Blume, Lesley M.M. The Wondrous Journals of Dr. Wendell Wellington 256 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.13. (Rating: G)
A "long lost then found journal" explorer story. Dr. Wellington had accomplished some serious discoveries during his many travels, but after his death, his journal was much delaying in reaching the scientific community. Full of fantastical creatures, like a fossilized vine that still sung to potential victims, to a mysterious little dog type creature that becomes a pet of sorts, this book doesn’t fall short of creativity.
But it does fall short on plot. It’s just chapter after chapter of a formulaic mini-adversity plus an outlandish discovery. The only threaded plot is the dog! I was more than a bit creeped out by the Dr’s Mother’s voice tagging along in his head, which for me, was reminiscent of Norman Bates. I think students will be really bored by this book –despite its obvious creativity. This book is just too long to keep a reader without more of a plot.
ELEMENTARY, MS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie School Librarian & Author.
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