Frankenstein, A Sandwich, and Some Cake

There is a genius among us and his name is Adam Rex. A few years ago he wrote a book that we all thought at first was a children's book. It was Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich--utterly charming and hilarious. This year, he wrote a sequel, Frankenstein Takes the Cake. Now, I realize these are books all children will enjoy, but they are not necessarily books only for children. On the contrary they are a bit subversive, even naughty, but in a very good-hearted way. And you will laugh...and laugh...and laugh. And those of us above a certain age will enjoy the underlying jokes a LOT! In Sandwich, for instance, the Phantom of the Opera has 'composer's block' because he can't get a certain song out of his head. The song? It's A Small World After All. Now, can't all the adults in the room relate to that?

In Cake, there's a little ditty about some messages picked up from Outer Space, especially a certain jingle by way of Mars regarding inexpensive prescription drugs that will give you bigger, yellower antennae. Well, you just have to read it for yourself.

Unfortunately, Adam Rex has not gotten the attention I think he deserves. In fact, Cake was nearly left behind in Books & Crannies, until I bought it myself! What's up with that?

So if you have a sense of humor--and I know you all do--think about picking up one of Adam's books as a gift for someone who just loves puns and funky poetry and cool illustrations. Or buy it for yourself. I did.