-page and spot-art cartoons and playful language in large type bring the child’s adventures to life. “Things are definitely looking up, up, UP” with this bright addition to beginning chapter-book collections.

The narrative is fun and laced with puns—from Mt. Trashmore to “newt in shining armor,” and it’s peppered with black-and-white illustrations, including comics (“The Adventures of Stink”) reflecting Stink’s triumphant fantasies.