Review sponsored* by Steven London
The Children’s Book Review | November 24, 2015
Written by Steven London
Illustrated by Scott Reed
Age Range: 8-12
Paperback: 55 pages
Publisher: FriesenPress
ISBN: 978-1-4602229-5-9
What to expect: Bathroom Humor, Superheroes, a Villain
The Inconceivable Adventures of Cabbage Boy: In the Beginning is the story of Ralph Spitzle, a 9-year-old with an interesting superpower. It’s an exciting chapter book with an attention-grabbing plot that will stick with the reader long after the book is done.
The school year has ended and Ralph and his buddies are eager for good times to begin. On the first night of summer vacation, a space orb explodes outside Ralph’s bedroom window leaving him with an unexpected and extraordinary superpower—Ralph has been granted the power of super-flatulence. Aware of strange occurrences but unaware of his new ability, Ralph sets off the next morning to join his friends at Prico Hill for some skateboarding and exploring—Prico Hill used to be a dump and the boys enjoy finding new treasures to take to their clubhouse. When one of the boys uncovers a toilet seat a stench so horrid is unleashed and they race off to their clubhouse empty-handed. The stench is a harbinger of worse things to come. Enter the Cabbage Roller: an evil villain set on capturing the town’s people and making them work for him. When Ralph discovers his superpower and its effect on Cabbage Roller, he takes on the secret identity of Cabbage Boy and sets out to save his town with his super-flatulence power.
Author Steven London is a collector of comics and it shows in his ability to put a “fresh” spin on the typical superhero plot while maintaining the zippy-but-dimensional feeling comic enthusiasts are accustomed to. The Inconceivable Adventures of Cabbage Boy: In the Beginning is host to a bunch of unexpected characters. Although the hero and villain feel familiar they are not the typical characters that readers might be used to. Delivered in the form of character friendships, London weaves in an important lesson in courage and empowerment: stand up and do what you think is right. It’s a short story and is written in an easy-to-read style with brief chapters that make it a good crossover from comics and graphic novels—reluctant readers (and fans of Captain Underpants) should breeze through the pages with no trouble at all and they will enjoy the full-page illustrations scattered throughout.
This is a well-told yarn that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy bathroom humor and superhero tales.
Add this book to your collection: The Inconceivable Adventures of Cabbage Boy: In the Beginning
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About Steven London
A boring lawyer by day, children’s book author by night, Steven London is thrilled to be bringing the world of Cabbage Boy to young readers around the world. Drawing on his childhood, his love of comic books, his experience as a summer camp director and being a father of three, Steven has written a fun and engaging chapter book series that is easily enjoyed by kids of all ages.
Steven lives with his wife and his three awesome kids. When not working, writing, playing, fixing things, or competing in duathlons, Steven also enjoys making puppets with his kids.
“One of my goals in writing this series is to encourage reading in young kids, including reluctant readers. TV, video games and handheld devices are like a black hole for free time, and I think kids are missing out on an important developmental experience by avoiding or limiting the reading of books. Feedback from parents and kids has been fantastic – which makes this so rewarding for me.”
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The authors of “The Inconceivable Adventures of Cabbage Boy: In the Beginning,” Steven London, sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …