Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 stars~~'Follow the Poo'~~
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
After I read the description of this graphic-novel, the name Dave Unga-Bunga sealed the deal for me. That was all it took for me to purchase and download it to my Kindle. What better way to spend part of a rainy day in Vermont than with Dave and his friends? And, I add sincerely that this one certainly pegged out my 'laugh-meter' multiple times today! My boxer pups were wondering why I was laughing out loud several times. So, yes, the book is really funny and will cheer adults up as well as children. The author has written this book for children ages 8 - 12 and Grades 3 - 7. (I am so far out of that range that I will not admit my age).
Dave Unga-Bunga is truly between a rock and a hard spot in that his grandfather invented fire and his dad invented the wheel. At the age of twelve there is a 'Baby-go-Boom' ritual that all twelve year olds must participate in to exhibit their hunting prowess. Good old Dave is now eleven and eleven-twelfths so the ritual is fast-approaching. And, it is one that involves going out into the 'wild' and killing one of six animals. And, returning the kill to the village for food. Does Dave have any ideas that will equal his lineage and at the same time exhibit his hunting skill?
The names of the animals are hysterical and as the reader will ascertain quickly that Dave Unga-Bunga does have some inventions of his own. No spoilers here but have to admit that his 'poo-marker- was something really special! Even when the reader is not expecting something funny to pop up, it will. A perfect example for me was when looking at the salad bar. Seems as though there are a lot of laughs to be found but never would have imagined one in the salad bar!
One of the witticisms of Dave's father was to 'look at life with possibilities' and Dave certainly looked and found many. His dad must have been so proud of him. And, even dad's nose made me chuckle. Of course, the invention of underwear by Dave is so creative. And, the village Shaman is a leader in every sense. 'Gather at the slab' when you hear the Gathering Horn.
The illustrations are superb (thanks to Phil McAndrew's skill) and accompany the text perfectly. A perfect read for me on this rainy, dreary day in Vermont. It would have been funny on any day but it certainly brightened my outlook today.
Well done to both the author and the illustrator for a creative and humorous story of the "Baby-go-Boom' ritual. Personally, I will never think of any caveman in the future without remembering Dave Unga-Bunga and his crew. When all else fails, 'follow the poo.'.
Most highly recommended.
