Kindergarten-Grade 2-Judy Moody's little brother, James (aka Stink), is the shining star of this dramatic production of Megan McDonald's beginning chapter book (Candlewick, 2005). Stink's perception that he is shorter than the average second grader is reinforced by his sister, Judy, who revels in every opportunity for sibling rivalry. While the story line centers around Stink's height problem, it also embraces humor and provides plenty of facts to make the story believable. When President's Day arrives, for example, Stink presents a brief report on the shortest president, James Madison. McDonald's humor-infused story is full of puns (the classroom "newt in shining armor" meets his untimely end in the garbage disposal while under Stink's care for the weekend) that will keep listeners glued to their headphones. Unique voice talent is provided by Nancy Cartwright, best known as the voice of television's Bart Simpson. Her timing is impeccable and her voicing is playful, adding a new dimension to this already compelling story. Appropriate for group or individual listening, this title will be especially appreciated by emergent readers.

Booklist : Gr. 2--4. The pesky little brother in McDonald's popular Judy Moody series gets his own book and tells his own story here. Little is the word for James ("Stink") Moody; he's short, the shortest kid in his second-grade class. Is he shrinking? Judy is his bossy older sister, but he learns to handle her. For Presidents' Day, Stink's hero is not big tall Lincoln but another James, James Madison, the shortest president ever. The narrative is fun and laced with puns--from Mt. Trashmore to "newt in shining armor," and it's peppered with black-and-white illustrations, including comics ("The Adventures of Stink") reflecting Stink's triumphant fantasies. Stink sometimes seems younger than his years, so try this as a read-aloud for preschoolers or kindergarteners fed up with big, bossy types telling them what to do. 

"I hope McDonald writes many more adventures for Stink. He's a delightful character."