OOYAY

Stanley Rumm
Dog Ear Publishing, LLC (2007)
ISBN 9781598582802
Reviewed by Anthony Pettrone (age 14) for Reader Views (7/07)


“OOYAY” is a book that, at first glance, seems to be your run-of-the-mill science fiction book for teens, but then after the first chapter or so, you find out that not only are the characters likable but there is a humor behind them that isn't usually found in books of this sort. And it's a humor that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps it until the end.

With characters such as Professor Crastinator, Ooyay the blue dog and Lucy Lucey, the reader sees a wit in the characters through their names that matches their personalities. We feel the strange relationship between Prof. Crastinator and Ooyay defies all reasonable explanation, yet fits so well within the story that the reader begins to believe, without question, that this blue dog not only talks but is the brains behind the inventions Prof. Crastinator takes credit for.

After Lucy thinks she will “scoop” the world by telling of her discovery of Ooyay as the actual inventor, we find, instead of the respect and admiration she thinks she will get she gets only scorn and laughter. Shortly after her story bombs, Ooyay is snatched and the real story begins.

Within the pages of this book we discover that Lucy feels responsible for Ooyay's disappearance and is determined to help the professor find Ooyay. The adventures and strange things they experience in the pages that come next, are not only entertaining but amazing as well! Who would think a tartan-wearing cowboy named Blurt would play such an important part in a book like this? Of course, when you think about it, nothing should be surprising when you remember you are reading about a blue dog that not only talks, but invents as well.

With instances such as “the most boring movie ever,” the empathy stone and the wish table, there is always something on the next page to interest and keeps the reader turning the pages wanting more.

This book was fantastical, strange, wonderful, odd, unique, bizarre, funny, unpredictable, exciting and entertaining. In short, it is a book that will be a favorite of any age reader from early teen even through adult. I was impressed with “OOYAY” and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something a little bit different in the area of summer reading. Check it out to see why “OOYAY” is a hit with this teen and why I'm telling all my friends about the adventures inside its pages!

Make comment on weblog