From the best-selling author of A Monster Calls, this funny, wise middle-grade series explodes
every stereotype-including what it means to be a hero-in a brilliant reptilian take on surviving school.
Master storyteller Patrick Ness turns to middle grade in a hilarious adventure about a mismatched group of animals attending school together, brought to life by brilliantly funny illustrations.
Zeke and Daniel have just been made hall monitors by Principal Wombat. This has nothing to do with the fact that they are monitor lizards. And never mind the fact Alicia, the only other monitor lizard in the school, is also a hall monitor.
Somehow, the three hall monitors must impose order on arrogant lions, excitable seals and super-relaxed pandas. And worst of all, there is Pelicarnassus! A pompous giant pelican and the son of a major supervillain, who inexplicably has it out for the lizards. Can the hall monitor lizards and their new friend, a blind, fearsome red-tailed hawk, protect their school from all manner of outlandish threats?
Zeke and Daniel have just been made hall monitors by Principal Wombat. This has nothing to do with the fact that they are monitor lizards. And never mind the fact Alicia, the only other monitor lizard in the school, is also a hall monitor.
Somehow, the three hall monitors must impose order on arrogant lions, excitable seals and super-relaxed pandas. And worst of all, there is Pelicarnassus! A pompous giant pelican and the son of a major supervillain, who inexplicably has it out for the lizards. Can the hall monitor lizards and their new friend, a blind, fearsome red-tailed hawk, protect their school from all manner of outlandish threats?
Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
Imprint: Walker Books UK
Publication date: 05/09/2024
Illustrator: Miller, Tim
Series: Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
by Patrick Ness
Review by Alex A
Patrick Ness, beloved YA author, makes his first foray into children’s fiction with this funny-yet-meaningful tale of a trio of Monitor Lizards settling into their new school, populated by lions, eagles and a mean, entitled Pelican.
Chosen to be hall monitors (no pun intended, protests the principal), the group must navigate friendships, schoolyard bullies, and grief. These serious themes are accompanied by a heavy dose of madcap silliness, laugh-out-loud wordplay, and a dry sense of humour. This would be a great classroom read-aloud, perfect for kids 8-12, and for fans of Rebecca Stead or Jason Reynolds.
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