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Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody #1
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
From the best-selling author of A Monster Calls, this funny, wise middle-grade series explodes every stereotype—including what it means to be a hero—in a brilliant reptilian take on surviving school.
When Principal Wombat makes monitor lizards Zeke, Daniel, and Alicia hall monitors, Zeke gives up on popularity at his new school. Brought in as part of a district blending program, the monitor lizards were mostly ignored before. Reptiles aren’t bullied any more than other students, but they do stick out among zebras, ostriches, and elk. Why would Principal Wombat make them hall monitors? Alicia explains that it’s because mammals are afraid of being yelled (hissed) at by reptiles. The principal’s just a good general, deploying her resources. Zeke balks, until he gets on the wrong side of Pelicarnassus. More than a bully, the pelican is a famed international supervillain—at least when his mother isn’t looking. Maybe the halls are a war zone, and the school needs a hero. Too bad it isn’t . . . Zeke. Smart, relatable, and densely illustrated in black and white for graphic appeal, this middle-grade series debut by a revered author returns to his themes of grief, bullying, and negotiating differences—but with zeal and comic relief to spare.
When Principal Wombat makes monitor lizards Zeke, Daniel, and Alicia hall monitors, Zeke gives up on popularity at his new school. Brought in as part of a district blending program, the monitor lizards were mostly ignored before. Reptiles aren’t bullied any more than other students, but they do stick out among zebras, ostriches, and elk. Why would Principal Wombat make them hall monitors? Alicia explains that it’s because mammals are afraid of being yelled (hissed) at by reptiles. The principal’s just a good general, deploying her resources. Zeke balks, until he gets on the wrong side of Pelicarnassus. More than a bully, the pelican is a famed international supervillain—at least when his mother isn’t looking. Maybe the halls are a war zone, and the school needs a hero. Too bad it isn’t . . . Zeke. Smart, relatable, and densely illustrated in black and white for graphic appeal, this middle-grade series debut by a revered author returns to his themes of grief, bullying, and negotiating differences—but with zeal and comic relief to spare.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
About the author
Patrick Ness
44 books18.5k followersPatrick Ness, an award-winning novelist, has written for Radio 4 and The Sunday Telegraph and is a literary critic for The Guardian. He has written many books, including the Chaos Walking Trilogy, The Crash of Hennington, Topics About Which I Know Nothing, and A Monster Calls.
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he currently lives in London.
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he currently lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 27, 2024
“’I’m making you both Hall Monitors,’ Principal Wombat said, though she quickly added, ‘This isn’t because you’re monitor lizards.’”
From award-winning novelist Patrick Ness, a school story aimed at nine-year-olds that will just as easily appeal to sixty-nine-year-olds, enhanced by illustrations in Tim Miller’s individual style. Anyone who isn’t laughing out loud on the first page has no fun in them. But anyone with a heart will also be choking up during certain bits of Zeke’s story. And Ness gives us all important things to consider, stuff that many school kids have to face daily: bullying, violence and intimidation, fat-shaming, insensitivity to disabilities, mental health issues, and being type-cast. But he does it with humour: there are laughs on nearly every page.
There’s a quirky cast that includes monitor lizards, one of whom has France on his knee, a wombat school principal, a wildebeest teacher, a pony, some egrets, a hawk in sunglasses, and a nasty pelican with supervillain ambitions. Ness gives his protagonist some loyal and brave friends, who spout wise words and offer sound advice, which is needed, because there’s a battle to win if the school is to be saved from destruction. The start of a series? Yes, please! Hugely imaginative and very funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Walker Books Australia.
From award-winning novelist Patrick Ness, a school story aimed at nine-year-olds that will just as easily appeal to sixty-nine-year-olds, enhanced by illustrations in Tim Miller’s individual style. Anyone who isn’t laughing out loud on the first page has no fun in them. But anyone with a heart will also be choking up during certain bits of Zeke’s story. And Ness gives us all important things to consider, stuff that many school kids have to face daily: bullying, violence and intimidation, fat-shaming, insensitivity to disabilities, mental health issues, and being type-cast. But he does it with humour: there are laughs on nearly every page.
There’s a quirky cast that includes monitor lizards, one of whom has France on his knee, a wombat school principal, a wildebeest teacher, a pony, some egrets, a hawk in sunglasses, and a nasty pelican with supervillain ambitions. Ness gives his protagonist some loyal and brave friends, who spout wise words and offer sound advice, which is needed, because there’s a battle to win if the school is to be saved from destruction. The start of a series? Yes, please! Hugely imaginative and very funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Walker Books Australia.
September 21, 2024
“’I’m making you both Hall Monitors,’ Principal Wombat said, though she quickly added, ‘This isn’t because you’re monitor lizards.’”
From award-winning novelist Patrick Ness, a school story aimed at nine-year-olds that will just as easily appeal to sixty-nine-year-olds, narrated in audio by Robert G. Slade, whose rendition has to make up for missing out on the illustrations in Tim Miller’s individual style. Anyone who isn’t laughing out loud on the first page has no fun in them. But anyone with a heart will also be choking up during certain bits of Zeke’s story. And Ness gives us all important things to consider, stuff that many school kids have to face daily: bullying, violence and intimidation, fat-shaming, insensitivity to disabilities, mental health issues, and being type-cast. But he does it with humour: there are laughs on nearly every page.
There’s a quirky cast that includes monitor lizards, one of whom has France on his knee, a wombat school principal, a wildebeest teacher, a pony, some egrets, a hawk in sunglasses, and a nasty pelican with supervillain ambitions. Ness gives his protagonist some loyal and brave friends, who spout wise words and offer sound advice, which is needed, because there’s a battle to win if the school is to be saved from destruction. The start of a series? Yes, please! Hugely imaginative and very funny.
From award-winning novelist Patrick Ness, a school story aimed at nine-year-olds that will just as easily appeal to sixty-nine-year-olds, narrated in audio by Robert G. Slade, whose rendition has to make up for missing out on the illustrations in Tim Miller’s individual style. Anyone who isn’t laughing out loud on the first page has no fun in them. But anyone with a heart will also be choking up during certain bits of Zeke’s story. And Ness gives us all important things to consider, stuff that many school kids have to face daily: bullying, violence and intimidation, fat-shaming, insensitivity to disabilities, mental health issues, and being type-cast. But he does it with humour: there are laughs on nearly every page.
There’s a quirky cast that includes monitor lizards, one of whom has France on his knee, a wombat school principal, a wildebeest teacher, a pony, some egrets, a hawk in sunglasses, and a nasty pelican with supervillain ambitions. Ness gives his protagonist some loyal and brave friends, who spout wise words and offer sound advice, which is needed, because there’s a battle to win if the school is to be saved from destruction. The start of a series? Yes, please! Hugely imaginative and very funny.
October 3, 2024
Gdziekolwiek nie zawędrowałby Patrick Ness w swych próbach literackich, wszędzie przynosi ze sobą powiew świeżości; równocześnie jaśniejąc w samotnych czterech ścianach swych powieści, niezaprzeczalnie. Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody przypomniało mi, jak tęskniłam za taką szczerością w literaturze dziecięcej, trochę słodko-gorzką.
Jaszczurka nie jest nikim, ma imię, Zeke. Jednak poczucie widzialności czasami niesie ze sobą ciężar, zwłaszcza, gdy nie jest się pewnym, jak inni cię dostrzegają ani ile w tym prawdy. A sprawa staje się jeszcze potworniejsza, gdy akurat zauważy cię największy szkolny zbir – pelikański syn największej złoczyńczyni świata.
Nie jestem pewna, czy to kwestia jakiegoś wyjątkowego pociągu autora do dziwacznej strony życia, naginania fikcji do najgłębszych pragnień i wychodzenia poza pudło, czy też naturalnego sposobu postrzegania świata (bo jakże zachwycający byłby ten obraz) Nessa. Wiem jednak, że każda jego powieść, nowelka i opowiadanie zdołało zauroczyć mnie swoimi dziwactwami, urzec postaciami nieprzefiltrowanymi w swoich uczuciach, wytrącić mnie z równowagi, pociągnąć mnie ze sobą bez kompromisu i przyprószyć moją wyobraźnię o rumieniec, uśmiech czy zachwyt. I nie inaczej było z tą malutką powieścią dla dzieci, opowieścią o szkole dla zwierząt, jaszczurce i czarnym psie nawiedzającym jej mamę.
Naprawdę jest to literatura dziecięca, nie musicie postępować po niej ostrożnie, z pewnością możecie podzielić się nią z kochanymi dziećmi. W Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody odnajdziecie szkołę dla zwierząt, bardzo podobną do naszych podstawówek, gdzie każda grupa stworzeń ma określone cechy osobowości i zwyczaje; postacie są dowcipne, słodkie, barwne i w perspektywie dziecięcej czaderskie. Wiąże się z nimi ciekawa refleksja, kto tworzy naszą tożsamość i co wpływa na nasz charakter, ta kwestia może stać się wyjątkowo ważna dla docelowej grupy czytelników (a nawet dla starszych czytelników). Spotkacie się też tutaj z cudownym humorem (znając pozostałe powieści Nessa wiedziałam, że na pewno będzie łapać mnie z zaskoczenia), wspaniałymi zwrotami akcji (było kilka takich scen, które szczególnie osunęły moją szczękę na podłogę, uwielbiam te małe dziwne cudy tego autora) i prawdami dziecięcymi, które nie tracą na wartości z żadnym pokoleniem, wypowiedzianymi bardzo szczerze i z wyrozumiałością. Dzieciaki z pewnością zachwycą pewne sceny akcji (ach, ci superzłoczyńcy pelikany), fantazyjne obrazy i kreacje głównych bohaterów. Jednak największą wartość stanowią oczywiście kwestie poruszane w powieści, takie jak odnajdywanie własnej tożsamości, podejmowanie się odpowiedzialności, radzenie sobie z ciężkimi emocjami, stawanie naprzeciwko problemowi znęcania się w szkole oraz… przechodzenie żałoby po ukochanych osobach oraz bycie obecnym dla tych zmagających się z chorobą. Oprószone są pięknymi, słodko-gorzkimi metaforami; obraz czarnego psa stającego na straży doprowadził mnie do łez, i to wiele razy, a kwestia… kolana głównego bohatera była jednym z najbardziej fantazyjnych i dowcipnych zwrotów akcji, z którymi spotkałam się w tym gatunku. Co tu owijać w bawełnę, buzia otworzyła mi się szeroko i byłam przeszczęśliwa, ogromnie zaskoczona. Ten wątek jest świetnie przeprowadzony. Warto również zwrócić uwagę na to, jak w świecie Patricka Nessa wszyscy są widziani; w powieści pojawiają się postacie z niepełnosprawnością, chorobą oraz bohaterowie ze społeczności LGBTQ+. Jest to przedłużenie tego, o co autor dzielnie walczy w życiu prywatnym i publicznym, oraz piękne przypomnienie dla dziecięcych czytelników, jak my wszyscy nadajemy życiu tak samo wielką wartość. Z pewnością mogą pojawić się głosy, że treści wskazane przeze mnie są zbyt dojrzałe, poważne czy przeciążające dla dzieci, lecz nawet nie zdajemy sobie sprawy, jak już dostrzegają to wszystko w swoim otoczeniu, są świadome. Nie tylko fikcyjnych bohaterów dotykają pewne zjawiska, a książki posiadają niepowtarzalną mocą czynienia ludzi mniej samotnymi. Jaśniejącymi, widzialnymi.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody zaczyna się dość niepozornie, towarzyszyło mi uczucie, że w jakiś sposób jestem nie na miejscu. Jednak szybko porwał mnie ten szalony świat, pełen kolorów i obrazów jak z marzeń, a nieubłaganie powiązany ze zdarzeniami o znaczeniu. Patrick Ness napisał śliczną, ciepłą, poruszającą, ciut zagadkową i wprawiającą w zdumienie powieść dla dzieci, przypominającą dorosłym czytelnikom o tych wszystkich małych sekretach skrytych w ich sercach, a dzieciakom ukazującą ich barwne, troszeczkę inne, lecz jak najbardziej prawdziwe odzwierciedlenie. Ten autor lubi tańczyć na granicy absurdu, lecz to wariactwo zawsze ma swoją godność i znaczenie. Zdecydowaniem polecam czytelnikom małym i dużym.
Nie jestem przyzwyczajona do Patricka Nessa wracającego do swoich bohaterów, a tu takie niespodzianki! Do zobaczenia w Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance, udomowione bestyjki.
Jaszczurka nie jest nikim, ma imię, Zeke. Jednak poczucie widzialności czasami niesie ze sobą ciężar, zwłaszcza, gdy nie jest się pewnym, jak inni cię dostrzegają ani ile w tym prawdy. A sprawa staje się jeszcze potworniejsza, gdy akurat zauważy cię największy szkolny zbir – pelikański syn największej złoczyńczyni świata.
Nie jestem pewna, czy to kwestia jakiegoś wyjątkowego pociągu autora do dziwacznej strony życia, naginania fikcji do najgłębszych pragnień i wychodzenia poza pudło, czy też naturalnego sposobu postrzegania świata (bo jakże zachwycający byłby ten obraz) Nessa. Wiem jednak, że każda jego powieść, nowelka i opowiadanie zdołało zauroczyć mnie swoimi dziwactwami, urzec postaciami nieprzefiltrowanymi w swoich uczuciach, wytrącić mnie z równowagi, pociągnąć mnie ze sobą bez kompromisu i przyprószyć moją wyobraźnię o rumieniec, uśmiech czy zachwyt. I nie inaczej było z tą malutką powieścią dla dzieci, opowieścią o szkole dla zwierząt, jaszczurce i czarnym psie nawiedzającym jej mamę.
Naprawdę jest to literatura dziecięca, nie musicie postępować po niej ostrożnie, z pewnością możecie podzielić się nią z kochanymi dziećmi. W Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody odnajdziecie szkołę dla zwierząt, bardzo podobną do naszych podstawówek, gdzie każda grupa stworzeń ma określone cechy osobowości i zwyczaje; postacie są dowcipne, słodkie, barwne i w perspektywie dziecięcej czaderskie. Wiąże się z nimi ciekawa refleksja, kto tworzy naszą tożsamość i co wpływa na nasz charakter, ta kwestia może stać się wyjątkowo ważna dla docelowej grupy czytelników (a nawet dla starszych czytelników). Spotkacie się też tutaj z cudownym humorem (znając pozostałe powieści Nessa wiedziałam, że na pewno będzie łapać mnie z zaskoczenia), wspaniałymi zwrotami akcji (było kilka takich scen, które szczególnie osunęły moją szczękę na podłogę, uwielbiam te małe dziwne cudy tego autora) i prawdami dziecięcymi, które nie tracą na wartości z żadnym pokoleniem, wypowiedzianymi bardzo szczerze i z wyrozumiałością. Dzieciaki z pewnością zachwycą pewne sceny akcji (ach, ci superzłoczyńcy pelikany), fantazyjne obrazy i kreacje głównych bohaterów. Jednak największą wartość stanowią oczywiście kwestie poruszane w powieści, takie jak odnajdywanie własnej tożsamości, podejmowanie się odpowiedzialności, radzenie sobie z ciężkimi emocjami, stawanie naprzeciwko problemowi znęcania się w szkole oraz… przechodzenie żałoby po ukochanych osobach oraz bycie obecnym dla tych zmagających się z chorobą. Oprószone są pięknymi, słodko-gorzkimi metaforami; obraz czarnego psa stającego na straży doprowadził mnie do łez, i to wiele razy, a kwestia… kolana głównego bohatera była jednym z najbardziej fantazyjnych i dowcipnych zwrotów akcji, z którymi spotkałam się w tym gatunku. Co tu owijać w bawełnę, buzia otworzyła mi się szeroko i byłam przeszczęśliwa, ogromnie zaskoczona. Ten wątek jest świetnie przeprowadzony. Warto również zwrócić uwagę na to, jak w świecie Patricka Nessa wszyscy są widziani; w powieści pojawiają się postacie z niepełnosprawnością, chorobą oraz bohaterowie ze społeczności LGBTQ+. Jest to przedłużenie tego, o co autor dzielnie walczy w życiu prywatnym i publicznym, oraz piękne przypomnienie dla dziecięcych czytelników, jak my wszyscy nadajemy życiu tak samo wielką wartość. Z pewnością mogą pojawić się głosy, że treści wskazane przeze mnie są zbyt dojrzałe, poważne czy przeciążające dla dzieci, lecz nawet nie zdajemy sobie sprawy, jak już dostrzegają to wszystko w swoim otoczeniu, są świadome. Nie tylko fikcyjnych bohaterów dotykają pewne zjawiska, a książki posiadają niepowtarzalną mocą czynienia ludzi mniej samotnymi. Jaśniejącymi, widzialnymi.
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody zaczyna się dość niepozornie, towarzyszyło mi uczucie, że w jakiś sposób jestem nie na miejscu. Jednak szybko porwał mnie ten szalony świat, pełen kolorów i obrazów jak z marzeń, a nieubłaganie powiązany ze zdarzeniami o znaczeniu. Patrick Ness napisał śliczną, ciepłą, poruszającą, ciut zagadkową i wprawiającą w zdumienie powieść dla dzieci, przypominającą dorosłym czytelnikom o tych wszystkich małych sekretach skrytych w ich sercach, a dzieciakom ukazującą ich barwne, troszeczkę inne, lecz jak najbardziej prawdziwe odzwierciedlenie. Ten autor lubi tańczyć na granicy absurdu, lecz to wariactwo zawsze ma swoją godność i znaczenie. Zdecydowaniem polecam czytelnikom małym i dużym.
Nie jestem przyzwyczajona do Patricka Nessa wracającego do swoich bohaterów, a tu takie niespodzianki! Do zobaczenia w Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance, udomowione bestyjki.
April 6, 2024
thanks to edelweiss and walker books for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
this is Patrick Ness's first middle-grade book (and certainly would not be his last since this would be a series, according to the blurb). And it's been a looooooooong time since I've read a middle grade book, only read this because of the author, and I'm far from being the target audience so it's quite hard to rate. But...
it's a fine [first] book. The characters seems fun and quirky, some are more fleshed out compared to others, which is understandable since it's a very short book for middle-graders. And it's quite a quick read (for me at least), just one sitting.
The themes it would like to tackle like grief but mostly stereotyping is a bit lacking, since this book focuses on just a few different animal characters. Would like to see a more different animal characters in the next book, as part of the "main character" gang. I appreciate Ness adding symbolism(s) here and there and hoping the target audience appreciate them, too.
this is Patrick Ness's first middle-grade book (and certainly would not be his last since this would be a series, according to the blurb). And it's been a looooooooong time since I've read a middle grade book, only read this because of the author, and I'm far from being the target audience so it's quite hard to rate. But...
it's a fine [first] book. The characters seems fun and quirky, some are more fleshed out compared to others, which is understandable since it's a very short book for middle-graders. And it's quite a quick read (for me at least), just one sitting.
The themes it would like to tackle like grief but mostly stereotyping is a bit lacking, since this book focuses on just a few different animal characters. Would like to see a more different animal characters in the next book, as part of the "main character" gang. I appreciate Ness adding symbolism(s) here and there and hoping the target audience appreciate them, too.
June 1, 2024
Zeke and his friend Daniel have just been appointed hall monitors for their school. “This isn’t because you’re monitor lizards.”
“But all the other hall monitors have been monitor lizards.”
“Coincidence!” declares principal wombat.
A book that makes me smile on the first page is usually a winner & Ness doesn’t let me down with this one.
The story is a madcap mix of animal characters - my favourite being Miel the blind red tailed hawk. Miel means honey in French, do you know why Zeke should have known this - because the country of France is situated on Zeke’s knee…Ness explains this much better than I could 😂
This book has plenty of humour but the way that bullying, young carers, mental health issues, loss, families & friendships are woven in is what sold it to me. The middle grade target audience may well see themselves represented here and if they don’t then it will most definitely build empathy for those children that they’re mixing with that may be going through hard times.
“But all the other hall monitors have been monitor lizards.”
“Coincidence!” declares principal wombat.
A book that makes me smile on the first page is usually a winner & Ness doesn’t let me down with this one.
The story is a madcap mix of animal characters - my favourite being Miel the blind red tailed hawk. Miel means honey in French, do you know why Zeke should have known this - because the country of France is situated on Zeke’s knee…Ness explains this much better than I could 😂
This book has plenty of humour but the way that bullying, young carers, mental health issues, loss, families & friendships are woven in is what sold it to me. The middle grade target audience may well see themselves represented here and if they don’t then it will most definitely build empathy for those children that they’re mixing with that may be going through hard times.
Read
November 16, 2024A perfect book. I heard Ness in conversation with Claire Mabey last weekend, and this weekend I needed a book that is both funny and deeply compassionate. Set — without any explanation — in a school for animals, Ness brings together slapstick humour (hawks can't help but YELL WHEN THEY TALK, the school supplies manager is an asshole pony, theres much discussion of the wombat principal's armoured butt) with big childhood problems: bullying, fat shaming, parental depression. the end let good triumph over evil so that the book remains exciting rather than moralistic, but the themes of the power of friendship and the need to remain open to hope shine through.
June 16, 2024
Много приятна детска книжка, която покрива темите за приятелство, училище, тормоз, домашни проблеми, и какво е чувството да имаш държава на коляното (на всеки се е случвало).
July 21, 2024
This was just lush. Zeke is a wonderful lizard and he’s got some brilliant friends. I chuckled along to this. It’s touching and it’s warm; the stuff with his mam just made me want to hug them both. It’s silly at times. The hawk really made me laugh. Recommend to all. I loved the illustrations throughout too.
June 2, 2024
Patrick Ness and Tim Miller can do no wrong <3
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September 15, 2024Zeke and Daniel have just become Hall Monitors but Principal Wombat assures them it’s not because they’re monitor lizards. Alicia, their monitor lizard friend, is also a Hall Monitor.
I’m usually a fan of zany goings-on; my childhood was essentially one big Roald Dahl reread. I love kid’s books but this one didn’t sit right with me.
I was confused.
Pelicarnassus, who sees himself as a supervillain in training, has a mother you definitely don’t want to mess with. Saying that Pelicarnassus’ mother won’t let him do something dastardly when she’s literally a supervillain didn’t make sense. Neither did her response to her son unleashing his evil plan.
Also, Zeke has France on his knee.
My fuddy duddy was on full display. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so old.
I didn’t think the language used was always appropriate for the target audience (9+). When I was a kid, saying ‘crappy’ or ‘ass’, because I undoubtedly would have repeated them if I’d read them, would have gotten me into trouble.
I also wouldn’t have even considered discussing my Principal’s butt.
I lost count of the amount of times Pelicarnassus called Zeke ‘fat’.
I was pretty literal at that age and wouldn’t have known a black dog can be a symbol for depression.
I liked Miel, the red-tailed hawk, who doesn’t appear to have a volume control. I thought I liked Alicia, especially when I found her relatable.
For a book that claims there’s no excuse for violence, there’s a fair amount of it in its pages. All of the main characters use violence to varying degrees. I’m all for standing up for yourself and your friends but not when it involves punching, pinching and pushing.
There are some glowing reviews for this book so I’d encourage you to read those before deciding if this is the book for you. Plenty of reviewers have found humour where I found red flags. While I was intrigued after reading the blurb, I’m clearly not the audience for this book.
Thank you so much to Walker Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
“Coincidence”Being cold blooded and from a less affluent area than most of the other students already sets them apart. This new job is likely to make things even worse, especially when the school bully, Pelicarnassus, and his two egret sidekicks (both called Norman) find out.
I’m usually a fan of zany goings-on; my childhood was essentially one big Roald Dahl reread. I love kid’s books but this one didn’t sit right with me.
I was confused.
Pelicarnassus, who sees himself as a supervillain in training, has a mother you definitely don’t want to mess with. Saying that Pelicarnassus’ mother won’t let him do something dastardly when she’s literally a supervillain didn’t make sense. Neither did her response to her son unleashing his evil plan.
Also, Zeke has France on his knee.
My fuddy duddy was on full display. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so old.
I didn’t think the language used was always appropriate for the target audience (9+). When I was a kid, saying ‘crappy’ or ‘ass’, because I undoubtedly would have repeated them if I’d read them, would have gotten me into trouble.
I also wouldn’t have even considered discussing my Principal’s butt.
I lost count of the amount of times Pelicarnassus called Zeke ‘fat’.
I was pretty literal at that age and wouldn’t have known a black dog can be a symbol for depression.
I liked Miel, the red-tailed hawk, who doesn’t appear to have a volume control. I thought I liked Alicia, especially when I found her relatable.
But she was also kind of happy that she only had two friends in Zeke and Daniel, because any more "would be really tiring", she once said, "and I think I'm kinda lazy."Then she played into my biggest problem with this book.
One swift pinch of an ear, one assertive push behind a knee, and Kevin the yak was down without even entirely realizing that he'd fallen.Recently I heard someone say that nothing makes it okay to use your body to solve a problem and, while I’ve never thought any differently, I’d never heard it explained like that before and I absolutely loved it.
For a book that claims there’s no excuse for violence, there’s a fair amount of it in its pages. All of the main characters use violence to varying degrees. I’m all for standing up for yourself and your friends but not when it involves punching, pinching and pushing.
There are some glowing reviews for this book so I’d encourage you to read those before deciding if this is the book for you. Plenty of reviewers have found humour where I found red flags. While I was intrigued after reading the blurb, I’m clearly not the audience for this book.
Thank you so much to Walker Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
September 23, 2024
Very funny, issue-filled animal school surprise from Ness.
I've read almost every Ness YA novel. And loved them. Seeing his name attached to a book intended for a younger market was a surprise, but I grabbed this instantly.
For a few pages I wasn't sure what I was reading, but when I clicked and I realised the simple-seeming 'school bully' story was actually a lot more than that, I trusted in the writing and enjoyed it.
It's definitely got its age range firmly in mind - two best monitor lizard friends are working out that Principal Wombat (yes he is) has given them 'hall monitor' sashes because of their breed. Even if one of them is tiny, and the school bullies ignore their new status anyway.
Zeke is already sensitive that he's on the large size too, but with his Mum at home being followed around by a 'black dog' since his dad died, and now a new student, a blind hawk screeching out strange and deep thoughts at them, there's already a lot on his plate. And that's not to mention son-of-a-local-supervillain Pelicarnassus, the class bully and with his sights set firmly on taking down Zeke and his friends after a run-in.
What feels like a standard issue story somehow transforms into an all-out quirky hero-fest by the end, which may come as a surprise to readers (and any parents sharing the story). This definitely takes the genre further than most, probably with Ness's experience of The Rest of Us Just Live Here in mind.
Over-the-top in some respects, and very down-t0-earth in others, with some memorable and realistic characters housed in animal skins. Never would have thought to see an evil bully pelican, so there you go.
Great black and white illustrations add to the story and do help you picture the interacting breeds and species in this unique school.
For ages 8/9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I've read almost every Ness YA novel. And loved them. Seeing his name attached to a book intended for a younger market was a surprise, but I grabbed this instantly.
For a few pages I wasn't sure what I was reading, but when I clicked and I realised the simple-seeming 'school bully' story was actually a lot more than that, I trusted in the writing and enjoyed it.
It's definitely got its age range firmly in mind - two best monitor lizard friends are working out that Principal Wombat (yes he is) has given them 'hall monitor' sashes because of their breed. Even if one of them is tiny, and the school bullies ignore their new status anyway.
Zeke is already sensitive that he's on the large size too, but with his Mum at home being followed around by a 'black dog' since his dad died, and now a new student, a blind hawk screeching out strange and deep thoughts at them, there's already a lot on his plate. And that's not to mention son-of-a-local-supervillain Pelicarnassus, the class bully and with his sights set firmly on taking down Zeke and his friends after a run-in.
What feels like a standard issue story somehow transforms into an all-out quirky hero-fest by the end, which may come as a surprise to readers (and any parents sharing the story). This definitely takes the genre further than most, probably with Ness's experience of The Rest of Us Just Live Here in mind.
Over-the-top in some respects, and very down-t0-earth in others, with some memorable and realistic characters housed in animal skins. Never would have thought to see an evil bully pelican, so there you go.
Great black and white illustrations add to the story and do help you picture the interacting breeds and species in this unique school.
For ages 8/9 and above.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
November 6, 2024
I’m a huge fan of Patrick Ness and his YA novels and this was not at all what I was expecting. A school of various animals which had the vibe of illustration and feel of Mr Wolf’s Class, another big favourite of mine. Zeke is a Monitor Lizard and he and his other monitor lizard friends are delighted to be given the job of hall monitor. Unfortunately his first hall victim causes trouble for him which sets up the whole book. Zeke’s mum is clearly mentally ill, he manages himself well but deals with the darkness by being grateful for his friends. I just love the whole gentle humour, compassion and love of this book, the scary resource assistant who is a pony, the firm but fair principal who is a wombat, the pelican bully, the blind hawk who shouts. The only thing stopping this being a 5 that I found interesting but just a bit bizarre and may lose the attention of some readers is the weird France on the knee thing. You have to read it to understand it because I can’t possibly explain it.
February 2, 2024
Insanely funny first book in a new Middle Grade series by Patrick Ness!
September 17, 2024
Zeke is surprised to be made a hall monitor at his school along with his friend Daniel. But Principal Wombat assures them that it's NOT because he is a monitor lizard. They do get to wear red sashes to make them more official, but this doesn't impress pelican - Pelicarnassus.
Pelicarnassus rules the school with his strong beak and bravado, but the fact that he has two backup bully egrets named Norman, probably helps. He ignores Zeke's polite request to go to the Principal's office for not having a hall pass. Unfortunately this escalates into a trip to Principal Wombat's office for both of them.
Even after things are smoothed over, things definitely have not cooled off - especially for Pelicarnassus. After all, his mum is the local super-villain and he is a super-villain in training. He vows revenge and begins his plan without Zeke even realising.
The result is total chaos, acts of bravery, jets flying around the classroom, the entire country of France up in arms (the story will explain this), and a bully reconsidering his position on things.
As much is this book is funny, and a little bit bonkers, it also deftly delves into mental health (the black dog), fat-shaming, intimidation and school bullying, and stereotyping. Except instead of with people, race or religion, it is the behaviour of animal classmates.
Main characters Zeke, Daniel and Alicia are very likeable creatures. Daniel is a caring, thoughtful monitor lizard. Although smaller than her friends, Alicia is the one most likely to stand up for them all, and Zeke is large, kind and dealing with stuff he is too young to have on his shoulders.
My favourite character is Miel - a red-tailed hawk who is blind, but looks cool perching on the playground jungle gym in his sunglasses. Being a hawk, he can't help but screech everything, which is hilarious.
Each character has their own personality, including Principal Wombat with the iron hard bum (which she uses quite successfully) and a snarky pony teacher aide in charge of the school supplies. I wonder if author - Mr Ness had a teacher aide like that in his past?
This is imaginative, funny, and like nothing else I've ever read. I'm a huge fan of Patrick Ness' work and wasn't sure what I'd find in this first episode in his new middle grade series. But like no other, Ness has surprised me yet again.
I think young readers are going to love the animals, the randomness of certain parts of the story, and the good guys up against a bully.
Pelicarnassus rules the school with his strong beak and bravado, but the fact that he has two backup bully egrets named Norman, probably helps. He ignores Zeke's polite request to go to the Principal's office for not having a hall pass. Unfortunately this escalates into a trip to Principal Wombat's office for both of them.
Even after things are smoothed over, things definitely have not cooled off - especially for Pelicarnassus. After all, his mum is the local super-villain and he is a super-villain in training. He vows revenge and begins his plan without Zeke even realising.
The result is total chaos, acts of bravery, jets flying around the classroom, the entire country of France up in arms (the story will explain this), and a bully reconsidering his position on things.
As much is this book is funny, and a little bit bonkers, it also deftly delves into mental health (the black dog), fat-shaming, intimidation and school bullying, and stereotyping. Except instead of with people, race or religion, it is the behaviour of animal classmates.
Main characters Zeke, Daniel and Alicia are very likeable creatures. Daniel is a caring, thoughtful monitor lizard. Although smaller than her friends, Alicia is the one most likely to stand up for them all, and Zeke is large, kind and dealing with stuff he is too young to have on his shoulders.
My favourite character is Miel - a red-tailed hawk who is blind, but looks cool perching on the playground jungle gym in his sunglasses. Being a hawk, he can't help but screech everything, which is hilarious.
Each character has their own personality, including Principal Wombat with the iron hard bum (which she uses quite successfully) and a snarky pony teacher aide in charge of the school supplies. I wonder if author - Mr Ness had a teacher aide like that in his past?
This is imaginative, funny, and like nothing else I've ever read. I'm a huge fan of Patrick Ness' work and wasn't sure what I'd find in this first episode in his new middle grade series. But like no other, Ness has surprised me yet again.
I think young readers are going to love the animals, the randomness of certain parts of the story, and the good guys up against a bully.
October 29, 2024
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is, as far as I can tell, the first middle-grade book from renowned author Patrick Ness, who usually writes YA novels. It is also the first book in a new series, with the second book due to be released next year.
Patrick Ness is known for having a very creative imagination and that comes across strongly with our main characters, best friends Zeke and Daniel who are monitor lizards. They attend a school for animals and have just been given the role of hall monitors, although it has nothing to do with them being monitor lizards, nothing whatsoever!!
The pair, along with another lizard who is a hall monitor too, Alicia, have to walk the corridors in school making sure no students are out of their class when they shouldn’t be, but some students are easier to control than others, like Pelicarnassus, who is a supervillain’s son and hates lizards.
From the blurb and the cover I was expecting a complete and utter giggle-fest from beginning to end with this book, especially as I love slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humour but I found the story quite lacking in that department.
The plot is good fun, the characters are well-developed and likeable, and the story contains some wonderful life lessons. The illustrations are amazing too. I did enjoy the read I just couldn’t find the funny and I’m so mad I couldn’t as I love Patrick Ness’ work.
I hope it might just be me and that youngsters will devour this clever and bonkers tale and find it more hilarious than I did.
Patrick Ness is known for having a very creative imagination and that comes across strongly with our main characters, best friends Zeke and Daniel who are monitor lizards. They attend a school for animals and have just been given the role of hall monitors, although it has nothing to do with them being monitor lizards, nothing whatsoever!!
The pair, along with another lizard who is a hall monitor too, Alicia, have to walk the corridors in school making sure no students are out of their class when they shouldn’t be, but some students are easier to control than others, like Pelicarnassus, who is a supervillain’s son and hates lizards.
From the blurb and the cover I was expecting a complete and utter giggle-fest from beginning to end with this book, especially as I love slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humour but I found the story quite lacking in that department.
The plot is good fun, the characters are well-developed and likeable, and the story contains some wonderful life lessons. The illustrations are amazing too. I did enjoy the read I just couldn’t find the funny and I’m so mad I couldn’t as I love Patrick Ness’ work.
I hope it might just be me and that youngsters will devour this clever and bonkers tale and find it more hilarious than I did.
September 28, 2024
A weird story, actually quite disarmingly so. It's about how we deal with bullies, and features a child character with a depressed mother, but is set in a world of animals at school. So our hero is one of three monitor lizards chosen to be hall monitors, just coincidentally of course, we have a secondary character who SHOUTS IN CAPS all the time – and the main lizard has the actual that there France, on his knee, due to an ancient family curse. Of course. It's all done in a kind of knockabout way, with witty use of chapter titles that repeat or go OTT on the foreboding, as necessary, but for great swathes that knockaboutness really does make you doubt the point of all this. It truly is a game of 'trust the author' – and with someone else at the helm I may have been persuaded to think this not for me and ditch it. It's also written in a way that makes me feel this is very American, which could further throw the reader for whom hall monitors are unknown quantities, and supply staff in schools mean something way different to what we have here.
The fact this really won't be for everyone – and I include the target audience in being divided over that – makes me think this wasn't quite working as intended. It almost felt like it was a minor Ness, BY DESIGN, and gets a minor score as a result – three and a half stars.
The fact this really won't be for everyone – and I include the target audience in being divided over that – makes me think this wasn't quite working as intended. It almost felt like it was a minor Ness, BY DESIGN, and gets a minor score as a result – three and a half stars.
July 30, 2024
I... think... I loved... this book?
I would appreciate it if you'd read it and let me know if I'm totally off base. Because I'm really not sure I trust my opinion here.
It's a weird book about animals. It's funny and feel a little light. But it still manages to take on racism and depression effectively. And the main character has the literal country France on his knee*. I don't think I've ever read a book quite like it and, in this case, I'm not sure whether or not that's a good thing.
So what did you think? Book Club starts when you make it over. I'll be on the back porch with beverages and stuff to make s'mores. The park's so quiet at night these days - it'll just be us and the crickets singing. So tell me what you really thought.
*I was reading this during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics. Culture Wars aside, I think we can all agree that anything that has both Gojira and Celine Dion and boats is objectively batshit crazy. I kept thinking about this ceremony taking place on Zeke's knee and juxtaposing the book with the event allowed both to make a little more sense, kind of. In a country-on-a-knee kind of way at least.
I would appreciate it if you'd read it and let me know if I'm totally off base. Because I'm really not sure I trust my opinion here.
It's a weird book about animals. It's funny and feel a little light. But it still manages to take on racism and depression effectively. And the main character has the literal country France on his knee*. I don't think I've ever read a book quite like it and, in this case, I'm not sure whether or not that's a good thing.
So what did you think? Book Club starts when you make it over. I'll be on the back porch with beverages and stuff to make s'mores. The park's so quiet at night these days - it'll just be us and the crickets singing. So tell me what you really thought.
*I was reading this during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics. Culture Wars aside, I think we can all agree that anything that has both Gojira and Celine Dion and boats is objectively batshit crazy. I kept thinking about this ceremony taking place on Zeke's knee and juxtaposing the book with the event allowed both to make a little more sense, kind of. In a country-on-a-knee kind of way at least.
November 9, 2024
This is one of the hardest reviews I have ever written and I took a long time to reflect on it, weeks actually before I could find the words to say. I'm not giving this book 1-star because the writing was bad or the plot was stupid, this book is getting 1-star because the emotions that it made me feel was unlike anything I had ever experienced before and I really really really didn't like that feeling. It made me feel terrible in a way I had never felt terrible before. It was like this book was trying to make me laugh, while also pulling at some super heavy issues and it just didn't mix. This isn't exactly the same thing, but it's kinda like a dead baby joke. You find yourself laughing, but then at the end you realize it's a dead freaking baby you are laughing at. I get the allegory, but this was not "When a Monster Calls", it was something so oddly strange and left me feeling dirty and gross.
I know this is a harsh review, seriously "When a Monster Calls" is a top 10er for me, but I have to get this out. I feel like typing these words are in some way therapy for me getting over this story.
I know this is a harsh review, seriously "When a Monster Calls" is a top 10er for me, but I have to get this out. I feel like typing these words are in some way therapy for me getting over this story.
September 29, 2024
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is perfect for those preferring their middle grade fiction with a side of belly laughs.
Written by the wonderful Patrick Ness, with captivating illustrations by Tim Miller this new chapter book will entice readers into the world of Zeke and his lizard friends.
Principal Wombat makes Zeke and Daniel hall monitors, which by the way, has absolutely nothing to do with the fact they are monitor lizards, however the course of true responsibility does not run smoothly. Throw in a pompous pelican super villain and bedlam reigns.
Amongst all the chaos and crazy fun this book also cleverly touches on some sensitive themes such as inclusion, depression and the positive power of friendships. A beautiful example of how children’s literature can take you into another world, in order for our young people to explore their own.
This would also make a hilarious read aloud for teachers to share with their middle grade students and to start some thought-provoking discussions.
Thank you @walkerbooks for sending a copy our way.
Written by the wonderful Patrick Ness, with captivating illustrations by Tim Miller this new chapter book will entice readers into the world of Zeke and his lizard friends.
Principal Wombat makes Zeke and Daniel hall monitors, which by the way, has absolutely nothing to do with the fact they are monitor lizards, however the course of true responsibility does not run smoothly. Throw in a pompous pelican super villain and bedlam reigns.
Amongst all the chaos and crazy fun this book also cleverly touches on some sensitive themes such as inclusion, depression and the positive power of friendships. A beautiful example of how children’s literature can take you into another world, in order for our young people to explore their own.
This would also make a hilarious read aloud for teachers to share with their middle grade students and to start some thought-provoking discussions.
Thank you @walkerbooks for sending a copy our way.
September 4, 2024
I am not the target audience for this book, but I love Patrick Ness, so I thought I’d go ahead and read it anyway. I think it was actually very well done - it’s funny and a little absurd, but it also tackles real issues in an age-appropriate yet solid way. It would definitely be a great pick for an elementary/middle school library.
While disability wasn’t a big part of this book, I think the depiction of Miel (a blind hawk) was actually really well done even if it wasn’t a focus. Many books fall into tropes and lowkey offensive nonsense about disabilities, but this one avoided those well. Miel’s blindness is depicted as an actual disability that sometimes requires help and accommodation, but his character still has agency, and he isn’t treated as a pity case or inspirational to the non-disabled characters. That’s honestly a low bar, but when so many books fail to meet that bar, I think it’s worth pointing out that this one did.
While disability wasn’t a big part of this book, I think the depiction of Miel (a blind hawk) was actually really well done even if it wasn’t a focus. Many books fall into tropes and lowkey offensive nonsense about disabilities, but this one avoided those well. Miel’s blindness is depicted as an actual disability that sometimes requires help and accommodation, but his character still has agency, and he isn’t treated as a pity case or inspirational to the non-disabled characters. That’s honestly a low bar, but when so many books fail to meet that bar, I think it’s worth pointing out that this one did.
October 27, 2024
Just imagine now, that Patrick Ness applies his keen eye for human nature to this #kidlit title, with nuance of social commentary and a big heart.
The lizards have been bused from a poorer part of town within the school district, to get different types of students to mix together.
Zeke, Daniel and Alicia, the monitor lizards, have been made, well…monitors who need to keep the peace in the hallways.
They come up against Pelicarnassus, the son of a supervillain, “but so far the only thing he had managed to invade was other people’s personal space…” 🤔
Life is tough for Zeke, whose father has died and whose mother, in her depressed state, can barely look after him. He makes a friend out of Miel, a blind hawk who SHOUTS TALKS because he can’t see 😂
This book had so much quirk, which makes it so classic Ness, a favourite author in this household. Think pelican robot suits and France, who lives on a knee. Yes, you read that correctly!
📚: @definitelybookskids (Advance Reader Copy)
The lizards have been bused from a poorer part of town within the school district, to get different types of students to mix together.
Zeke, Daniel and Alicia, the monitor lizards, have been made, well…monitors who need to keep the peace in the hallways.
They come up against Pelicarnassus, the son of a supervillain, “but so far the only thing he had managed to invade was other people’s personal space…” 🤔
Life is tough for Zeke, whose father has died and whose mother, in her depressed state, can barely look after him. He makes a friend out of Miel, a blind hawk who SHOUTS TALKS because he can’t see 😂
This book had so much quirk, which makes it so classic Ness, a favourite author in this household. Think pelican robot suits and France, who lives on a knee. Yes, you read that correctly!
📚: @definitelybookskids (Advance Reader Copy)
July 27, 2024
This book is brilliant! Funny, clever, tender, and sweet, it needs to read by everyone, not just the target audience of young people aged between 9 and 12, but everyone.
Zeke is a larger than average monitor lizard, who is struggling at school and at home. And punching the school bully, a belligerent pelican who has a supervillain as a mum has just made his day all kinds of worse.
He's been sacked from his position as a hall monitor (and, yes, it's just a coincidence that all the hall monitors are monitor lizards!), the nation of France resides on his knee, his mum hasn't been the same since his dad died, and now the school bully has him in his sights.
How will Zeke respond?
Ness gently uses humour to show us what true strength looks like and how the smallest and most different of friends can be the biggest friends of all.
Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC
Zeke is a larger than average monitor lizard, who is struggling at school and at home. And punching the school bully, a belligerent pelican who has a supervillain as a mum has just made his day all kinds of worse.
He's been sacked from his position as a hall monitor (and, yes, it's just a coincidence that all the hall monitors are monitor lizards!), the nation of France resides on his knee, his mum hasn't been the same since his dad died, and now the school bully has him in his sights.
How will Zeke respond?
Ness gently uses humour to show us what true strength looks like and how the smallest and most different of friends can be the biggest friends of all.
Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC
November 19, 2024
9-12 year-olds will find Chronicles Of A Lizard Nobody, highly hilarious! I loved it! In our days at school we had prefects that were given the responsibility for supervising students during lunch break and settings good example. In this funny children’s book animals play a part of being in school. Principal Wombat, appointed Lizard Zeke, and Daniel to Hall Monitors. For any one who doesn’t have a hall pass, Zeke has the job to take names down. But when a fight breaks out between Lizard Zeke and a bird named Pelicarnassus, Principal Wombat, is very unhappy about violence in the school and expelled Zeke. Find out what more happens in this hilarious new school comedy from multi-award-winning author Patrick Ness. I’m looking out for book 2.
August 23, 2024
So incredibly silly and just absurdly funny and heart wrenching and sweet in the way few but Ness can balance a story. Anyone who would think that a wombat having an armored butt joke means a book can’t have deeper, more resonate content about friendship, belonging, socio-economic differences, bullies, or home lives marked by a parent’s struggle w mental illness they should read this very funny, ridiculous book about a lizard with the country of France on his knee. It’s also a shorter book w pictures.
W gratitude to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the eARC, w a note that the illustrations may have been unfinished, but I saw some and they were fine enough.
W gratitude to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the eARC, w a note that the illustrations may have been unfinished, but I saw some and they were fine enough.
October 21, 2024
The kids in this school are all animals of different kinds, and the monitor lizards have been bussed in from the poor area of town. Do the different species act differently because they're treated differently, or are they actually different by species? Also, Zeke's mom has a "black dog" that won't let her get out of bed and take care of him. But this is an absolutely hilarious, ridiculous story, with a climactic fight against the pelican bully in a giant robot pelican suit tearing apart the school! And Zeke has the country of France on his knee! And the school monitor sashes give the wearers the power to shoot lasers! Give this to fans of Captain Underpants.
June 17, 2024
Sometimes all you can do is read in awe of an author’s left field imagination. There surely were some random neurons firing in Mr Ness’s brain to create main character Zeke (a monitor lizard) who has the actual country of France on his knee. I mean, what the?!? But friends, superficial it is not, covering hefty themes like bullying, loss of a parent and parental depression. Plus it’s really funny. I know, I know, you are wondering how all this is possible? Well you’ll just have to read it to find out. 4.5 stars
June 17, 2024
Quite a fun and quirky foray into junior fiction for Patrick Ness, following Zeke, a monitor lizard, who has non-coincidentally been appointed as hall monitor at school.
With use of some wacky humour and unusual characters, the usual tropes of friendship, bullying and overcoming challenges are addressed. Patrick also cleverly deals with depression in a parent through the subtle introduction of a black dog who accompanies Zeke’s mum. I really appreciate the subtlety with which this is addressed. I am also a huge fan of the illustrations throughout!
With use of some wacky humour and unusual characters, the usual tropes of friendship, bullying and overcoming challenges are addressed. Patrick also cleverly deals with depression in a parent through the subtle introduction of a black dog who accompanies Zeke’s mum. I really appreciate the subtlety with which this is addressed. I am also a huge fan of the illustrations throughout!
October 24, 2024
4.5 stars. As Miel speaks, I LOVED THIS BOOK. It is absolutely delightful, funny, wacky and tender. I learned things about animals, about wombat's butt armor, and how to stand up to a bully. Zeke is a monitor lizard, and he is having some challenges in his life, including a mom suffering from mental health issues and a pelican bully at school who has targeted him. With his friends by his side, Zeke learns a little about himself and what he should be proud of. The country of France is on your knee? That is awesome! One mild swear. 4th grade and up.
April 28, 2024
This story was adorable. Brilliantly weird and full of joy. How Patrick manages to make you tear up over a Monitor Lizard with France on his knee, navigating school and home life just leaves me speechless and yet very, very happy. Please write more of these Patrick.
The illustrations by Tim Miller add an extra level of giggle. I just adored all of this.
Thank you to Walker Books for proof copy.
The illustrations by Tim Miller add an extra level of giggle. I just adored all of this.
Thank you to Walker Books for proof copy.
July 16, 2024
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a hilarious book about friendship and staying true to yourself. This book felt totally relatable and made me smile constantly. I recommend reading this if you are a kid who is having trouble at school or home or if you just want a good laugh-out-loud read. Definitely something you could read again and again and again.
Thanks to BetterReadingAu for the ARC of this book.
This rating and review was given by my middle-school-aged child.
Thanks to BetterReadingAu for the ARC of this book.
This rating and review was given by my middle-school-aged child.
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