Official Review: George and the Giant Mushrooms

gali · Post by **gali** » 17 Mar 2016, 13:49

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "George and the Giant Mushrooms" by Pamela McMaster.]

4 out of 4 stars

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What a delightful book! George and the Giant Mushroom by Pamela McMaster is a fabulous children's adventure book, and I loved it from start to finish! I have read quite a few good children's books recently, but this one sets itself apart from the pack. This book just oozes a sort of charm and hilarious innocence that is impossible not to love.

This gem of a story follows the story of George and his battle of wits against giant mushrooms with an agenda! George is a small kid, literary, wishing he was bigger due to some bullying at school. He lives with his mom and helps out at the local restaurant, befriending with the owner and chef, Mr Taglitelli, while at it. George is generally a happy camper, but the school bully Paul (aka Biceps) makes his school life miserable at times. When giant mushrooms start to pop out at the local park, George realizes something is afoot. Those mushrooms are not what they seem, and neither is Mr. T it seems. George and his best friend Mutt set out to help Mr.T, and got more than they bargained for. A planet saving mission is on the cards as well, not an easy task for sure. Saving the human race from a fate worse than death isn't what it is cracked up to be guys!

Betrayal, loyalty, bulling, true friends, outwardly weapons, and power-hungry mushrooms, are some of the ingredients of this enchanting book, and they all seem perfectly plausible. I will certainly look at mushrooms differently from now on!

I loved everything about this book: the language, the fast-moving plotline, and its enchanting, inventive protagonists. The author does a good job of making the characters realistic and relatable. It was really nice and refreshing to read a book about a kid who isn't an outcast, isn't special, and doesn't have super powers. He's just a regular kid, except Pamela McMaster does a wonderful job of showing what this average kid has inside of him that makes him special after all, and I think that will have great value for many children.

This imaginative tale will bewitch the hearts of its readers, young and old. The author’s writing style is very engaging and easy to read. This book is suited for younger readers as it combines an adventure story with themes of self-worth and standing up for yourself. It also conveys the message that "it isn't size of the man that matter, but the size of his heart and the size of his spirit."

It was a sweet and fun read from start to finish, so I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend the book to middle grade kids and up, even those who don't read much. Though it's written just right for a middle-grade audience, it will appeal to older readers as well. I think it will capture a lot of hearts and imaginations. This is the beginning of a series, ending with a cliffhanger. The ending leaves the reader with high anticipation for the next book, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

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George and the Giant Mushrooms
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Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 18 Mar 2016, 13:12

Wonderful, detailed review, gali! Sounds like a great read, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Congratulations to the author for a great review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 18 Mar 2016, 13:50

Great review! The story sounds fun with valuable messages for children. I want to read the book just from seeing the boy's hilarious expression on the cover!

gali · Post by **gali** » 18 Mar 2016, 14:04

Thank you both.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 18 Mar 2016, 14:06

gali wrote:Thank you both.

shinny mac74 · Post by **shinny mac74** » 18 Mar 2016, 15:33

Thank you so much for such a fabulous review. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

gali · Post by **gali** » 18 Mar 2016, 15:36

shinny mac74 wrote:Thank you so much for such a fabulous review. I am so glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you. It was an awesome book!

Shelle · Post by **Shelle** » 18 Mar 2016, 15:45

Great review! This book sounds simply adorable and sweet! I have a 6-year old daughter, so likely above her reading level, but definitely sounds like a story we could enjoy together.

gali · Post by **gali** » 18 Mar 2016, 23:35

Shelle wrote:Great review! This book sounds simply adorable and sweet! I have a 6-year old daughter, so likely above her reading level, but definitely sounds like a story we could enjoy together.

Thank you. I think she may enjoy it, if you read it to her.

ISLANDGURL26 · Post by **ISLANDGURL26** » 02 Apr 2016, 13:00

Sounds like a great book for my kidergatener, definitely will be adding this to my list.

gali · Post by **gali** » 02 Apr 2016, 13:06

ISLANDGURL26 wrote:Sounds like a great book for my kidergatener, definitely will be adding this to my list.

It's a great book for kids.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 07 Apr 2016, 07:14

That was very interesting. I like it already. I like books about average kids who prove to be something else after all, and the idea of giant mushrooms is kind of cute. Great review. Congratulations to Pamela McMaster on such a well-written book.

gali · Post by **gali** » 09 Apr 2016, 08:54

kimmyschemy06 wrote:That was very interesting. I like it already. I like books about average kids who prove to be something else after all, and the idea of giant mushrooms is kind of cute. Great review. Congratulations to Pamela McMaster on such a well-written book.

Thank you.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 11 Apr 2016, 09:03

Your enthusiasm for this book shines through in the review. I love that the author took on so many different and complex issues while still maintaining a fun story! You not being able to look at mushrooms the same way again made me laugh pretty hard!

gali · Post by **gali** » 11 Apr 2016, 09:08

bluemel4 wrote:Your enthusiasm for this book shines through in the review. I love that the author took on so many different and complex issues while still maintaining a fun story! You not being able to look at mushrooms the same way again made me laugh pretty hard!

Thank you.