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Melonhead

(2009, Fiction - Humor, Written by Katy Kelly, Illustrated by Gillian Johnson)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Playful story full of fun, inventions, trouble, and friends.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This story is filled with adults who care about kids, from parents and grandparents, to teachers, shop owners, barbers, and neighbors. The friendships between kids and siblings are supportive, creative, and positive. Interesting to note that one child did not win a prize at the "reinvention fair" because there was too much parental involvement in her work. Melonhead's mother is highly nervous, which explains some of his behavior.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    "Butt," "chicken butt."

  • Consumerism:

    Cereal products have much attention: Honeycomb, Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Cocoa Puffs, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cap'N Crunch, Lucky Charms, Apple Jacks. Other sugary products mentioned are Skittles, Hostess Sno-Balls, Pop Tarts, Gummi worms.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Melonhead

Parents need to know that Melonhead and Sam get into trouble because they don't think about consequences. The boys don't mean any harm, but they don't think about dangers that could come to them or others by their actions. Parents talk with the boys about their behavior, but the effect is minimal. Parents also need to know that the boys capture a wild snake and bring it home. They learn to feed it live mice, which is described. Also, there's lots of sugar in this story, from breakfast cereal to junk food snacks.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why and how Melonhead gets into trouble. Does he mean to get into trouble? Do you think his parents do a good job of helping him learn about his actions? Families can also talk about the friendship between Melonhead and Sam, as well as Lucy Rose and Jonique. How do you know they are good friends?
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