A Children's Book I Think Should Become a Movie

Have you ever read a book so fun and descriptive that you could just picture the whole thing in your head, like an action movie? Or is it just me?

That's exactly what it was like for me when I read this book! It's by another favorite author of mine (I admit, I have a lot of favorites but basically once they publish something I read it immediately), Laura Martin. I have previously reviewed a series by her, Edge of Extinction, a dinosaur tale which should also be a movie (in my humble opinion).

The one you will read about today is Hoax for Hire. If I had to describe it in one sentence, I'd say it's a bit like Scooby-Doo meets Monk--both drastically different tv shows, I know! Except they are both mysteries! Just for different age groups. Unless you're a big kid like myself, and then they are both in your age group.

image courtesy of goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43092874-hoax-for-hire

Have you ever wondered how old folk tales of monsters like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster got started? If you met the McNeil family, you'd know how. They are professional hoaxers who have been scaring tourists for decades. Now it is 12-year-old Grayson's turn to take over the family business, and he has zero interest in it.

But the matriarchs of the family business (Dad and Gramps) go MIA, and suddenly it's up to Grayson and his older brother Curtis to save the day—or at least save their family’s reputation. That's not going to be easy, however. Along the way, Grayson discovers there's another family responsible for tricking the history books for ages--the Gerhards. And the two families have been battling for the best hoax for centuries.

Now, Curtis and Grayson must pull off an epic hoax, known as the Grand Slam Sea Monster Hoax, before their rivals beat them too it.

I thought this story was super unique. I love that the explanation for all of the world's mysterious monsters is two feuding families! It was hilarious and full of twists and turns and rivals turned friends.

It's got some heartfelt moments though too. Grayson doesn't like the family business and wants to give it up for a "normal" life. But his brother Curtis loves it and can't wait to dive in and take over. And their mother passed away years ago, so their father became obsessed with the hoaxes and let family time end up on the back burner. So this story isn't just about some funny hi-jinx but a family learning to come together again.

I wish this were a movie, and not a cartoon, but live action! We may not have it as film yet, but in the meantime, please read it and have fun laughing out loud and tearing up a little bit. As always, Happy Reading!