Benny Santiago And The Mask Of Mortimer Muerto [Paperback]

Jesse Tate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Not-Earth, that wonder world of absurdity, is doomed. But what's this--a twelve year old rescuer? Roll on the mayhem! Benny Santiago's first days as a person with extreme talent and abilities (superhero is so last-year) are very tough, especially since he doesn't even know yet what his talent and abilities are. Joining forces with a clever new friend, Alma Patch, in search of the two Toms from Jugo Juice, Inc., their paths collide with Doctor Vert and Señor Snert (a couple of Planet Bandits from the world of Hert), as well as retired pirates turned restaurateurs; an almost-invisible, elf-like cowboy ape; a hog and dog recovery agent; and the most diabolical belch ever created. With tons of puns, a lot of alliteration, and more spoonerisms than you can stake a shick at, Benny Santiago and the Mask of Mortimer Muerto is a must read for kids, adult kids and senior citizen kids alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jesse Tate lives in Oregon and teaches elementary school. His goal is to create a book that wins the Newbery Medal or to win a medal for creating a new berry-whichever comes first. He is always cooking up new projects, and you can check out his blog with the latest happenings at his website, www.jessetate.com. About the illustrator: Thomas James is an illustrator and graphic designer located in Portland, Oregon, where he follows his passion for the way that illustration brings art to our everyday world, enhances our lives, and helps to tell great stories in a visual way. Much more of his work can be found at thomasjamesillustration.com. The images in this book are dedicated to his muse, Melissa Wenzel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Plowshare Media (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982114559
• ISBN-13: 978-0982114551
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 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: #3,886,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars For young and old alike..., September 20, 2010

By 

Tom Tweed (La Jolla, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Benny Santiago And The Mask Of Mortimer Muerto (Paperback)

While targeted for the middle-grade reader, especially young Latinos, as an adult I still found this romp through "Not-Earth" by a 12-year-old superhero looking for his special powers to be delightful and often hilarious. The subtle social commentary and positive message are skillfully woven around an epic journey through a sci-fi landscape that is imaginative and original, reinforced by extremely skillful illustrations and characters that jump off the page and into your brain.

I would recommend this to anyone as a light, entertaining read. Sharing it with a child could make it even more special. Looking forward to Benny Santiago's next adventure....