The Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer

This short and very funny book is a likely future classic for the younger age group. Two troublesome boys are sent to the library each day as punishment for their various misdemeanours. The librarian in charge is the dreaded Spud Murphy, about whom many rumours abound. By the end of this clever story, the boys see both Spud Murphy - and the pleasures of reading - in a very different light.

This could be horribly preachy in the wrong hands, but the story is so funny, that even if they notice the message, children are unlikely to be offended by it. Libraries are not obvious venues for hilarious adventure. But this book exploits all the possibilities to the utmost.

Good for:

• boys and girls from 7-9
• reading aloud to younger primary kids
• reluctant boy readers

If you like this, you might like:

• Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine
• The Worst Kids in the World by Barbara Robinson
• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom