Customer Reviews

Measle and the Wrathmonk

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Don't pay any attention to the School Library Journal review. While some of the means our heros use to defeat the villain do seem relatively far-fetched (one of the review's complaints), the book is very entertaining anyway. I've suspected for a while that some of the reviews Amazon finds, like this one, are by people who merely skimmed the book, and I believe this review proves it. Contrary to the review, a half-inch boy never outruns a four-inch cockroach in this book. Or rather, he does, but he has a real big headstart. In fact, it's clear from reading the book that the cockroach actually can run much faster than our hero, so he has to outwit him instead.

This is a thoroughly entertaining children's book. For children there is just enough "scary" tension to have them worried about what could happen to Measle. The book demonstrates that even at a young age one is capable of facing fear and rising to confront adversity. It also shows that teamwork is important. It's a fun story despite the horrible situation Measle finds himself in. It's a great adventure for the age group it was written for.

If you have no objections to magic and wizardry, and you think that Harry Potter is not appropriate for your child, this could fill the bill. In fact, I think I enjoyed this as much as Harry Potter, if not more. (But I really hate comparing it to Harry Potter because the targeted age group is different, and I think this book stands on its own merits.)

I can't wait for the next "outbreak" of Measle`s predicaments.

Any 4-6 grader who loves action and/or fantasy will love this book! Ogilvy writes an exciting story encompassing everything from a tortured orphan to a bat-like beast, from a mysterious train set to a giant cocroach, and thrilling chase scenes to tunneling through a table! It is highly imaginative, and his excellent understanding of action pushes the reader through the well written scenes with little effort. Aside from a slightly contrived twist at the end, this is a well written and easily read book for any young person.

I really really like this book and have read it several times. I hope other readers won't be intimidated by the creepy cover and title because trust me, if you read this you'll want your own copy. This book is really exciting and suspenseful.

i love this book!it's my favorite so far!not done with it yet though.

Why is Measle Stubbs so afraid of his guardian, Basil Tramplebone? Is it his slithering, hissing way? Might it be those pointed, yellow teeth? Probably most ten-year-old boys would not be happy living in the shadow of the strange and frightening Basil. But Measle has no choice, as he is an orphan and must now live miserably in his guardian's dark, cold house. The one nice thing is the room at the top of the house that contains a most marvelous train set. Sometimes, when Basil is working on the train, he allows Measle to watch. But despite these moments of happiness, Measle is terribly nervous about something that lurks overhead and seems to be watching his every move.

Measle's real adventure begins when he dares to play with Basil's train and is caught. The mad wizard, or "Wrathmonk," quickly shrinks Measle to the size of one of the little village people. It doesn't take long for the clever Measle to figure out that Basil has been doing some really evil spells and that many of the "villagers" are real people turned into plastic. He accidentally discovers that, by feeding them carrot bits, they can become real again. Becoming real helps them all realize that perhaps together they can escape from Basil's horrible spell. However, in order to do this, they must come up with intelligent plans and face some formidable adventures. By far the most fun comes when they reverse one of Wrathmonk's spells and turn him into a giant cockroach!

This is a fun little book with just the right amount of scary. Like Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, it will be an especially popular selection for grades 4 through 6. There is a sequel on the way, so the adventures of Measle and his friends are just beginning.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

Throw in an ordinary boy named Measle, a completely insane dark wizard, a mysterious train set, 6 very small people, 1 very little brave dog, and a whole dump truck full of danger and you've got a wonderful adventure story with non-stop action and magic.

Out of all the books I've gone through, this is by far the best in all aspects of reading. If you don't believe me, read it yourself. =)))

Measle and the Dragodon is the sequel to the successful Measle and the Wrathmonk and the second in Ian Ogilvy's epic Measle series of book which chronicle the adventures of Measle Stubbs. These books are very entertaining as they are a bit like Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events but with magic. The second book is sort of an epic, quest type of story in which Measle is living with his doting parents in glam Merlin Manor when they are kidnapped by a gang of Wrathmonks [mad warlocks] who want revenge for the death of Measle's ex-guardian, Basil Tramplebone [he got what he deserved]. The Wrathmonks take Measle's parents to the Isle of Smiles, a sinister abandoned theme-park in the middle of the ocean. The Wrathmonks are being manipulated by a creature whose name isn't revealed but who is the last survivor of a powerful race of beings known as the Dragodons. Now Measle must go on a quest to the Isle of Smiles, into the catacombs and engage the Dragodon in an almighty battle with the fate of the world at stake.
A dramatic climax, a good villain, a convincing plot and rather disgusting [Roald Dahl disgusting, not vulgar disgusting]humour make Measle and the Dragodon an entertaining book to say the least. I'm currently on the third in the series, Measle and the Malockee.

Measle and the Wrathmonk is one of the most interesting books our family has read in a long time. The imagery of the house that Measle inhabits is so vivid, as are all of the characters, including the adorable dog, Tinker. It is such a delight to find a book that peaks your curiosity, and allows your imagination to get flowing once again! We can't wait for the next adventure of Measle to begin!

I reluctantly started reading this book to my not-quite-eight-year-old son at the suggestion of a friend. I worried it might be too dark for him, but rather, he loves it. And I do, too.

The story is riveting and the writing, superb. We read two or three chapters at a time, because we just can't put it down.

The best part is the positive spin on the lead character, Measle, who, though just a boy, comes up with a plan that saves the day. It's a great message for my son, and great fun for me to watch him so engaged in a story without pictures.