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CM . . . . Volume XXI Number 13 . . . . November 28, 2014
excerpt:
Judy hatches a plan to try to avoid 'being in a mood' and not being 'sent to Antarctica.' It began with one day, a backwards day, and then, after so many positive things happening, Judy challenged herself to try and make it a whole week. She decided not to tell anyone about it so no one would be able to say 'I told you so' if she failed. Whenever she is at home and feels a 'mood' coming on, she finger knits to deal with the welling anger. Her friends, teacher, and family are perplexed by her continuous good mood. The goal to not get angry tests her determination. Judy has to find ways to be in a good mood and to stay in a good mood. She takes notes on how her friends behave in order to learn how. Her friends, in turn, suspect she is an alien that has taken over Judy's body. The most effective way for Judy to behave well and not to throw tantrums turns out to be finger knitting. She spends so much time knitting that the family threatens to shut down her knitting completely. Judy and Stink (her brother) set out to tidy up all the finger knitting by rolling a huge finger knitting ball. When Judy finally gets to day seven of her good mood challenge, she rolls her finger knitting to school and surprises Mr. Todd with the huge ball of yarn. As part of their measurement unit, the class unravels it to see how long it actually is.
Recommended. John Dryden teaches in BC's Cowichan Valley.
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- November 28, 2014. |
Megan McDonald has continued the Judy Moody series with this twelfth book. It is illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. The story is infused with some entertaining exchanges between Judy and her brother and friends. I particularly liked the chapters dedicated to Judy's research into how to stay in a good mood and out of trouble. Most of the techniques described involve Judy's behaving in ways that are completely opposite to her usual ways. I am sure that the loyal Judy Moody fans will really enjoy this plot and story. My daughter thought it was great. The illustrations give the story an added layer of entertainment. McDonald and Reynolds make a great team and knit a great tale!