The Eye Pocket: The Fantastic Society of Peculiar Adventurers [Paperback]

This book hooks you right away, especially reading it during summer vacation. Bobby is a great character both brave and cautious! I love the themes of technology, science and magic! It is alot of fun to read - my kids made me read it in one sitting. "Read more, mom, read more!!!" The best part was that there was a moral dilemma where the kids were right -kid power! Hoping to read alot more Humblebeach adventures - or as my 6 year old callls him, "that beach dad guy!"

Bobby Humblebeech's dad used to be a member of the Fantastic Society of Peculiar Adventurers. He used to go to exciting places and do and see interesting things. Then the society kicked him out. Now he just sits on the couch and watches TV. Bobby just wants to go out and have fun.

When Bobby runs into Dirk and Sam Straw, he might be in for more "fun" than he's ready for. The Straw's show him magical places that might not really exists. They only leave when they get scared away by an unidentified giant monster with tusks. The three run home to try and convince Mr. Humblebeech of what they've seen.

When Mr. Humblebeech is finally convinced, he gets so excited he actually leaves the couch! When he goes to the garage and actually lets the kids use his equipment, and wants to go see for himself, Bobby, Dirk and Sam know they're in for a real adventure.

This book is perfect for kids who grew up watching The Best of the Power Rangers - The Ultimate Rangers and similar shows. There are tons of high-tech gadgets and impressive pieces of equipment. Plus enough adventure, ghosts, and monsters to satisfy the most uninterested of children.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

Nine-year-old Bobby Humblebeach feels that he lives in the most boring town in America. The fact that he is the son of an unemployed adventurer, Bobby feels that his current living situation is an injustice. After all, an adventurer's son should live somewhere...adventurous! But when Bobby, along with two of his friends - Sam and Dirk - stumble upon a piece of land smack dab in the middle of the past, present, and future, known only as the Eye Pocket, he feels as if he has struck gold. Suddenly, his town doesn't seem as boring as it originally did. Now, leaving his couch, and remote control behind, Mr. Humblebeach decks himself, Bobby, Sam, and Dirk out in the finest gear for a pack of explorer's, and heads out to investigate the world they've just found. However, it is soon obvious that the mission has hit turmoil, when the four explorers dig up a mysterious gold chest, only to learn that they've disturbed its crooked owners.

I will admit that I had reservations when I first received this book, but I could not be more happy with the outcome. E.J. Crow is a new force to be reckoned with in the world of children's writers. His characters are fresh and exciting; his plot original and fast-paced; and his story absolutely spell-binding. Readers will be able to relate easily to Bobby's complaints about living in the most boring town in America; and find themselves searching for an Eye Pocket of their own. THE FANTASTIC SOCIETY OF PECULIAR ADVENTURES is an idea of a lifetime that will appeal to readers and their parents, and leave everyone grappling to become a member. A riveting tale filled with magic, technology, and a splash of mystery!

Erika Sorocco