About This Book:
*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
Living with thieves
What worked:
The contrast in values between Theo and the rest of his family creates an amusing conflict. Theo cannot lie and gets a stomachache whenever he tries. He refuses to steal and feels stressed when he’s aware of his family’s thieving ways. His parents are crooks, his little sister wants to become a crook, and his grandmother lives in jail for being a crook. Living in that environment forces Theo to frequently deal with opposing emotions. He loves his family but he abhors breaking the law.
The book includes some interesting features that will appeal to emerging and reluctant readers. The opening pages present pictures and descriptions of each main character. Almost every page has a color illustration to enhance the story and help readers visualize the events. After the resolution, the author provides a short quiz to help readers recall important events and they can read the first chapter of the book’s sequel. Some fun pages allow readers to create their criminal names and determine the type of criminals that best fit them. It’s all in fun!
What didn’t work as well:
The synopsis reveals way too much information. The narrator recounts events in the plot but it doesn’t enhance the story with description or character development. Consequently, the book can be read in one sitting or a couple of days for those who need more time.
The final verdict:
The humorous tone and abundant pictures make the story more approachable and young readers will hopefully appreciate Theo’s honesty. This book is a quick read that should appeal to kids learning to read or those without the stamina to read for an extended time.
