May 1, 2014
Gr 1-5-Gutman's fans will find more of everything they love: humor, hijinks, and Halloween. Narrator Jared Goldsmith perfectly captures the spirit of school-hating bully A.J., the voices for the supporting characters, and, impressively, A.J.'s imitations of the people in his life. Mrs. Patty Is Batty! begins on Mischief Night when A.J. and his friends attempt to toilet paper Andrea Young's house (and fail spectacularly). Halloween follows with kids distracted in school, a Halloween costume parade, and finally release for trick or treating! As the night wears on, A.J. becomes increasingly nervous about going to school secretary Mrs. Patty's house, but the promise of huge amounts of candy lures him and his friends forward. Reluctant readers love this series and Mrs. Patty fits in perfectly with the other books.-Susan Stumbaugh, Naperville Public Library, IL
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