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Julia Bell

Geronimo Stilton Series Evaluation

Citation: Stilton, G. (2004). Attack of the bandit cats. New York: Scholastic.

Stilton, G. (2004). Down and out down under. New York: Scholastic.

Stilton, G. (2007). I’m too fond of my fur. New York: Scholastic.

Summary: Geronimo Stilton is the editor for the fictional newspaper, The Rodent’s Gazette, as well as an amateur detective. Each book in the series is written like an autobiographical account of his many various adventures. Ages: 8-10.

Selection Criteria:

← Authority

- Edizioni Piemme, an Italian publisher, originally published the series and later Scholastic published English versions of the books. Piemme bills title character, Geronimo Stilton, as the author and vows never to reveal the actual writer’s identity. Never the less, Scholastic is a highly reputable publisher.

Appropriateness of content to users

- The content is very appropriate for early readers that are a bit apprehensive to read chapter books. The have many engaging features that will capture and maintain the readers’ interest. The flashy font can be a bit difficult to read at times for inexperienced readers.

← Scope

- The 35+ English translated books cover a variety of themes through a wide range of adventures Stilton embarks on. Topics range from exploring the Egyptian pyramids to the Wild West.

← Authenticity

- A new book in the series is published every month in Italy. The translations from Italian to English are not exact, but the books maintain the character of the series.

← Treatment

- The goal of the publisher is to make Geronimo Stilton seem real to young readers. The books are written in first person from Stilton’s point of view, so they read as an autobiographical account of his own adventures. The books are in full color, filled with comic book like illustrations that resemble cartoons. Illustrations are throughout the text as well as full pages. Creative lettering and text is used; many words throughout the book are in playful fonts and colors, which will amuse readers. Humor and superfluous references to cheese are also used throughout the books.

← Arrangement and organization

- The chapters are very short in these books, which makes for a fast paced story. The ends of chapters often end in suspense, which makes the reader want to continue. Each book of the series can stand alone, but there is also continuity through the use of four main characters in each book.

← Instructional design

- The novel format of these books can encourage and inspire creativity in students’ own writing. Also, additional information is set aside from the main text throughout the book to further educate readers on topics covered in the book.

← Special features

- Each book of the series has great text features and a labeled picture of the editorial staff of The Rodent’s Gazette as well as a map of Mouse Island and the capital of the island, New Mouse City. Each book also includes unique maps, illustrations, and other information (like family trees or recipes) that are unique to the topic covered in the book. Scholastic also has a website for the series that if formatted to resemble the fictional newspaper.

← Materials available on the subject

- The subjects covered in the book are commonly written about, however, these books present the information in a novel way. The books each have elements of humor, mystery, text formatting, and a multitude and variety of colorful illustrations, which sets these books apart from others covering the same material.

← Value to the collection

- These books are great for young readers that want to read chapter books. The stories move quickly, and the comic book-like treatment is incredibly engaging for readers. Books cover a wide-range of topics, so one can select those individual books appropriate for the curriculum or just to have to entice kids to read.

← Technical quality

- The font and illustrations are incredibly eye-catching, amusing, and visually appealing. The use of different fonts and colors also adds more meaning to the specific words formatted this way.

← Aesthetic quality

- The book covers all have a picture of Stilton doing something that relates to the storyline of the book. The illustrations make the reader want to discover what is going to happen in the book.

← Durability

- The books are paperback, so how well they will hold up over time is questionable. If this book is frequently used and not cared for properly, it will not remain in good condition. They are, however, less costly this way, which is beneficial (about $6.99 each).

← Safety and health considerations

- There are no safety or health considerations.

Recommendation: I would recommend having a selection of books from his series in my collection.

Reviews: These books were reviewed in Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (see attached).

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