Judy Moody and Friends: Searching for Stinkodon by Megan McDonald
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0763699977
Pages: 64
Goodreads

The newest title in the Judy Moody & Friends series brings together two beloved things, prehistoric animals and Judy’s younger brother, Stink, who has his own series of books. Titles in this series are aimed at emerging readers. With short chapters, large, clear font, and plenty of colorful illustrations (here done by Erwin Madrid in the style of original illustrator Peter Reynolds). After hearing of other backyard fossil discoveries, Stink is determined to find a Smilodon tooth in his backyard. Judy, worried for her brother’s sanity and the safety of her house as Stink digs more and more holes, decides to help matters by planting a shark tooth in the yard for him to find. Instead, Stink finds a different bone and readers who are paying attention will know that it is the bear claw lost by Stink months before. But Stink has forgotten he lost this bear claw and imagines his face on the cover of “Science Kid” thanks to his “amazing” discovery. The book may leave serious, science sticklers unsatisfied since a Smilodon tooth and a bear claw are not in the same time period, but it is a humorous read and one in which a kid has an idea, executes it, and is rewarded for his effort. Add to collections with other JM&Friends books or to those where Stink is a known and loved character.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill  Memorial Library, Yarmouth