Customer Reviews

The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Rarely does a children's book come along that appeals more to adults than kids (Shel Silverstein's "Uncle Shelby's A B Z Book" comes to mind), but for out and out cynicism nothing can beat Lane Smith's "The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country".

Smith has established himself as a major force in children's books winning many awards not only his zany illustration style that has graced many other authors' titles, but also for the stories he authors alone. His campy and somewhat bitter look at the world guarantees an amusing story, and his off-kilter approach endears him to children.

In this latest work, Smith revisits his Hocky family after more than a decade, this time putting the hapless city-dwellers out in the hollers of the country. Writing slice of life mini-stories, he follows the Hockys as they are overwhelmed by their new surroundings. Ineptly stumbling through the adjustment, they make the reader wonder if they will eventually be consumed by a pack of roaming wolves. Yet somehow, against all odds, the family turn its misfortunes into triumph at the conclusion.

The spare Art Deco meets Cubist illustrations are rendered on kraft paper-like pages and are charming in their retro look. The style makes it seem as if the world is coming apart at the joints. And while the appearance of the cover art and pages makes the book look "cheap" it is well made and definitely high quality.

Younger children will get lost in this book, though. The "wink-wink" style of humor will sail over most kids' heads, appealing more to adults. As a family that did just what the Hocky's did, jettisoning suburban life for a "Green Acres" existence, my wife and I howled at the scenarios the author depicts - they were spot on. Our son, though, didn't get the jokes, but still laughed because we were.

Loved the book, but maybe for mom and dad more than for the kiddies. Still, every child needs a book in his collection that mommy and daddy want to pick up and read first, and "The Happy Hocky Family Moves to the Country" is just that book.

This book *is* very very funny, but I think by the reviews I've read, people are missing the point. The Happy Hocky Family is happy - regardless. No matter what life throws at them, they always face it with optimism. So what if your favorite caterpillar turns into a butterfly and escapes? You still have the cool jar, right? Buy the book to laugh, but learn the lesson of the Hockys. Be happy - regardless. Life is too tragic to let the little things slip by unappreciated.

This book is totally hillarious. It's even funnier than the first one, which is hard to believe. My 11 year old son and I were laughing so hard reading it in the book store that people were looking at us. Buy it for a great laugh!

I picked up this book from the pile of Post-Modern picture books that my professor had on her desk for us to look through. Boy am I glad I happened to pick this one up! It was HILARIOUS! I have lived in the southern United States for a long time, so I could really relate to the country jokes. And they are just that... jokes. I don't think the author intended to offend anyone by them. I am certainly not offended. I think it's great to lightheartedly poke fun at one's life. Regardless, the ultimate message is to be happy in whatever situation, which the family is. I can't wait to read this book to my nieces, though I don't think they will get all of the jokes. I think it's brilliantly funny and creative, and I know I'll need it when I need a really good laugh.

I enjoy reading this to my son. He's too young to appreciate the humor, but he loves the illustrations. It makes reading fun for both parents and children.

A true to life tale of moving from the big city to the country. Really cute. My kids love this book!

I read this book for an english project recently. I really enjoyed the sense of humor the author created in this book. This book repeats words, so that children understand the meaning of the words. In the book, when they first moved to the farm, the Hocky family did not fit in. But they gave everything a second chance. They went to the country fair a year after they had lived in the country, and each of them won an award for a talent they had, or a vegetable they grew. This book is very inspirational, and is a great childrens learning book.

The one thing I did not like about this book, was that it was sort of odd, but the rest was great.

With this book I'm writing my first-ever negative review. I love reading, especially reading with my young son, and I can almost always find a way to see the bright side of a book. Not this one. I moved from the city to the country and I'm uninterested introducing my son to unwarranted stereotypes about country living... ones that are far afield enough that he wouldn't pick them up locally. The only events on the calender in the country are chili dinner fundraisers? Old houses leak inside? There is no place to take your raked leaves? Bunnies get big bellies from eating natural foods in the garden? I agree the campy pictures and the way Lane Smith writes are clever and interesting, but in spite of the overall message that it's important to let frustrating things in life roll off your back I wish the author had done so without giving the impression families need to change their perspective if they dare move to the country. That same find-a-happy-perspective could have been made without also taking cheap shots. I am publishing this review so that would-be-buyers realize the book isn't just fun. It also teaches things we might not want taught.