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The Notebook of Doom #1
Rise of the Balloon Goons
Monsters + Humor + Fun = THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons--unique and twisted arm-waving balloon guys! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illlustrations, and of course . . . monsters!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons--unique and twisted arm-waving balloon guys! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illlustrations, and of course . . . monsters!
96 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
August 14, 2016
Troy Cummings is coming to Brooks school elementary 11/19!!!
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Parents approach me weeks later to recount how their son hasn't stopped drawing and/or writing since Troy Cummings's 11/19 visit or how their daughter has been begging for #6, #7, and #8 in The Notebook of Doom series for Christmas though these titles are months away from publication. Mr. Cummings's humor and talent captivated the entire audience, which made for a delightful family event. And to watch an autographing line that snaked the length of the cafeteria with kids physically vibrating from excitement made my heart swell. The positive outcomes of Troy Cummings's visit reached far beyond his presentation. In the weeks leading up to his arrival, teachers in classrooms across K-4 grade levels read aloud Rise of the Balloon Goons while students listened at the edge of their seats. Most impressive, however, is the number of parents who have shared how his visit was an experience that will stay with their son or daughter long after they leave Brooks School.
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Parents approach me weeks later to recount how their son hasn't stopped drawing and/or writing since Troy Cummings's 11/19 visit or how their daughter has been begging for #6, #7, and #8 in The Notebook of Doom series for Christmas though these titles are months away from publication. Mr. Cummings's humor and talent captivated the entire audience, which made for a delightful family event. And to watch an autographing line that snaked the length of the cafeteria with kids physically vibrating from excitement made my heart swell. The positive outcomes of Troy Cummings's visit reached far beyond his presentation. In the weeks leading up to his arrival, teachers in classrooms across K-4 grade levels read aloud Rise of the Balloon Goons while students listened at the edge of their seats. Most impressive, however, is the number of parents who have shared how his visit was an experience that will stay with their son or daughter long after they leave Brooks School.
July 1, 2013
Finally! An early chapter book worth talking about! With the popularity of scary themes and mysteries, this book is perfect to introduce a youngster into the world of reading. I read this with my 5 year old daughter and she loved it. She went back through the book, page by page after we read it, looking at the pictures and talking about what happened in the story.
Alexander is the new kid in town and he is noticing a lot of strange things happening. The balloon goons you see in front of car dealerships start appearing everywhere. Car tires are mysteriously going flat all over town. But that's nothing compared to the mysterious notebook he finds, or the unexpected birthday guests.
The plot is a full, complete story that is simplified for early readers. There isn't any skimping when it comes to buildup and character development. The characters are fun and each one plays their role in the story quite well. There is humor, mystery, suspense, and friendship in this little chapter book. I am SO glad that this is going to be a series because I know at least one little girl that can't wait to read the next one!
My blog: Books for Kids
Alexander is the new kid in town and he is noticing a lot of strange things happening. The balloon goons you see in front of car dealerships start appearing everywhere. Car tires are mysteriously going flat all over town. But that's nothing compared to the mysterious notebook he finds, or the unexpected birthday guests.
The plot is a full, complete story that is simplified for early readers. There isn't any skimping when it comes to buildup and character development. The characters are fun and each one plays their role in the story quite well. There is humor, mystery, suspense, and friendship in this little chapter book. I am SO glad that this is going to be a series because I know at least one little girl that can't wait to read the next one!
My blog: Books for Kids
September 20, 2015
My son Morgan is in the third grade (he's nine years old and has ADHD), and was having a hard time finding books on his grade level that weren't a bit long (and to him, a little daunting; he can read well but doesn't like to commit to a long book like Harry Potter). I think it's a confidence issue; he's just not sure enough of his abilities to want the longer chapter books. All he wanted to read was comic books like Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes. Of course the pictures were also of benefit to him, and the "big kid" books were a bit lacking in this area. I was looking for a series like The Dork Diaries (although I found the characters a bit unlikable, though funny), or My Zombie Goldfish. I stumbled on this series in the book store and he adores it.
Likes: This series is so funny. My favorite part in this one was the "Forkupine." All the monsters are bizarre but not too scary, more silly than anything. School is held in an old hospital. When Alexander moves to town, at first he doesn't have any friends and is bullied a bit. His mom is not mentioned, just his goofy and oblivious but loving father. He makes a friend out of the bully and saves the town from the Balloon Goons who have been terrorizing Stormont (a play on the word "monster" :)) by deflating everything that is filled with air. There's a mystery about what SSMP stands for in the notebook he found, full of details on different monsters, so it had my son's interest on wanting to read the next one, but at the same time can be read as a stand alone.
Dislikes: Nothing to dislike here, just a fun read. My son initially started reading it on his own and ended up starting over so he could read it with me and share in the fun and show me the pictures and funny parts. He was begging for the next one before we even finished.
Likes: This series is so funny. My favorite part in this one was the "Forkupine." All the monsters are bizarre but not too scary, more silly than anything. School is held in an old hospital. When Alexander moves to town, at first he doesn't have any friends and is bullied a bit. His mom is not mentioned, just his goofy and oblivious but loving father. He makes a friend out of the bully and saves the town from the Balloon Goons who have been terrorizing Stormont (a play on the word "monster" :)) by deflating everything that is filled with air. There's a mystery about what SSMP stands for in the notebook he found, full of details on different monsters, so it had my son's interest on wanting to read the next one, but at the same time can be read as a stand alone.
Dislikes: Nothing to dislike here, just a fun read. My son initially started reading it on his own and ended up starting over so he could read it with me and share in the fun and show me the pictures and funny parts. He was begging for the next one before we even finished.
April 20, 2019
While at work, a young patron asked if we had #13 and in the midst of our conversation I said I'd read #1 and he could quiz me the next time he comes in. Quick funny read and I can see the appeal. Alexander Bopp has moved to Stermont and his hesitation is palpable - new school, how to make new friends, and how to handle the balloon goons.
June 17, 2016
4.5/ 5 stars. Finally! This is one of the best, illustrated, early chapter books that I've read in a long time. Cummings has expertly woven humor, mild suspense, excitement, and creativity into this book that young readers will love.
September 27, 2022
The Notebook of Doom v1
This is actually the introduction to Alexander, the odd monsters around town and Alexander’s first new friend, Rip. This series comes before the Binder of Doom series.
This is actually the introduction to Alexander, the odd monsters around town and Alexander’s first new friend, Rip. This series comes before the Binder of Doom series.
February 17, 2021
My son and I read this in two days. He was attentive the entire time and I never lost interest as well. So glad we discovered a fun series!!!
December 1, 2019
Marketed as a "Branches" book in order to help kids learn to read and learn to love to read, Rise of the Balloon Goons features a fast-paced plot about a new kid in school alongside illustrations and a few peeks into The Notebook of Doom itself. Introverted Alexander is new in town, and while he does have some expectations for how towns are supposed to operate, this town certainly does not abide by those rules. With strange teachers, weird school mates, and an abundance of missing air in tires and balloons, there's a lot of strangeness going on, and Alexander gets wrapped up in trying to figure it all out! It's fun, quirky, and a little zany at times--great for the kid who likes easy laughs and one-liners, or for those who like to write in their own journal from time to time.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
December 2, 2019
Rise of the Balloon Goons is a third-grade reading level book. This book contains 89 pages for new independent chapter readers. Fun illustrations.
Alexander Bopp, AKA Al, is the main character. Al is new new kid in the town of Stermont. The book starts with Al’s dad bringing him to his first day of school at his new school. Things don’t goes as planned. Al must find his own way to school The adventures since dad can’t drive in. The adventure begins and doesn’t stop. There’s a map along with many other visual aids that enhance this book for a young reader.
Every time I see one of these guys blowing around, I will think of Rise of the Balloon Goons
Alexander Bopp, AKA Al, is the main character. Al is new new kid in the town of Stermont. The book starts with Al’s dad bringing him to his first day of school at his new school. Things don’t goes as planned. Al must find his own way to school The adventures since dad can’t drive in. The adventure begins and doesn’t stop. There’s a map along with many other visual aids that enhance this book for a young reader.
Every time I see one of these guys blowing around, I will think of Rise of the Balloon Goons
February 7, 2018
Alexander Bopp and his dad have just moved to the town of Stermont. Just getting used to a new place has put Alexander on edge enough, but after breakfast at a diner he and his dad come out to find all four tires on their car flat. Not only that, but every single car on the street has flat tires. Weird. He has to walk to his new school and could swear some of those balloon things that are put outside car dealerships attack him. Things come to a head when his dad gets a bouncy house for his birthday party the next day.
Cummings has come up with a way to write a spooky story for lower grades that won't leave them traumatized. The monster is easily vanquished, and not in a gory way. The story rides that fine line of humor and horror well, and leans decidedly more towards the humor side. It's just enough ridiculous that even the lower grade kids this is aimed at will have an easy time sorting it into the fiction file and not real things that should creep you out and keep you awake file. And the illustrations don't just illustrate what the words say, they add to the atmosphere and story. (Especially the one showing the water tower of Stermont outside a window with the name looped continuously around so it starts with montSter.) During the adventure Alexander finds a notebook in the old abandoned school that is filled with notes on monsterous creatures. (All of which are delightfully creative and punny, like the Forkupine, a creature covered in forks and easily handled by distracting it with noodles which it likes to roll in.) So in all, the cover of this makes it look scarier than the story actually is. And lower grade readers seeking a little thrill in their pages should get that without any nightmares afterward. They may even get inspired to do a little creative writing/illustrating of their own and create some new monsters that could be in the notebook Alexander found. I have book two of this series also checked out, and I look forward to enjoying it too.
Notes on content: No language or sexual content. No violence really. The main character feels threatened, but shoe stealing and being bopped by a tough balloon and a balloon popping are the extent of the "violence."
Cummings has come up with a way to write a spooky story for lower grades that won't leave them traumatized. The monster is easily vanquished, and not in a gory way. The story rides that fine line of humor and horror well, and leans decidedly more towards the humor side. It's just enough ridiculous that even the lower grade kids this is aimed at will have an easy time sorting it into the fiction file and not real things that should creep you out and keep you awake file. And the illustrations don't just illustrate what the words say, they add to the atmosphere and story. (Especially the one showing the water tower of Stermont outside a window with the name looped continuously around so it starts with montSter.) During the adventure Alexander finds a notebook in the old abandoned school that is filled with notes on monsterous creatures. (All of which are delightfully creative and punny, like the Forkupine, a creature covered in forks and easily handled by distracting it with noodles which it likes to roll in.) So in all, the cover of this makes it look scarier than the story actually is. And lower grade readers seeking a little thrill in their pages should get that without any nightmares afterward. They may even get inspired to do a little creative writing/illustrating of their own and create some new monsters that could be in the notebook Alexander found. I have book two of this series also checked out, and I look forward to enjoying it too.
Notes on content: No language or sexual content. No violence really. The main character feels threatened, but shoe stealing and being bopped by a tough balloon and a balloon popping are the extent of the "violence."
October 5, 2017
My 6 year old read this and would not stop talking about it. He loved it so much that he asked me if I would read it, too. I did, and I've got to say this is such a cute, funny, and engaging early chapter book! I loved how it integrated funny illustrations, text features (such as maps, captions, and labels), and even had fun extension activities at the end of the book. The main character, Alexander, moves to a new city that seems to be very mysterious in a funny-creepy way. In this first book he is convinced that those inflatable "balloon goons" (usually found outside of businesses flapping around) are actually some kind of monsters out to get him. This book had just the right amount of suspense, a small mystery was solved, and also a bigger mystery was unveiled to keep the reader invested in the series. Super cute and fun book for kids just on the verge of chapter books (level M/N). This would also be a fun read aloud.
November 4, 2019
This was a funny and silly read that my boys loved and I thought was really entertaining! We will definitely read more!
January 11, 2014
Alexander has moved to a new town with his father. He immediately notices something strange about the town - there are a lot of those big bendy balloon guys around. The flapping fiends keep showing up in strange and unexpected places. And to make things even more crazy, air starts disappearing from everything - tires, footballs, bouncy houses, etc... As Alexander tries to fit in at his new school - which is temporarily being held in a hospital - he is also trying to solve a mystery that seems to only be bothering him. Oh yeah, I guess you could say it also is disturbing to the creator of a strange notebook full of bizarre monsters that Alexander stumbles upon. The black and white illustrations are silly and fun. Overall this story will appeal to boys in 1st through 3rd grades. However, it is not my favorite of the Branches series.
September 7, 2014
My lower elementary aged daughter read this book to me. Despite the title, this is not a scary book. She absolutely loved it and will be reading more in the series. A great chapter book for kids making the switch to chapter books - engaging, challenging without being too hard, and funny while still having a serious storyline.
September 24, 2016
This was pretty cute...and quite creepy. Not, like, "inappropriate" creepy--more like "creepy because I, too, am terrified of those arm-waving balloon men and this story confirmed that they are, in fact, demons who are out to attack me". I think this one is too young for my middle schoolers, but younger readers will like the suspense and humor. (If they're not afraid of balloon men.)
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September 15, 2016I think not real because if you find book DOOM and read then you have no idea what you read for this book DOOM or you want tell your family or friend make sure who are you and they think you are crazy or weird because no believe.
January 2, 2014
"My favorite part is when Alexander and Rip destroyed that balloon goon snake!"
August 29, 2016
By Jai'anna, age 9: The book was good. It was funny and it had balloon goons trying to attack the kids.
December 20, 2016
Dumb series, but for some reason popular at my library. Don't bother.
November 20, 2017
This Book 📚 is AMAZING 😉!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought this book 📚 was going to be very boring but it was AMAZING 😉
I thought this book 📚 was going to be very boring but it was AMAZING 😉
July 25, 2019
Adventure, humor, G-rated “scary” monster mystery. Can see why kids enjoy it.
September 10, 2021
A super-cute Branch book that I would definitely recommend to kids that enjoy mystery, spooky books, and comedy.
September 24, 2021
Also working our way through this (bouncing around the titles based on what is available at the library). JP enjoys it a lot.
October 2, 2023
This is so good I loved it is so good I would recommend this for a kid it is called the notebook of doom it is by Troy Cummings.
May 12, 2021
This is a great chapter book (series) for early/ young readers. My older son read through them all too as they're just that entertaining.
November 18, 2016
Rise of the Balloon Goons starts with Alexander and his dad moving to a new town. The biggest thing that a kid like Alexander should have to worry about when moving to an unfamiliar place is adjusting to a new school and making new friends. However, things aren't so simple. For starters, his school is temporarily set up in a hospital. But if that's not enough of a weird introduction to the town of Stermont, he notices an eerie presence of balloon goons throughout the town, and some strange things that going on that seem to be related to these balloon creatures. Air starts disappearing from things, leaving cars with deflated tires, bounce houses toppling down, and footballs laying lifeless on the ground. As if all of this isn't weird enough, Alexander finds the Notebook of Doom, a book describing all sorts of strange and otherworldly creatures... What is going on in this town?
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever had to move to a new unfamiliar place? How did it feel having to adapt to your surroundings and new people? If you haven't how do you think you would feel to be in that situation?
2. Where do you think the Notebook of Doom came from? Why did Alexander find it where he did?
3. Describe how Alexander changed and grew over the course of the story. Give examples, and explain why.
4. What are two examples of foreshadowing that happened in the book? Where you able to make predictions of what might happen before they came up in the story?
5. Activity- After seeing some of the monsters described in the Notebook of Doom, create your own notebook page describing a monster. Be sure to include a drawing of what the monster looks like, its characteristics, what it does, and how it can be defeated. Be creative!
Cummings, T. (2013). The notebook of doom #1: Rise of the balloon goons. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever had to move to a new unfamiliar place? How did it feel having to adapt to your surroundings and new people? If you haven't how do you think you would feel to be in that situation?
2. Where do you think the Notebook of Doom came from? Why did Alexander find it where he did?
3. Describe how Alexander changed and grew over the course of the story. Give examples, and explain why.
4. What are two examples of foreshadowing that happened in the book? Where you able to make predictions of what might happen before they came up in the story?
5. Activity- After seeing some of the monsters described in the Notebook of Doom, create your own notebook page describing a monster. Be sure to include a drawing of what the monster looks like, its characteristics, what it does, and how it can be defeated. Be creative!
Cummings, T. (2013). The notebook of doom #1: Rise of the balloon goons. New York, NY: Scholastic.
December 11, 2014
Alexander and his dad have just moved to a town called Stermont, and right away things get weird. A creepy balloon goon (you know, those dancing balloon guys that are sometimes outside stores?) smacks into their car. Not long after, Alexander and his dad discover that all four of their tires are flat. This means that Alexander will have to walk to his new school on the first day, but when he gets there the place is eerily empty and looks like it's being demolished. What is going on in Stermont? Will Alexander survive his first day at his new school? And what do those balloon goons have to do with all this? Find out in this funny, creepy adventure story that begins the Notebook of Doom series.
I liked some elements of this book, but overall it wasn't the best. The creepy atmosphere was pretty effectively done for a beginning chapter book, and the inclusion of creepy balloon guys, a school located in a hospital, and a giant bouncy castle hidden in the woods were pretty cool elements. Also, it appeared from the illustrations that Alexander and his dad might be African-American, but it was not addressed in the text. Overall, I think writing books at this reading level is probably pretty difficult, and while this one wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst either.
I would recommend this book to grades 2-3. It will appeal to fans of humor, creepy stories, and fantastical monsters. Readalikes might include books like Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger or the Frannie K. Stein series by Jim Benton.
I liked some elements of this book, but overall it wasn't the best. The creepy atmosphere was pretty effectively done for a beginning chapter book, and the inclusion of creepy balloon guys, a school located in a hospital, and a giant bouncy castle hidden in the woods were pretty cool elements. Also, it appeared from the illustrations that Alexander and his dad might be African-American, but it was not addressed in the text. Overall, I think writing books at this reading level is probably pretty difficult, and while this one wasn't the best, it wasn't the worst either.
I would recommend this book to grades 2-3. It will appeal to fans of humor, creepy stories, and fantastical monsters. Readalikes might include books like Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger or the Frannie K. Stein series by Jim Benton.
April 21, 2019
{My thoughts} – Alexander is the new kid in school. His first day of school is anything but normal. He and his dad stop at a diner to get some breakfast and when they come out their car has flat tires. Then his dad sends him to walk to school, but he ends up at the wrong building. It would appear that the school is actually in the middle of being torn down. While he is at the wrong building he finds a notebook with many different monsters listed in it. Then the principal of his school shows up and sends him to the right building the hospital.
This is where things get kind of funky. Alexander gets to school and learns that his class is held in the morgue. He also learns that another boy named Rip is nothing short of a bully. Rip tends to make things a little rough for Alexander at school. Next thing everyone knows is school is canceled for the rest of the day and they are all sent home.
The next morning is Alexanders birthday party. He’d not given out any party invitations, but still Rip shows up. The reason is because he stole one out of Alexander’s school bag when he was picking on him. Alexander soon learns that he can find friends in the most unlikely places and that the notebook he found appears to be true to what it claims.
If I were those two boys, I’d be apt to keep my distance from balloons for a very long time. This book was a fun read. It was funny and kinda scary at a small child’s level. I am sure that this series has the potential to be a big hit with many children. I look forward to reading the next book in the series soon.
This is where things get kind of funky. Alexander gets to school and learns that his class is held in the morgue. He also learns that another boy named Rip is nothing short of a bully. Rip tends to make things a little rough for Alexander at school. Next thing everyone knows is school is canceled for the rest of the day and they are all sent home.
The next morning is Alexanders birthday party. He’d not given out any party invitations, but still Rip shows up. The reason is because he stole one out of Alexander’s school bag when he was picking on him. Alexander soon learns that he can find friends in the most unlikely places and that the notebook he found appears to be true to what it claims.
If I were those two boys, I’d be apt to keep my distance from balloons for a very long time. This book was a fun read. It was funny and kinda scary at a small child’s level. I am sure that this series has the potential to be a big hit with many children. I look forward to reading the next book in the series soon.
June 2, 2019
*This review was verbally created by an 8-year-old boy, and transcribed by me*
My favorite character is Alexander, of course, because his name is my name.
I do not like the notebook’s drawings of the monsters because they’re hard to read and not part of the book! Well, I do like the pictures but not the writing and descriptions.
The speech bubble that said “Aaahhh!” for both Alexander and Rip was funny. And the balloon goon guys were really cool (and maybe creepy).
It wasn’t scary. It was a little hard to read but not many troubles . . . I just needed to sound the words out!
>< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< ><
From a parent’s perspective
So, we’re working our way up to chapter books with more writing and dialogue. I figured he’d like this because he’s into the “scary” stuff.
He did pretty well.
There were still pictures to look at, the plot wasn’t slow and it was very easy to follow along. Plenty of action and adventure.
He had a few troubles with some words but it wasn’t too hard for him. Which was great, because it won’t discourage him from reading others in The Notebook of Doom franchise.
I thought this book was adorable. I read it one night after we started and then knew what was going on when he read it.
There’s some bullying but they become friends and help each other out. I love that the whole book is mostly action and adventure, and the “scare” element is there from beginning to end.
My favorite character is Alexander, of course, because his name is my name.
I do not like the notebook’s drawings of the monsters because they’re hard to read and not part of the book! Well, I do like the pictures but not the writing and descriptions.
The speech bubble that said “Aaahhh!” for both Alexander and Rip was funny. And the balloon goon guys were really cool (and maybe creepy).
It wasn’t scary. It was a little hard to read but not many troubles . . . I just needed to sound the words out!
>< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< >< ><
From a parent’s perspective
So, we’re working our way up to chapter books with more writing and dialogue. I figured he’d like this because he’s into the “scary” stuff.
He did pretty well.
There were still pictures to look at, the plot wasn’t slow and it was very easy to follow along. Plenty of action and adventure.
He had a few troubles with some words but it wasn’t too hard for him. Which was great, because it won’t discourage him from reading others in The Notebook of Doom franchise.
I thought this book was adorable. I read it one night after we started and then knew what was going on when he read it.
There’s some bullying but they become friends and help each other out. I love that the whole book is mostly action and adventure, and the “scare” element is there from beginning to end.
May 27, 2013
Alex Bopp is new in town, and he has 3 fears: spending his first night in a new house, going to a new school, and making new friends. Turns out these three things are child's play when Alex discovers, The Notebook of Doom. The notebook describes all sorts of strange monsters, their fears, and their weaknesses. Alex can't believe what he's reading, until strange things involving balloon men start happening to him.
My Thoughts-
This is a really cute book. It states it is for k-2 readers, but some of the words and humor are older and I'm thinking more 3rd grade or up level. The author does a great job keeping the chapters small, usually just a couple pages, and the action rising.
There are also great hints at what is to come later in the series. I like the allusion that the old school is being torn down because it was dangerous (I wonder why?) and that the kids now go to school in the hospital. Alex's class is in the morgue.
I did not like that all the adults seemed to be either mean or idiots. I know kids think it is funny, but I don't like it.
The book is full of drawings, example pages from the Notebook of Doom, and funny side bits. Kids will like the flow and variety of the pages. Also, the bizarre monsters are hilarious. As an adult I enjoyed the wacky humor. I think early readers will love this book.
My Thoughts-
This is a really cute book. It states it is for k-2 readers, but some of the words and humor are older and I'm thinking more 3rd grade or up level. The author does a great job keeping the chapters small, usually just a couple pages, and the action rising.
There are also great hints at what is to come later in the series. I like the allusion that the old school is being torn down because it was dangerous (I wonder why?) and that the kids now go to school in the hospital. Alex's class is in the morgue.
I did not like that all the adults seemed to be either mean or idiots. I know kids think it is funny, but I don't like it.
The book is full of drawings, example pages from the Notebook of Doom, and funny side bits. Kids will like the flow and variety of the pages. Also, the bizarre monsters are hilarious. As an adult I enjoyed the wacky humor. I think early readers will love this book.
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