Grum (A Children’s Book): From a Commoner’s View

As I have promised author Robyn Hill (sorry it took me so long), here is my complete review of her pre-teen book entitled “Grum”.  First, I have to say that reading this book has sadly made me realize that despite my conviction not to lose the child in me, I somehow have “grown up”. So reading this cute children’s tale had also been a journey for the child in me to come out once again and appreciate the little things that truly matters.  The silliness that make us giggle and laugh out loud, even if it’s just nonsense blabber.

On that note, I‘ll have the adult in me to go first in rating this story and its technical aspects (For better understanding, please read my previous blogs: SheBlogger as a Reviewer II and SheBlogger as aReviewer ‘I’).  

Okay…I’m no English language expert and neither is it my mother tongue, so I may be wrong. I noticed a few but very minor typographical errors and I just felt I need to point this out since the book is for teens and would certainly, in one way or another, influence their vocabulary, writing skills, etc…  I think it needs a little proofreading by another person.  I know how simple errors escape the eyes of the writer and it’s quite common. In fact, it really is unavoidable. That’s why there are editors and proofreaders. Another is the choice of a few words that are, in my opinion, a bit too big for the storyteller considering she’s only a fifth grader and for the situation such as “centrifugal force”. But then again, I’m a reviewer from the other side of the globe and this may be a common term from where Carol is.

So for Appeal to Reason here are my ratings:

Story and Originality –  because it kind of reminded me of Alice in Wonderland or the Matrix (swallowing a pill).  So, I find it not entirely original. But then again, all stories out there just kind of spin off or a variety of other older and classic stories, right?  After all, most story plots have already been written. It’s just a matter of how you present and take it on. 

Character Performance –  Jordan is quite the witty funny smarty-pants and I loved her. Although sometimes irritating, but I guess that’s the point.  Larry is the “slow” if not dim-witted comic relief that tickled my funny bones at times. His constant banter with Jordan is cute and entertaining, reminded me of my own childhood banters with friends. Carol is the voice of balance and reason. I liked how she matures in the journey but still maintain her child heart, which is really the point in life, right?

Narration/Storytelling – Aside from the minor language technicalities, narration was effective. I felt the naughtiness and the adventurousness of the little girl telling the story.  Pacing is just right and no boring moment.

After having said all that “adult” blabber, let me get to the heart of it so to speak. I guess the point of reading children or pre-teen stories is to let go of your adult selves and just enjoy.  In my first reading of the book, I was an adult reading a story that is far younger than my age.  But as I got into it deeper, I eventually let loose and I was a child again.  Only then did I completely enjoy the story, without the worries and the care of an adult reviewing something.

So here’s my rating for Appeal to the Emotion:

Laughter and Tears –