Cruel Kings and Mean Queens [Paperback]

Terry Deary (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Which king died after falling off the toilet? Why people thought King John was a werewolf? Why Queen Anne's feet were covered in garlic? This gruesome guide lets you into the secrets of our mad, menacing and murderous monarchs and the terrible times in which they ruled.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5?Jake's dog, Lance, and Jake's friend Andy accidentally exchange bodies when an experimental switching machine is activated. Now it is up to the boy and his other friends to figure out a means to reverse the situation before anyone else finds out. Humorous close calls arise, including the threat of taking Lance (really Andy) to obedience school and a groomer. Eventually, they are able to corral the two victims back to the machine, only to undergo a partial switch. The story concludes with Andy still exhibiting a very keen sense of smell. Youngsters will empathize with the predicaments in which Strasser's energetic boys find themselves and enjoy this light, entertaining read.?Cheryl Cufari, N. A. Walbran Elementary School, Oriskany, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. Fans of Strasser's other books in the Help! I'm Trapped series will want to read this easy, breezy story, in which eighth-grader Jake Sherman's dog, Lance, and Jake's best friend, Andy, are trapped in each other's bodies. Silly, slapstick situations abound: picture a best friend barking in school, eating dog food, chasing squirrels, and being a star pupil in obedience school. The story is briskly paced, and although it's fairly predictable, readers who want something to read just for fun won't mind. Suggest this to older reluctant readers, too. Chris Sherman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590542095
• ISBN-13: 978-0590542098
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Terry Deary writes both fiction and non-fiction. The Fire Thief was his 150th book published in the UK, this was followed by Flight of the Fire Thief and The Fire Thief Fights Back. Terry's books have been translated into 28 languages. His Horrible Histories series has sold 20 million copies worldwide. Terry has won numerous awards, including Blue Peter's Best Non-fiction Author of the Century.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very funny book., January 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cruel Kings and Mean Queens (Paperback)

It is about a boy that got turned by a machine into a dog and the dog turning into that human. The human goes around sniffing things while the dog puts his hands on his hips. There are alot of other silly things like that. I giggled all the way through.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Eh-, November 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cruel Kings and Mean Queens (Paperback)

I read the first few pages of this book and couldn't read anymore. It dragged the story out so much I couldn't read it. I think it was a good idea for the story, but not fast-paced enough for my liking. On the other hand, my friend lovews this book. She has read the whole series of Help! I'm Trapped . . . and reads them over and over. If you don't mind slow-moving books, I think you might like this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love That Book, October 3, 2000

By 

laurie forsyth (teXAS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cruel Kings and Mean Queens (Paperback)

If you like Todd Strasser books you will like Help Im Traped In Obedience School.I know I did. I loved it because its about people who switch places ,and one day a boy ,and a dog switch places, and the dog was suppose to go to obedience school so the kid went instead and knew everything.