Book Review | Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid is the first book in the Stink series by Megan McDonald.

Shrink, shrank, shrunk!

Every morning, Judy Moody measures Stink and it's always the same: three feet, eight inches tall. Stink feels like even the class newt is growing faster than he is. Then, one day, the ruler reads — can it be? — three feet, seven and three quarters inches! Is Stink shrinking? He tries everything to look like he’s growing, but wearing up-and-down stripes and spiking his hair aren't fooling anyone into thinking he's taller. If only he could ask James Madison — Stink's hero, and the shortest person ever to serve as President of the United States.

In Stink's first solo adventure, his special style comes through loud and strong — enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the book. From "The Adventures of Stink in SHRINK MONSTER" to "The Adventures of Stink in NEWT IN SHINING ARMOR," these very funny, homespun sagas reflect the familiar voice of a kid who pictures himself with super powers to deal with the travails of everyday life — including the occasional teasing of a bossy big sister!

Stink is Judy Moody's little brother. I've never read any of the Judy Moody books. Is she always that rude and hateful?

And why is James Moody called Stink? It might have been mentioned in the Judy Moody books, but I'm clueless. Does he stink?

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid is book one of a series, but I feel like I'm missing some pieces.

This book is loaded with facts. On one hand, that's great because who doesn't love learning something new? On the other hand, info dump. The kids probably love it so I'm not knocking it.

What I am knocking is that bratty sister Judy Moody. If you don't want spoilers, here is where you get off the train.

Spoilers ahead.

Stink tells Judy Moody that newts are poisonous to frogs (more facts!), and yet she still puts his class pet newt in with their pet frog. Of course the frog licks the newt. If you are wondering if the frog dies, we don't know. We are too busy at that point reading about Judy Moody grinding the newt up in the garbage disposal.

The class pet newt.

What kind of book did I just read?

Stink is sad so he does homework because homework always makes him feel better.

What?

Lots and lots of facts about James Madison.

The end.

Overall, Stink was actually a decent read, but I'd be OK if the rest of the series stayed put at the library.

5/10: Decent Read

Have you read any of the Stink series? What about Judy Moody? I'd love to hear your thoughts.