Gr 2-4-Megan McDonald shifts the focus from the title character in her popular Judy Moody series of books to Judy's seven-year-old brother, Stink, in this novel (Candlewick, 2006). Stink purchases a gigantic jawbreaker that he thoroughly enjoys through its diminishing size and exotic flavors, but realizes that it didn't fulfill its promise because his jaw is still intact. He writes a letter of complaint to the company and is astounded when he receives ten pounds of jawbreakers as compensation. His success encourages him to write similar letters to three other companies, and he receives goodies from them all. After his parents forbid him to write any more letters, his attention turns to an upcoming pajama day at school. Pajama problems and the realization that he missed his best friend's birthday party due to his letter writing obsession make the dress down event a disaster. Stinks father comes to the rescue with an idea that repairs a friendship and teaches Stink an important lesson. Nancy Cartwright assumes a distinct, childlike voice for each youngster. This engaging, versatile beginning chapter book will have a multitude of uses in the classroom, such as motivating students at the beginning of a letter writing unit or during a lesson on idioms (since Stink learns about idioms at school and uses them throughout the book).-Carol Y. Barker, Wheelerville School, Caroga Lake, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr. 2-4. Stink discovers the power of the pen when he writes a letter of complaint to the manufacturer of a disappointing jawbreaker and receives a 10-pound box of the candies in response. The flurry of correspondence continues with more complaint letters, a thank-you note, and, eventually, a written apology. Like big sister Judy Moody, Stink sports a memorable name and a talent for self-expression. His predicaments and triumphs have a childlike air, and the quick-witted dialogue will keep readers entertained. The idioms that Stink learns in his classroom, such as strike a deal and cost an arm and a leg (36 of them are listed on the book's last page) seem a little less credible, though teachers doing units on idioms or letter writing may find the book an appealing adjunct to the curriculum. With large print, an attractive format, and an eye-catching cover, the second book in the Stink series will attract its share of readers who are just getting comfortable with chapter books. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2006 Booklist

Stink, Judy Moody's little brother, is back in the second installment in his own series. With the five dollars he earned by participating in a study for short people, Stink buys the World's Biggest Jawbreaker. And, if longevity is any indication, Stink gets his money's worth. He sucks on it at home, in school and everywhere in between. But, when the jawbreaker does not break his jaw or even stretch his mouth, he decides to write a letter to the manufacturer. His letter is a big success--a ten-pound box of jawbreakers arrives at the Moody house! That success spurs a letter-writing campaign that keeps the mailbox popping until the grown-ups put a stop to the letter writing. This story would be plenty for new readers, but McDonald adds a grammar lesson that runs thinner than pond ice in April--Mrs. D is teaching about idioms and Stink can't stop speaking in them, 37 idiomatic phrases altogether. Reynolds's familiar illustrations keep the mood light, even when Judy and Stink argue, which they do. Constantly. (Fiction. 5-9) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

When hearing Cartwright create the voices of McDonald's cast, it's not hard to see why she was chosen as the voice talent for one of the best-known TV characters of all time, Bart Simpson: she has the perfect voice for rebellious kids. Cartwright, who learned her craft from Daws Butler, the performer who gave voice to Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, and many others for Hanna-Barbera, knows from her animation experience how to distill full drama into an audio-only performance. Stink, whom Cartwright depicts as having a chronically stuffed-up nose, is played a tad lower-key than Bart, but he shares the same energetic and buoyant laugh. When he receives 10 pounds of candy in the mail as a result of writing a letter of complaint (his jaw remained unbroken after eating a huge jawbreaker), it inspires a whole letter-writing campaign. In keeping with Stink's kid-like interpretation of things, more than 30 giggle-inducing idioms appear here (e.g. "cost and arm and a leg") which Cartwright reels off at the end of the story, making it not only a boisterously entertaining audiobook, but a delightful educational tool as well. Ages 5-8. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved All rights reserved.

Judy Moody's pesky seven-year-old brother is irate that his jawbreaker candy doesn't live up to its name. Stink's letter to the manufacturer garners him a gigantic box of candy, but his ensuing campaign to acquire more free stuff almost costs him a friendship. The book is more focused than its predecessor, and the writing is just as quick-witted. Illustrations not seen. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.