Desk Stories (PDF)

Even though kids spend most of their days with one, desks can be very . . . surprising. Desks have a long and enduring historyfrom the spiked desks of the Middle Ages to the beanbag desks of the 1960s. School desks, in particular, can hide a wide variety of . . . let's just say, ';things.' In this tongue-in-cheek companion toBackpack Stories,Kevin O'Malley returns with six stories of desks gone wild.';In this follow-up toBackpack Stories, the reliably absurd O'Malley focuses his talentsnot the least of which is the ability to generate groan-inducing jokes page after pageon that timeless symbol of class oppression: the school desk. . . . Well played, O'Malley, well played.'Publishers Weekly';Author and illustrator O'Malley repeats the formula that worked so well inBackpack Storiesin this humorous picture-book tribute to school desks. . . . This lighthearted offering will likely produce cheers rather than jeers and makes for a great choice for reluctant readers.' Booklist';Silly and irreverent, this collection, with its comic-book format and sometimes disparaging attitude toward school, is sure to attract an audience.' Kirkus Reviews Online';Told with countless one-liners from the superhero and horror genres, this book is an extremely satisfying read for young people who are dealing with bragging, nagging kids and less-than-engaging lessons, and seeking some old-school comic relief.' School Library Journal';Similar to O'Malley'sBackpack Storiesthis title could be used as a model for a project in creative writing and art. Students will be sure to find a place in their desks for this book!'Library Media ConnectionKevin O'Malley was in the fourth grade when he decided to illustrate books for children. He has a wild sense of humor and it comes through loud and clear in his books. In 1992, he made his children's book debut withFroggy Went A-Courting, based on a well known folk ballad. O'Malley has illustrated books written by other writers, such asCinder EdnaandChanukah in Chelmand has worked in animating multimedia displays for clients including the Smithsonian Institution. His latest books range from nonfiction to outrageous humor. O'Malley lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his artist wife and two sons.