Murray the Viking (Murray and Bun!) by Adam Stower
Published by Random House Children's Books Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This is the second early chapter book in a series starring Murray (a cat who loves routine, creature comforts, and predictability). Each story starts with a preamble explaining that the “rubbish” wizard Fumblethumb creates disasters of a magical kind that make Murray’s life interesting, including turning a frosted bun into a bunny named Bun and enchanting Murray’s cat flap so that it leads to an adventure in another realm, instead of a relaxing stroll in the garden.

As Murray and Bun leave through the cat flap, there is a “Pa-Poof!” and they are transported to a medieval castle with some very curious characters, including the grumpy Princess Rubytoes and Sir Nasty — a dastardly knight, complete with villainous mustache. We learn that Princess Rubytoes is surly because she will be forced to marry Sir Nasty, even though she and the gardener, Muddy Michael, are in love, unless someone steps in. Because of a misunderstanding of the word “joust”, (Murray believes it involves trampolines, funny hats and raspberry tarts), Murray volunteers to help.

Many hilarious antics and unexpected events lead to Murray winning the joust, saving the day and being feted as a hero, as in the first book (Murray the Viking), but alas  Murray will miss out on the feast (again).

Readers looking for series with fast-paced action and humor will snap this up — the cover is attractive, the humor is immediately apparent. (I have labeled it a “graphic novel”, but it is more of a heavily illustrated story, like The Bad Guys series.)  Murray and Bun are goofy and adorable. The language is witty, cheeky, and dynamic. It would make a boisterous read-aloud.

Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools