Kel Gilligan's Daredevil Stunt Show

September 24, 2012
Buckley shifts gears from his Sisters Grimm and N.E.R.D.S. middle-grade series, making his picture book debut with a story about a "boy without fear" (who looks to be inspired by an actual boy, if the dedication is any indication). "What you've never heard of me?" Kel asks, starring quizzically at readers. "Then you've never heard about the time I put my life at risk eating... broccoli." Santat (Oh No! Not Again!) once again shows off his talent for creating cinematic and comedic artwork that's heightened by outside-the-box perspectives and conceits; here, he uses a Camcorder display to recap Kel's past stunts, as though captured in home videos (although a shot from inside the "Potty of Doom" raises the question of what the family's video camera is doing in there). The mock heroic tone of both Buckley's writing and Santat's digital art is quite funny, but by the fourth or fifth time Kel's family reacts to his "stunts" with horrified shouts of "Someone stop him!" and "Is it bravery or foolishness?!" the joke starts to wear thin. Ages 4â7. Agent: Alison Fargis, Stonesong. Illustrator's agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House.

August 1, 2012
Preschoolers everywhere can relate to the steely bravery, sheer willpower and steady determination it often takes to surmount the herculean obstacles a day can bring. Kel Gilligan is no ordinary boy. He is a daredevil. He is "the boy without fear." He can do amazing things all by himself: eat broccoli, face "the Potty of Doom," get dressed, keep busy while Mom "finishes her conversation... / UNINTERRUPTED!!," take "a bath with one assistant," and "go to bed without checking the room for monsters." The pages are peppered with word bubbles bearing over-the-top declarations from Kel and equally humorous reactions from Kel's family members. Grandma always claps, while the others exclaim in awed disbelief when the stunt is accomplished. Santat depicts these impressive feats with illustrations that have a retro comic-book look. Kel is portrayed most often with a manly face with an expressive brow. He talks tough and looks even tougher...except when his nerves are tested. Can he really get that shirt on? Will Mom ever get off the phone? Who knew going potty would take so long? Whether he is in underpants, in his caped stuntman outfit or bare-bottomed, young readers (and their grown-ups) cannot help but laugh out loud at the hilarious details of Kel's silly adventures because they tackle them daily and know them too well. With true fearlessness and finely honed skills, this talented duo has created a most entertaining hero. (Picture book. 3-6)

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October 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-This funny picture book features a child who just loves danger. Readers who don't know Kel Gilligan are clearly unaware of his daring feats that have earned him the nickname "The Boy Without Fear." He earnestly recollects his past triumphs in pictures designed to look like freeze frames of his life with great comical effect. The stunned faces on the "audience" as Kel successfully chews and swallows broccoli are hilarious, and their comments will inspire many giggles. Those shy of potty humor may not enjoy the image of Kel's bare bottom and the applause after he successfully vanquishes a toilet, but, let's be honest; the intended audience will be rolling on the floor laughing at these silly antics. After Kel's strenuous day of derring-do, readers see that he is just like many children when it comes to the biggest obstacle of all-sleeping in his own bed. Santat's illustrations, created in Photoshop, are busy, grandiose, loud, and proud, just like Kel Gilligan. They add depth and humor to the action.-Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
Kel Gilligan, intrepid stunt kid, shows off some daring feats: eating broccoli, using the potty, and getting dressed (solo!). Astonished asides ("Without a net? / He's crazy!") from onlookers (his family) help make this hero's depiction, laced with action-packed graphic illustrations, utterly clever. The clear joke--that there's greatness in a child successfully completing everyday tasks--will resonate with independence-loving children.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)