The Monster in the Mudball

By S.P. Gates
Hardcover: $19.95

In this lower middle-grade mystery, Jin must hunt down the monster he accidentally freed, before it eats his baby brother.

Description

A MONSTER IS LOOSE IN ENGLAND!

And it’s kind of Jin’s fault that Zilombo got loose.

Jin tracks the monster, but he can’t figure out how to get her back into the artifact from which she hatched. Then Jin meets Chief Inspector of Ancient Artifacts A. J. Zauyamakanda-Mizz Z, for short-who has arrived to inspect the artifact. She and Jin team up to find Zilombo.

Joining them is Frankie, Jin’s older sister, who has lost their baby brother-and Zilombo is the most likely culprit for his disappearance. Zilombo gains new, frightening powers every time she hatches. Now the monster is cleverer than ever before … and she likes to eat babies!

Will Jin’s baby brother be next on Zilombo’s menu? As the monster’s powers continue to grow, Jin, Frankie, and Mizz Z must find a way to outsmart Zilombo!

About the Creators

S.P. Gates
S.P. Gates

S.P. Gates was born in Lincolnshire, England, and is a former teacher who once taught in Malawi, Africa. She is the author of more than one hundred books, and has been commended for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award. She has twice won the children’s-choice Sheffield Children’s Book Award. She lives in the north of England with her husband.

Awards

  • Junior Library Guild Selection

    Junior Library Guild

Reviews

  • "Originally published in Great Britain in 2011, this first Artifact Inspector title incorporates plenty of suspense, droll touches, and shivery chills. . . . Jin is a likable, everyday kid who must use his wits and courage to protect his loved ones and city in an entertaining, fast-moving read."

    - Booklist
  • "[Jin] is a strong and courageous boy whose creative problem-solving skills will appeal to readers. Zilombo is caught between her predatory nature and a dawning humanity, and the conflict gives her an unusual depth."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Monster in the Mudball is a light-on-its-feet adventure full of surprises, humor, and heart!"

    - Jessica Day George, New York Times bestselling author of Wednesdays in the Tower

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620141410
  • Price $19.95
  • Publication Date Sep 17, 2013
  • Trim Size 7.5 × 5 in
  • Weight 0.6875 lbs
  • Page Count 216
  • Word Count 35079
  • Interests

  • Imprint Tu Books
  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Monsters
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Action & Adventure / General
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Fantasy & Magic
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Animals, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Collaboration, Conflict resolution, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Disabilities, Evolution, Families, Fantasy, Fiction, Friendship, Grandparents, Heroism, Holidays / Traditions, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Leadership, Mentors, Middle Grade, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Mystery / Suspense, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Responsibility, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Self Control / Self Regulation, Siblings, Water
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 6
  • Guided Reading V
  • ATOS Book Level 5
  • DRA 50
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 6
  • Lexile Level 670
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 4.2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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