OK, so this book is my newest favorite kid's book (before this it was The Phantom Tollbooth which I first read over 40 years ago!).
The True Meaning of Smekday
is the story of Gratuity "Tip" Tucci and her Boov alien friend, J-Lo, who must save Earth from another group of aliens -- the Grogs (or Nimrogs) who invaded after the Boovs. It's a buddy, road trip adventure, but along the way are hilarious indictments on everything from TV (the Boov have millions of channels, and the programming has gotten so ridiculous that each Boov spends time watching him or herself on TV constantly), to politics, to the US treatment of Native Americans, to yes, even Disneyland (the "Happy Mouse Kingdom"). But the best part of this book is the dialogue -- snappy, witty, and just plain hilarious. Even though the hero of this book is a girl, I think boys will like it too, since there is plenty of action, danger, shoot-outs, and car crashes. Rex has created a truly unique book and I can't wait to read more of them!
OK, so this book is my newest favorite kid's book (before this it was The Phantom Tollbooth which I first read over 40 years ago!). The True Meaning of Smekday
is one of those books that takes a concept -- here it's King Arthur -- and turns it on its head. Sometimes it works -- like with Ella Enchanted -- but this one didn't for me. This story follows a young girl named Gwyna who is taken in by Arthur's PR person, Myrddin (Merlin). It seems that Myrddin is in the business of making Arthur the greatest king that ever lived by creating stories about him that make him sound wonderful. The problem is, the Arthur in this book is a not bright, sadistic, bullying guy -- not the "real" Arthur of legend that I know and love. 
