[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”0615911986″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516qcJa0wQL._SL160_.jpg” width=”107″][simpleazon-link asin=”B006MYOY3W” locale=”us”]Lionel’s Grand Adventure (Lionel and the Golden Rule)[/simpleazon-link] by Paul R. Hewlett

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lionel is a likeable character to whom many young people could relate. He’s socially awkward but tries really hard to do well. The story primarily revolves around Lionel and his peers engaging in normal activities like school and baseball. The key to Lionel’s adventure is his discovery of a Three-toed-potbellied Walbaun foot and the faulty magic that it possesses. When Lionel wishes for something, his wish may be granted but not in the way he might hope or expect. The best parts of the story were the wishes that went comically wrong. The story gets off to a slow start though with Lionel cleaning up his room. Also, the Three-toed-potbellied Walbaun is a character I’d like to meet, not just learn about from an adult character. Perhaps, a prologue would help. Some of the characters, like the mother and brother, were very one-dimensional and could use more development. The book would also benefit from a more original title. The story picks up speed by the third chapter and is genuinely laugh-out-loud comical in spots, but young readers need to be grabbed from the first page. In summary, I liked the book and even loved certain parts, but I question it’s ability to draw readers in and hold their attention. It could use some spicing up.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.