In the Coop with Aaron Reynolds and Neil Numberman!

We found Aaron Reynolds and Neil Numberman buzzing around a manure pile and thought we should ask them some questions. Aaron is a human, not a bug, but he often writes about bugs. He is the author of Chicks and Salsa (one of our all time favorite chick books!), Superhero School, Buffalo Wings, and, of course, the Joey Fly, Private Eye graphic novels. Visit him at his website at http://aaron-reynolds.com/.

Neil Numberman is a termite currently residing in New York City. Joey Fly, Private Eye is his first graphic novel, but he is also the author/illustrator of Do NOT Build a Frankenstein. Stop by his website at http://www.neilnumberman.com/.

Aaron and Neil have graciously agreed to hang around the coop all day, so if you have a question, swat--er, ask--away!

First act as Dictator for Life?

Aaron: Mandatory Friday night Fondue night!

Neil: Build Super Mario’s World!

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?

Aaron: Draco Malfoy. So obnoxious…trying to kill Dumbledore like that…that’s not right!

Neil: In keeping with the Harry Potter theme (because those characters are so well written) Dolores Umbridge! Man, I hated her!

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?

Aaron: James from James and the Giant Peach. But in exchange, we dip the grasshopper in chocolate.

Neil: Waldo! But first I gotta find him!

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?

Aaron: Bert and Ernie. Bath toys, fuzzy jammies, insects for pets, and no parents? Count me in!

Neil: Meerkat Manor!

Worst job in the universe?

Aaron: Deveining shrimp. That’s poop, you know, not a “vein”!

Neil: Mr. Universe judge

Dream job for a day?

Aaron: Video game tester.

Neil: Jet-pack-wearing-water-balloon-tester

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?

Aaron: Hate them both. Annoying. Submits Spongebob as third alternative.

Neil: Yeah, I’ll take Spongebob too! Not too familiar with the Marx, but no love for the Three Stooges

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.

Aaron: A wardrobe malfunction takes them both out: Circus tiger mistakes mime’s stripes for a zebra lunch and clown is so busy laughing he swallows red rubber nose. Is that wrong?

Neil: Winner: Nobody

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?

Aaron: Benjamin Franklin. He invents libraries, bifocals, and daylight savings time, all while rocking a mullet? Seemed like a pretty funny guy to me.

Neil: Jim Henson!

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)

Aaron: No comment, lest it incriminate a book I’ve written or will someday write.

Neil: Kindle

Sticky Burr, The Prickly Peril

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Sticky Burr, the Prickly Peril

by John Lechner
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4580-9

Sticky Burr's website!

What is it?

A graphic novel about burrs. You heard us. And no, we're not talking about the Aaron or Raymond kind. We're talking about the kind that sticks to your socks when you walk through a field. They are actually quite fascinating things, burrs. Evidently, they live in villages and some can even play the ukele and paint.

This is the sequel to the previously published STICKY BURR, ADVENTURES IN BURRWOOD FOREST.

What do we love about it?

This is a book that shows the truth about nature. We've long suspected that beetles were natures henchmen. Now we know! We love the asides and informative (or perhaps mis-informative) sidebars.

What does it remind us of?

It reminds us of the many, MANY long hours we have spent plucking burrs from our feathers after going on hikes. But we still like this book.

What is it perfect for?

This book is perfect for young readers who love graphic novels, bugs, nature, non-fiction (which this is NOT) and humor.

What do we think?

The Sticky Burr books are a great diversion for 6-8 year olds looking for a little fun.

The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

The Secret Science Alliance
and the Copycat Crook

by Eleanor Davis

Bloomsbury USA

ISBN: 9781599901428

What is it?

A graphic novel about three science nerds who come together to get their geek on in the world's coolest clubhouse while pursuing villains in their spare time!

What we love about it?

The detailed diagrams, maps and invention specs made us swoon!

What does it remind us of?

The love child of Albert Einstein and Velma from Scooby Doo.

What is it perfect for?

Sharing with tween-age brainiacs, comic book fans, and anyone who appreciates a fun, fast-paced adventure.

What do we say about it?

When does the next installment come out? Give us more SSA!