Overall Dip FactorThe best thing about this series is that it is evolving with every book. In this book a collection of Mick’s friends are integral to the action, and Mick and Finley’s globe-trotting Uncle George makes an important (and life-saving!) appearance. The addition of so many extra characters gave the story a fresh energy, and as each of the characters is a bit quirky and unusual, the group of friends has quite a collection of unexpected skills and resources to hand, which is lucky when terrifying monsters seem to pop up around every corner. This book, like the others, is a reasonably quick read and the clever pacing means that there is no time to sit on one’s hands, as the action unfolds so quickly. I’d highly recommend this one, especially to male readers of middle grade age.
The story itself was rich with adventure, friendship, and tension that would be perfect for any young reader. It was fun, but also was layered in with a lot of heart. As well as tackling werewolves, Mick also tackles things like what it means to be a leader, family conflicts, as well as other meaningful moments throughout. (I was especially fond of Padraig’s issues with the insult of “Dog Boy,” in contrast to how Booger Face not only accepted his name, but owned his identity.) I could not recommend this book, and the rest of the series, more to anyone with young readers. I can totally see many kids falling in love with the author’s creative reimagining of creatures, as well as the heartfelt and delightful cast of characters. TL; DR: All in all, 4/5 stars. A riveting adventure and a delightfully creative approach to werewolves.
How to Protect Your Neighborhood from Circus Werewolves was a quick, easy read with a ton of action and humor right from the start! Definitely felt like this one had higher stakes, which made it that much more interesting. Young readers will love this!
How To Protect Your Neighborhood From Circus Werewolves (Slug Pie Story #4) by Mick Bogerman is for readers who are eight to twelve years old and enjoy a thrilling science-fiction/fantasy story. It has an exciting plot, and the characters are amusing, realistic and likable. With Mick appointed as their leader, the boys are running from werewolves, running with werewolves and chasing werewolves. It is an exciting escapade that will keep the reader occupied until the lycanthrope dilemma is resolved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love thrillers. It is a hair-raising adventure that you don't want to miss! It was a pleasure to read something so entertaining and well-written.
One of the things I appreciate about these stories, beyond the creepiness not exceeding my low tolerance level (though the ick factor was a bit much thanks to the appropriately nicknamed Booger-Face demonstrating a particular “skill”), is the portrayal of positive relationships. Mick’s group of friends is socio-economically diverse and continue to learn to work together. In addition, Mick has a good relationship with little brother Finley, his uncle, and readily admits to loving his mom. With so many books with young protagonists relying on negative portrayals of adults to facilitate the circumstances leading to the adventure, it is nice to have a story that doesn’t make all of the adults stupid. evil, or negligent..
Another quick, fun and entertaining read from the Slug Pie Stories series. Though this is the fourth book, the prior stories are mentioned just enough to make the reader curious but not enough to prevent it being easily read as a stand-alone. Perfectly suited for intermediate and lower middle grade readers who enjoy horror, supernatural creatures, and adventures stories.
