Customer Reviews

The Lizard Man of Crabtree County

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

 

 

Lucy Nolan's wonderful "The Lizard Man of Crabtree County" is perfect for the kid who thinks nothing ever, ever happens. James Arthur is such a kid, living in Crabtree County, when one day he hears from his mother that someone has sighted, well, a LIZARD MAN! James Arthur is terrifically excited and decides to keep an eye peeled for the creature. But the harder he tries to spot him, the less luck he has.

It would be giving away too much to say anything more, but suffice it to say that both author Nolan and illustratur Jill Kastner have a terrific sense of humor. Kastner's thickly painted, colorful illustrations suit the text beautifully and add a visual element of laughter to the funny story. Great good reading all around, especially for kids who think that life is just one great big yawn.

If the number of times a child begs you to read a story is any indication of her enjoyment of it, then be prepared to memorize this one line-by-line, because if you don't, she will! We enjoyed this story of a litle boy making an adventure out of an imagined "horror" so much because of the great illustrations and the build-up to his final discovery. What makes the author's deadpan humor understandable to a child is if you read it in a twangy, southern "bubba" style. That alone will get your kid laughing. There's nothing like using different voices and dramatic inflections to help a child understand and "get it". This is one book you must add to your child's library!

I've read this book countless times - neither myself, my husband, or my son understand it. We're not stupid, we swear. I SO wanted to like AND understand this book. Maybe the subtlety is better suited for a YA or adult novel???? I don't know. For our tiny family, there's nothing worse than a book that makes us feel stupid.

Very creative and entertaining book. The author has a wonderful imagination and all my nephews have enjoyed reading this book over and over again.

My favortite book of the summer. I have recommended it to everyone! A very funny story about how a boy who, unbeknownst to himself, becomes the talk of the town.

This book is really hysterical. The text is deadpan, but the pictures let you in on the secret joke. A lot of fun!