Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever! [Paperback]

Stephen McCranie (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: May 12, 2011 | Age Range: 8 and up | Series: Mal and Chad (Book 1)

Mal is a super kid genius and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it. What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure . . . even if the time-traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom.

Introducing the first in a series of illustrated chapter books by talented newcomer Stephen McCranie that are laugh-inducing, clever, and full of heart. Give this to any kid who's a reluctant reader or is just leaving picture books and be prepared to answer the question: "When can I read the next one?"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen McCranie lives in New Mexico. Mal and Chad was first created for Stephen's college newspaper.

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (May 12, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399252215
• ISBN-13: 978-0399252211
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.6 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen McCranie is the writer and illustrator for the Mal and Chad all-ages graphic novel series. Stephen grew up drawing comics from an early age. He eventually earned a Fine Arts degree at the University of New Mexico. Stephen originally created Mal and Chad as a comic strip for the UNM school newspaper. You can read this strip in its entirety as well as find other fun stuff, at www.malandchad.com!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Graphic Novel August 10, 2011

By Mr. S

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Mal and Chad is a fantastic graphic novel, perfectly geared for the second-fourth grade set. One of the things about this graphic novel that really appealed to me was that Mal isn't a trouble maker, or a talking pickle, or a Pokemon, but instead feels more like an authentic, genuine, kid (though of course one with super intelligence and a talking dog, think Jimmy Neutron). The issues he faces, including the assignment that drive this book, are ones students can easily understand, relate to, and enjoy reading about. My only complaint is that the illustrations are in black and white, but you only notice the color's absence on the first few pages.

This is a great book to get on your shelves, and into the hands of any reluctant reader, or a student that needs to be forcefully removed from the Wimpy Kid series (we all know those). Enjoy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A grand adventure May 12, 2011

By Andy Shuping

Format:Paperback

LibraryThing Early Review program

Imagine "Dexter's Laboratory," "Jimmy Neutron," and a dash of "Calvin & Hobbes" and you've got a pretty good idea of what "Mal and Chad" is like. And please don't take that as me saying that Stephen has co-opted these other guys for his own, no no...Mal and Chad is unique in it's own way. Mal and Chad started off as a webcomic and sadly Stephen is no longer continuing it. The good news though? You can still read the archives and he's working on the next book in the series. And that is an excellent thing.

Mal is a supergenius, pure and simple. But he doesn't want to let the rest of the world know what he can do, because he doesn't want to have to be an adult just yet. So he hides his genius, even from the bully/"braniac" of the class who routinely implies Mal isn't smart and Mal hides his intelligence from him Mom and the girl he likes, Megan, as well. The only one that knows of Mal's genius is his best pal Chad...a dog gifted with intelligence and a voice thanks to Mal's genius. This book follows Mal and Chad on their first adventure together, as Mal explores what he wants to be when he grows up. And along the way they explore deep sea diving, aliens, dinosaurs, and just maybe Mal and Megan get to know each other a little bit better as well. And at the end Mal does learns something even more important about himself.

This is a fantastic read, regardless of age. Even though Mal is a supergenius, he's one that we can all relate to. When he invents something he isn't using out of the world materials, but common everyday objects, such as old vacuum cleaner and a broken down elevator. And who among us can't relate? Stephen's tapped into memories and dreams of childhood and put them on the page for everyone to explore together in the form of best friends, Mal and Chad. Stephen's writing is simple and easy to read and his drawing style evocatively catches the everyday world and gives new life to it. I highly recommend this book to children young and old.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Grade Schoolers June 28, 2011

By Chrissy

Format:Paperback

My son, just 7, was the first person to check this out from our library this week. He was completely enthralled. It was the "funniest book I've ever read". I looked over the book and found it had a lot to offer him. The vocabulary is fairly simple for 2-3rd grade reading level. It was a good story with high interest with lots of "action", but still appropriate for this age (not violent or gross). There were a few difficult vocabulary words that are well supported by the text and repeated in the stories, so that he will actually learn them. We are very pleased and were hoping there were more to BUY - This is a keeper, and a perfect gift or vacation read for a great 1st grade reader and many grades beyond!