The Best of Iggy (Iggy #1)

"All of us do things we wish we hadn't done" begins this lively illustrated series opener about Iggy Frangi, a mischievous, good-hearted nine-year-old who frequently lands himself in trouble and only sometimes regrets it. The omniscient narrator describes Iggy's world with a dry tone ("He has to stay in his room until dinnertime. It's two thirty in the afternoon"), detailing the events--described as "extenuating circumstances"--that have contributed to Iggy's ill-advised actions. Short chapters tell the story of three occurrences: Iggy inadvertently goading Jeremy Greerson into jumping off the roof onto a trampoline, raiding the family medicine cabinet for an overzealous prank, and racing classroom desks toward an unsuspecting fourth-grade teacher. Of the three, the last inspires regret and thoughtful introspection. With Iggy, Barrows (the Ivy and Bean series) has created a realistic kid--passionate, funny, and sometimes misguided--whom readers will surely root for as he gains awareness of the relationship between choices and consequences. Black-and-white illustrations by Ricks highlight Iggy's antic nature. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Liza Dawson, Liza Dawson Assoc. Illustrator's agent: Minju Chang, BookStop Literary. (Jan.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7—Iggy isn't a bad kid—he just lives by the motto "It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time." He blames his friends, his parents, his teacher, but will he ever take responsibility for his actions? Scene transitions feel choppy, but the plot is amusing and Iggy is relatable—though mischievous, he's a good kid deep down. While character development is thin, the cast is engaging and grows on the reader. Funny, detailed illustrations complement the text well, though the font may be difficult to read for some. VERDICT Fans of Barrows's "Ivy + Bean" series and books about kids who often find themselves landing in trouble will appreciate this laugh-out-loud tale. For libraries where humorous realistic fiction is popular.—Kira Moody, Salt Lake County Library Services

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An Indie Next Pick, Winter 2020
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Apple.com Most Anticipated Book of Winter 2020

★ "The first of a series, this slender chapter book is inviting to pick up, hard to put down, and near-impossible to read without laughing out loud." -Booklist, starred review

"Barrows's omniscient narrative voice is brilliant. . . Fellow fourth graders will love Iggy for his honesty and humor. But everyone will probably love him most for his motto: 'It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time.'" —The New York Times Book Review

"Fabulously funny and perceptive . . . Let's just say that children with impish tendencies will finish this book feeling seen and understood. And the next time they get into trouble, you can expect to hear all about the extenuating circumstances." -The Wall Street Journal

"[A] lively illustrated series opener about Iggy Frangi, a mischievous, good-hearted nine-year-old who frequently lands himself in trouble and only sometimes regrets it. . . With Iggy, Barrows (the Ivy and Bean series) has created a realistic kid—passionate, funny, and sometimes misguided—whom readers will surely root for as he gains awareness of the relationship between choices and consequences." -Publishers Weekly

"The portrait of a boy as a young rascal. . . Funny, silly, and fairly empathetic—and perhaps even consoling to young, impulsive people who hope to be better (someday)." -Kirkus Reviews

"Young readers, especially those with a passion for mischief, will hope there are more chapters of Iggy's exploits to come." -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Fans of Barrows's 'Ivy + Bean' series and books about kids who often find themselves landing in trouble will appreciate this laugh-out-loud tale." -School Library Journal

"Humorous and action filled . . . [students] will be reminded that reading can be fun." -School Library Connection

"This book is deeply ethical and totally hilarious. It's wise, generous, and delightfully unsanctimonious. Seriously: The Best of Iggy is one of the finest and funniest middle-grade books I've read in years." -Mac Barnett, author of the bestselling Kid Spy series

"Warning: Do not let 'extenuating circumstances' keep you from getting to know the inimitable Iggy. You'll be laughing so hard—pancake everywhere—that you won't even realize the young troublemaker just stole your heart." -Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody and STINK series

"Only Annie Barrows could have penned this outrageously clever, laugh-out-loud book, a magical feat that somehow combines hilarious hijinks with a thoughtful look at why we make mistakes — and how we make amends. I haven't adored a well-intentioned troublemaker this much since Henry Huggins and Junie B. Guaranteed fun, this is the perfect family read." -Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan"

"You'd have to have a heart of stone not to love Iggy. It's not his fault he's always in trouble. Well, it's mostly his fault, but there are Very Compelling Extenuating Circumstances. Wise, sensible, smart children everywhere will hurl themselves (safely) at this hilarious new series from Annie Barrows." -Sophie Blackall, Caldecott Medal Winner and illustrator of the Ivy + Bean series

"If you've ever done anything you regretted, or never regretted anything you've done, IGGY is for you." -Jon Scieszka, inaugural National Ambassador for Young People's Literature