Backpack Stories [Hardcover]

Kevin O'Malley (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Grade Level: 2 and up

You don't think much about your backpack. It's just kind of dirty and crammed with stuff. But wait - did you know the backpack has a history? That it could be a superhero's secret weapon? Or an exploding science experiment? Or even a living creature of immense proportions? Kevin O'Malley has created four surprising comic-book style stories to entertain and amaze backpack wearers everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—This title will appeal to students because of its combination of silliness and colorfully graphic comic-book-style illustrations. Comprised of four short stories, each involving a backpack, the collection opens with a spoof, "History Man," on the origins of the backpack with a humorous time line that spans from the age of the caveman to the 21st century. In "Volcano," a science experiment goes awry with nasty results. A young girl transforms from Ordinary Ashley to "Jet: Super Backpack Girl" to combat disaster with the help of her backpack. In the final entry, "Day of the Living Backpack," the satchel appears to devour everything in its path and causes problems for its owner. O'Malley once again proves that he has a keen appreciation for the funny bones of his intended audience. Children will make room in their backpacks for this creative tribute to an object that has become an essential part of their everyday lives.—Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA END

Review

"Ordinary backpacks get humorous treatment in four brief stories, told in sequential art, that make good use of puns and tropes from comic books, TV and movies." Publishers Weekly

"A tongue-in-cheek history of backpacks from prehistory to the 21st century kicks off O'Malley's comics-inspired collection of four short tales....A pleasing diversion for anyone who's ever lugged a zillion-pound backpack." Kirkus Reviews

"[T]he simple pleasure of the snarky take on an all-too-familiar burden." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

IRA-CBC Children's Choices 2010 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807505048
• ISBN-13: 978-0807505045
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,221,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Illustrator Kevin O'Malley has written and illustrated a number of books, including "Little Buggy Runs Away" and the Miss Malarkey books by Judy Finchler. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 short graphic stories in one book, October 22, 2010

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Backpack Stories (Hardcover)

The common thread in all four stories in this collection is a backpack. Kevin O'Malley gets to show off the range of his illustrating talents -- each story has its own style.

It's a giggle-making book. My kids like "Day of the Living Backpack" the best.