Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd [Hardcover]

Mark Crilley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: K and up | Series: Akiko

Akiko's back! No longer simply a shy fourth-grade girl, she's become an intergalactic leader, taking her band of would-be heroes on a quest to find a kidnapped prince!

Armed with a map showing the way to Alia Rellapor's castle, Akiko, Mr. Beeba, Spuckler, Gax, and Poog are nearing the end of their mission. But first they have to scale the Great Wall of Trudd. Like the Great Wall of China only bigger, the Great Wall of Trudd stretches across the landscape -- there's no way around it, under it, or through it. So Akiko and the gang will just have to find a way to go over it!

But the Great Wall is just one of the many strange obstacles in their path that Akiko must overcome if she's finally to rescue Prince Froptoppit.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Japanese-American fourth-grader Akiko continues the interplanetary quest begun in Akiko on the Planet Smoo and Akiko in the Sprubly Islands (both Delacorte, 2000). With her odd assortment of companions, she is following Queen Pwip's instructions to find and rescue the lost prince Froptoppit. Based on a Japanese comic-book series, the episodic plot follows the company across the planet Smoo, as they encounter various weird creatures and strange obstacles. The book does not stand on its own, but takes up right where Islands left off. First, the adventurers have to surmount an enormous wall that stands across their path. Then they must cross a miles-long bridge with a long-abandoned restaurant in the middle. Throughout the story, they are warned of the coming of a mysterious villain; however, when he finally shows up, Akiko's disk-creature companion sends him away with little fuss. There is no plot resolution. The action simply stops abruptly-apparently to be continued in the next volume. The original graphic-novel format is reflected in the amusing black-and-white cartoons. The rivalry among the group members provides some humorous moments and the bizarre features of Smoo are intriguing. Akiko herself is a strong female character whose leadership holds her strange band together. However, this story will be confusing to readers unfamiliar with the previous books.-Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Praise for Akiko on the Planet Smoo:
"[A] stylish debut." -- Publishers Weekly

"The action is fast-paced and nicely illustrated . . . and Crilley's easy-reading, conversational style is appealing." -- Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385327277
• ISBN-13: 978-0385327275
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,407,105 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd, April 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd (Hardcover)

The third book in the series was the best so far! I have read all of the books in the series to my 6 year old. He has liked them all. But with the Wall of Trudd, he wanted to read more and more. It has great action in it. My interest was also kept by watching Akiko grow as a leader and a person. The characters continue to amuse and engage.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Quest Nears It's Conclusion....., April 11, 2002

By 

Daniel V. Reilly (Upstate New York, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd (Hardcover)

Continuing their quest to free the captured Prince Froptoppit, Akiko, Gax, Poog, Mr. Beeba, and Spuckler must get past one final obstacle: The huge Wall of Trudd. And waiting on the other side- Alia Rellapor and the mysterious Throck.....

Writer/Illustrator Mark Crilley continues to improve with each book, and this is the best one yet. The characters are great fun, and the situations they encounter are exciting, but nothing that would scare a younger reader. This would make a great bedtime story....

Make sure to check out the Akiko comics from Sirius Comics!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, August 6, 2001

By 

An 11-year old reader (Quincy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd (Hardcover)

I thought Akiko and the Great Wall of Trudd was one of the best books I've ever read. I love the series, and I hope for more. It's easy to read, and the characters are very interesting. My favorite characters are Gax and Spuckler, because Gax is a funny robot, and Spuckler is smart, strong and is kind of a ruffian.