The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt (Judy Moody and Stink #2)

The pirate theme has definite appeal, and readers who enjoy wordplay and verbal sparring will find something to like here.

Gr 13It's a pirate-themed holiday for Judy and younger brother Stink as the Moody family makes their way to historic Ocracoke Island, home of Blackbeard. Stepping off the ferry, the siblings enthusiastically tackle a scavenger hunt organized by "Scurvy Sam," aka Cap'n Weevil. Solving each riddle leads to "pieces of eight" given by locals playing along with the contest. As Judy and Stink race around the island, two other kids seem to be hot on their heels. With a bit of ingenuity and perseverance, the Moodys manage to outwit their competition. Their joy in victory is tempered by the realization that the other kids who have been trying hard have inadvertently led them to the answers on a number of their clues. They decide to include them on their prize tripa sail around the bay on a real pirate ship. With a mix of pirate slang, silly jokes, Morse code, and tantalizing puzzles, enlivened with full-color cartoons throughout, this book is a humorous summer read."Madigan McGillicuddy, Los Angeles Public Library" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Another interesting and exciting adventure in the always enjoyable Judy Moody & Stink series, enlivened with the usual pleasing illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds. The plot is well-paced and will especially thrill pirate-loving readers.
—Kidsreads.com