The Search for Vile Things: Volume One [Hardcover]

Jane Hammerslough (Author), Marilyn Scott-Waters (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: The Search For Vile Things

What if Lemony Snicket were nonfiction?

Vile Things is a series of science-based natural history books in which the reader will be transported around the world by the opinionated, eccentric, and insatiably inquisitive narrator, Ephemra Churlyshe. Ephemra's cast of relations include nephew Maldred, wee niece Nettle, creepily quiet cousin Rune, & accident-prone Tode. Imagine the Addams family riding on the Magic School Bus. Each title is a place-based "encyclopedia" filled with exotic and fascinating "curiosities," including animals, plants, insects, strange customs, odd history, geology, climate, diseases, and ancient artifacts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JANE HAMMERSLOUGH is the author of more than twenty-five books for young readers, including Parents' Choice Award Winner Owl Puke, and Dino Poop with Scholastic. She and her family live in California.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Reference (December 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439908884
• ISBN-13: 978-0439908887
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,286,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lush and informative, an adventure for the eyes, December 1, 2008

By 

JR Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Search for Vile Things: Volume One (Hardcover)

The Search for Vile Things is a beautifully illustrated book, full of the best kind of information for fans of the gross in nature. I had no idea there were so many strange and interesting plants and animals in Indonesia. The little boy Maldred's drawings are roughly charming throughout, and provide an excellent counterpoint to the beautifully accurate and delicate renderings provided on every page. This is an excellent book for teaching children about life science and observation, without making it seem like teaching. This is a fantastic gift book for any young inquisitive mind.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!, February 10, 2009

By 

Ronald R. Smith "Rohnbo" (Brooktown USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Search for Vile Things: Volume One (Hardcover)

Not just for boys, this book is a wonderful, informative, and entertaining gift. I really love the fabulous illustrations by Marilyn Scott-Waters!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun story and a feast for the eyes, December 8, 2008

By 

Book Lover in NorCal (Woodland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Search for Vile Things: Volume One (Hardcover)

This book is charming, original, and entertainingly vile. It's great for kids who like to say "ick!" who will likely say in the next breath "more, more, more!" I learned about all kinds of critters I'd never heard of before. The story is delightful and the illustrations by Marilyn Scott-Waters are lovely, beautifully colored and a pleasure to view. I also LOVED the "kid's drawings" (by one of the characters) that were interspersed throughout.