Kid Konnection: Toy Academy

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun book for middle grade readers.

Summary: Playing is serious business. Welcome to Toy Academy: where toys learn to play. This is where action figures train to battle, stuffed animals study the art of the hug, and collectibles practice standing very, very still.

Though Grumbolt isn't really any of those things, he's determined to fit in. But when the Evil Toy Academy threatens to bring down his school, it's up to Grumbolt to go where no good toy has gone before and prove he's truly a great toy after all.

This laugh–out–loud chapter book by Brian Lynch, the writer of Minions and a writer of The Secret Life of Pets, is a classic in the making. -- Scholastic

I have to admit that the gift box that came with the book TOY ADADEMY: SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED by Brian Lynch and illustrated Edwardian Taylor was absolutely adorable. It included a yoyo, lego bricks, a slinky, and a colorful lollipop. I figured it the promo materials were this fun, then the book had to be too. Hint: it was!

TOY ACADEMY is a fantastic new book written by a screenwriter who has worked on some pretty incredible movies including The Secret Life of Pets, Minions, Puss in Boots, and Hop. He has also written some comic books (but I'm not as familiar with them!) It is a hilarious story about a toy academy where toys learn to play. The academy trains action figures so they can battle, stuffed animals so they can hug, and collectibles so they can stand still. Great concept, right?

Grumbolt isn't really certain what type of toy he is. He's kind of a misfit (in the best possible way). A little girl sewed him but he has two different length arms (which make it hard to hug) and two different ears (so he doesn't really fit in with the cats.) He is determined to become the best toy possible for a little kid.

When the Evil Toy Academy starts sabotaging the Toy Academy, Grumbolt wants to help. He decides to sneak into the "evil empire" and save the say... and in the process, be the best toy ever!

I loved TOY ACADEMY. It is the first book in a new series, and I can't wait until the next one! These toys are awesome characters! The book is very funny and even has a few good messages thrown in. It's extremely fast-paced and certain to keep even reluctant readers attentions. It has a fairly large font and lots of adorable illustrations throughout.

The humor in this book is definitely the best part! It's truly a laugh out loud story that even parents will love. In fact, much of the humor is geared towards adults (and might even fly over kids' heads!) I can't rave enough about how creative this book was. The way the author describes these characters is so darn funny. For example, there are wisecracking jokes about the quality of the plastic as well as how long it takes for a transformer-like toy to switch to its other mode.

I loved TOY ACADEMY as a book but I also think this book would make an excellent movie -- let's hope! Highly recommended to middle grade readers!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book (and the fun toys!)

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!