Customer Reviews

Weird Stories from the Lonesome Cafe

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Here we have a book written by Judy Cox and illustrated by Diane Kidd. When I first laid eyes on this book the first thing that came to my mind was the descriptive term "The dynamic Duo." My goodness! Do a bit of research and take a look at what these two writers have produced over the past few years.

Weird Stories from the Lonesome Café is specifically written for young folks (and I have to be truthful with you - for older folks too), that have a sort of quirky outlook on life and a rather dry sense of humor - an understated sense of humor to be exact. I read this book to a group of students recently and to be honest with you completely messed the reading up as I kept snickering and giggling throughout the reading which sort of broke the rhythm of the story. But giggles I found are contagious and I quickly found I had a room full laughing with me.

This story is about a young lad to is living with is uncle who is an author over summer vacation while his folks are gone. His uncle Clem has purchased a small café in the middle of nowhere in the waste land of Nevada. He has done this so he can write. Uncle Clem's chief complaint is that "Nothing ever happens here," ergo, there is nothing to write about. Oh my! How wrong he is. This story is told by the young boy and to be quite frank, the boy is somewhat more observant and somewhat brighter than his uncle Clem the writer.

Imagine having Big Foot as your chief cook. Santa Clause as your repairman, Elvis as your bread delivery guy and then throw in Dorothy and Toto and a space alien for good measure. Add to this a very typical and somewhat obnoxious television news team and you have quite a tale on your hands.

The humor is subtle. The gentle fun being poked at the clueless news team is quite fitting as is the nice but rather clueless Uncle Clem. The young boy telling the story is the bright one; the observant one and holds the entire story together quite well.

The author, Judy Cox indulges in some very nice word play which is absolutely delightful. What the younger reader will miss, most adults will certainly pick-up on. When you throw in the black and white cartoon illustrations by Diane Kidd you have a complete winner here.

The only complaint I have about this entire work is that there appears to be no sequels and this story simply cries out for one, two three and more...this would make a wonderful series and I admit that I crave more!

Give yourself a treat and pick this one up. I promise you will not be sorry.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

I read this short chapter book while passing some time in an elementary library and was delighted with the genuine humor and the breezy writing of this original tale. Adults who read this story aloud to their children will enjoy the humor as much as their kids, and readers who have graduated to chapter books will find this one funny and entertaining.

I'm always impressed when I come across a fresh storyline in a children's book, and this tale of the mysterious (yet strangely familiar!) visitors to the Lonesome Cafe is definitely an original idea.

I truly enjoyed reading this book with my son. Anyone that purchases it will not be disappointed with the beautiful illustrations or stories. This is a delightful tale that both children and adults can enjoy. But don't take my word for it, read it for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

This hilarious little volume is a perfect gift for that child who sees things just a little bit off center. Herein, we meet old friends--who are up to some surprising new activities. Ever wonder what Santa does in the off season? The quirky, charming illustrations add another dimension. I laughed out loud at the portrait of Bigfoot as a short order cook. Adults and children will enjoy the subtle satire of an insatiable media unable to locate any real story--even when it's right under their noses.