Ali Qutab
Summer Reading Book Review
Mr. Bronson
September 13th 2012

Eoin Colfer’s Adventures of: Spud Murphy

Young readers will hoot over Wills cynical narration. The legend of Spud Murphy is a great book to motivate kids to read and represents humor. No matter how old, this book is perfect for someone looking for a light atonement and the story's comic moments, brevity and message are well targeted to reluctant readers. The legend of Spud Murphy is not intimidating, but it tells a good story. The bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series introduces a brilliant new chapter book series, and acclaimed cartoonist McCoy lends his wickedly funny illustrations to take readers on an unforgettable trip through the world of a "kindly" librarian with a secret. According to me, all these characteristic of this book are exactly why I chose and loved reading it.

“Suddenly a shadow fell across my brother…….. It was Spud. She had appeared without a sound, like a ninja librarian.”

Spud Murphy is a story of a story of a young boy who meets many obstacles along the path of his life. Will (the main character) is one of five brothers, which would be a nightmare for any mother. Especially HP, the smartest of them all. However, the brother who uses being gleeful as a trump card deliberately. The problem is, Will is too young to be in charge but too young to escape blame through strategic use of cuteness. In this particular book by Eoin Colfer, Will meets the “most terrifying librarian ever”, who is his old nemesis as well, Spud Murphy. They call her the only librarian to have ever had a “Spud” gun. Will, along with Marty (the oldest brother) were abased to here that they would have to spend two hours every week at the library (day dreaming).
Surprisingly, after weeks of day dreaming, Marty finally found a book. Seeing this, Will went looking for a book of his satisfaction. So, they kept reading and reading books, the two brothers. Oh, they were enraptured by the books. From reading Horror to reading comedy, Will and Marty read them all. They had read each book a multiple amount of times However, one day; the two brothers were all out of books to read!
Therefore, one day, Will went to divulge his adrenaline by going to the restricted section for a new book. Will didn’t even think twice, not even once, but a hundred times. All Will wanted was to get a new book and get his action figure back (which Marty had taken). It would be like killing two birds with one stone. The results were perceptible yet execrable. But no, this incident had led to the end of disparity between Mrs. Murphy and Will. I would give this book five stars.
“Colfer aims at a younger audience and hilariously hits the mark.”

- Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will laugh out loud at this clever book….. A good choice for fans of Dav Pilkey, Jon Sciezka, and Ian Whybrow.”
-School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-This hilarious offering is the first in a new chapter-book series. When their parents become fed up with their boisterous behavior during summer vacation, Will and Marty Woodman are forced to do something educational: "Reading. It's perfect. How can you get into trouble reading a book?" The brothers will spend time at the library, despite their worries about the librarian, Mrs. "Spud" Murphy, who is feared by all children. According to the rumors, she uses a gas-powered gun to shoot potatoes at kids who make too much noise. When Mom drops them off later that afternoon, Mrs. Murphy leads them to the children's section and warns them that they are not to venture off of the carpet. Readers will immediately pick up that Marty has a problem following the rules and trouble ensues when he steps off the rug to cause some mischief. However, he has met his match in Spud, who silently appears on the scene like a "ninja librarian." The cartoon illustrations enhance the funny mood of the story. Youngsters, especially reluctant readers, will laugh out loud at this clever book, which can also be read aloud. A good choice for fans of Dav Pilkey, Jon Scieszka, and Ian Whybrow.-Christine McGinty, Albany Public Library, NY