HOOT.

HOOT by CARL HIAASEN.

SOURCE: Ex-library stock.

Roy Eberhardt never wanted to move to Florida. 'Disney World is an armpit,' he states, 'compared to Montana.'

Roy’s family moves a lot so he’s used to the new-kid drill – and Florida bullies are pretty much like bullies everywhere. But Roy finds himself oddly indebted to hulking Dana Matherson. If Dana hadn't been mashing Roy's face into the school bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is the first interesting thing Roy's seen in Florida.

The boy is about Roy's age, but he is running away from the school bus. He has no books, no backpack and, most oddly, no shoes.

Sensing a mystery Roy sets out to trail the unknown runner. Where is the boy going and what does he have to do with potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a very dodgy pancake PR man and several snakes with unnaturally sparkly tails?

Suddenly life in Florida is looking up!
..... Inner front cover

FIRST SENTENCE {Chapter 1}: Roy would not have noticed the strange boy if it weren't for Dana Matherson, because Roy ordinarily didn't look out the window of the school bus.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 124}: As the bullet whizzed over its tiny whiskered head, shattering the toilet seat, the mouse took off - a squeaking blur that scooted out the door-way, between Curly's feet.

MY THOUGHTS: With its winning combination of off-beat humour and fun characters Hoot with its themes of bullying and environmental activism is a highly enjoyable topical read which whilst recommended for those ten and over I thought suitable for younger more confident readers as well as adults.

OK, so there are certain elements that some adults may think to be age inappropriate (without giving too much away and the books lavatorial witticisms aside there is mention of vandalism) but on the whole I felt Hoot made for great discussion about the nature of big corporate companies (in this instance the fictional Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House) versus environment issues(as represented by the burrowing owls) and the lengths one would/should go to  to stand up for what they believe in.

Though I haven't read any of the books for 'grown ups' written by this author if this, his debut novel for children, is any indication of how good they are then I'll be sure to keep a look out for them.

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