[Thanks to the author, Suzanne Selfors, for the Advanced Reader Copy of Wedgie and Gizmo vs The Toof which I won in a social media contest. All opinions here are my own.]
Summary of Wedgie and Gizmo
Wedgie is a Corgi who lives with Mom, Abuela, Jasmine and Jackson. When he wears a cape, something Jasmine gave him for Halloween, he is “Super Wedgie.” His cape gives him super powers! When he runs in circles in front of the door, barking, with his cape flapping behind him, a “force field” is activated and the door opens (by one of his family members).
Gizmo is a guinea pig who lives with Dad and Elliott. Gizmo is an evil genius. He has taught himself to read, and he builds evil lairs (behind the dryer) and uses pigeons to carry letters to his love.
When Dad and Mom get married, Elliott and Gizmo have to move. And that means everyone has some adjusting to do. Wedgie has to “adjust” to more people to LOVE and herd. Gizmo has to adjust to living in a Barbie Playhouse while waiting for a new cage. He also engages in battle with his new nemesis Wedgie, as well as Abuela, “The Elderly One.”
Will Gizmo get to accomplish all of his evil plans? And will the humans in the story be able to adjust to all of the changes that come with becoming a step family?
Review of Wedgie and Gizmo
This book is a HOOT!! I loved Wedgie and Gizmo. Wedgie is adorable and earnest and endearing. In my head, he sounds like Doug from the movie Up. He also reminds me of the dog in the Magic Bone series. What a great voice the author gives Wedgie! Gizmo is awesome in a completely different way. I love how he interprets the things around him – Elliott is his servant, etc.
There’s great humor in this story. The nicknames the animals have for each other are terrific. This could be a ton of fun to read out loud to a class – lots of shared laughter. Amazon says this is for ages 8 and up. I think this would work for any elementary classroom where kids are reading independently (for length). Family interactions for this blended family give the story a more serious tone at times, but Wedgie and Gizmo help keep the overall tone light.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Wedgie and Gizmo vs the Toof (Book 2)
Gizmo is certain that he needs a “Drone of Destiny” and a hoard of other guinea pigs in order to take over the world. But he is convinced that Wedgie (“Thorgi” – the Corgi in a Thor cape) will try to stop him, along with his new partner Pinkie the Pig, aka “The Toof.”
Wedgie loves his new friend Pinkie (“Funny Dog”), and he wants Jasmine to be happy. All Jasmine wants is for Wedgie to win a prize in the Pet Parade event at her school. She is desperate to win a trophy like her new step-brother Elliott always does. But Gizmo’s plans and Wedgie’s impulsive nature may keep Jasmine from realizing her dream.
Review
This was another terrific story with these dynamite characters. This begs to be read out loud with a “Doug” from Up sort of voice for Wedgie and a Bond villain sort of voice for Gizmo.
One of the things I liked about this story was that it works on a couple different levels. The obvious level is Gizmo’s schemes and Wedgie’s cluelessness. It’s pure gold all on its own. But there’s the layer of things happening in the human world – between Jasmine and their new neighbor Emily, and also the ways that Jasmine is trying to find her place in this new family configuration. This layer of the story is a little more subtle. Some younger readers might need coaxing to engage with that layer of the story, but older readers will enjoy the deeper story. Both layers are terrific!