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78th out of 337 books
—
136 voters
A Beginning, a Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing
by
Avi,
Tricia Tusa
Avonthe snail and Edward the ant are back for anotherfunny--and philosophical--adventure. This time,Avon has decided he wants to be a writer, only to discover that writing is way more difficult than he ever imagined.He finally gets the word Something written down, butthere's aproblem: What to write next? Luckily, his friend Edward is there to advise.
Brimming with wit, wisd...more
Brimming with wit, wisd...more
Hardcover, 176 pages
Published
April 1st 2008
by Harcourt Children's Books
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Avi continues to amaze me. He's amazing at writing in different styles and different times, something enviable in any writer.
For this one, it's just fun. It reminded me of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series, but this one is a bit more concerned with being clever, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Be forewarned though, if you don't like puns and plays on words, you will HATE this book, as it's pretty much nothing but. Because of that fact though, it does make for a very fun and silly little re...more
For this one, it's just fun. It reminded me of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series, but this one is a bit more concerned with being clever, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Be forewarned though, if you don't like puns and plays on words, you will HATE this book, as it's pretty much nothing but. Because of that fact though, it does make for a very fun and silly little re...more
Feb 24, 2010
Sherry Dale Rogers
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
to writers
Shelves:
book-reviews
Avon the snail and Edward the ant comes to us again with another philosophical adventure.
Avon wants to write but he finds out its more difficult than he thought. After much deliberation he finally writes down the word “Something” but what should he write next. Edward is always there to lend some philosophical advice. Both friends find out that writing can take you on some interesting adventures.
This is what Edward had to say about writing:
"Write first. You can always figure out what you have wri...more
Avon wants to write but he finds out its more difficult than he thought. After much deliberation he finally writes down the word “Something” but what should he write next. Edward is always there to lend some philosophical advice. Both friends find out that writing can take you on some interesting adventures.
This is what Edward had to say about writing:
"Write first. You can always figure out what you have wri...more
This book is a string of tiresome one-liners between two friends who live in each independent moment with no thought of what comes before or after. Phrases taken out of context twist the conversation far away from the original trajectory, and the conclusion leads back to the beginning.
The humor is pleasant, but the puns make the book a more challenging read than its plot would suggest. Young readers could be drawn in by its mild storyline, but they might not have the needed grasp of word-play, s...more
The humor is pleasant, but the puns make the book a more challenging read than its plot would suggest. Young readers could be drawn in by its mild storyline, but they might not have the needed grasp of word-play, s...more
A very clever little book. Edward the Snail wants to write but is crashing into all the familiar obstacles. Fortunately, his snail pail Avon is there to offer philosophical advice and provide witty verbal sparring to help Edward down the path of enlightenment. Avi fills the pages with fantastic little puns and wordplay. It feels like old timey radio (and maybe television) the way the two cahracters bandy about with words. If you enjoy the sort of humor you found on old Muppet Show episodes, you'...more
This book is so cute. I read it in an hour while the boys played at the park. I have never read an AVI book before, so this was my first. The two characters Avon the Snail and Edward the Ant talk throughout the book on how Avon can write a book to become an author. Edward has more than enough helpful hints to help Avon. This little novella has a major play on words. Every cliche you can think of and mixing words. This would be a great book to teach writing skills in an elementary classroom.
Copyr...more
Copyr...more
Great pictures and the book looks so nice, but once you start reading things change. Trying to be really clever it just goes overboard - too many puns and plays on words for my liking that just kill the story. Most of them are not even funny or witty although you can tell the author has tried really hard. And maybe that's the main problem.
Definitely not a book kids would enjoy, or young adults for that matter. Kids don't see the world this way and would not understand the story I'm afraid.
Definitely not a book kids would enjoy, or young adults for that matter. Kids don't see the world this way and would not understand the story I'm afraid.
Billed as “The Right Way to Write Writing”, this latest YA offering by Newberry-winner Avi is a whimsically told tale of a Snail, Avon, and his best ant friend, Edward, when the former decides one fine day to become a writer. Although this is not a primer for adults interested in writing, it clearly is a wonderfully humorous first book for the late elementary set.
Avi’s wry sense of humor centers on plenty of puns that will no doubt force you to break out in a grin. Examples include: A lesson in...more
Avi’s wry sense of humor centers on plenty of puns that will no doubt force you to break out in a grin. Examples include: A lesson in...more
Fun idea about calling the middle of a book a muddle. Love the end pages illustration. Would be a hard read for a young student. Not a adventurous/compelling read. Best reader would someone reading it with an interest for creating a story.
Identified interest level is 3-6, with a Lexile of 530.
Maybe a 6th grade interest level...
Do not recommend for an addition to a library collection.
Identified interest level is 3-6, with a Lexile of 530.
Maybe a 6th grade interest level...
Do not recommend for an addition to a library collection.
As Avon the Snail struggles to write, he holds a witty conversation with his friend Edward the Ant, and their conversation is full of plays-on-words, tongue-in-cheek humour and not a little wisdom about the art of writing. As well as giving young readers a good laugh, it holds some valuable tips for budding authors if they read between the lines. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
I was really excited to read this book--and maybe that's why it was disappointing. Although there are some cute insights into the writing process, there was so much playing around with words that I started to feel that Avi was having more fun writing it than I was reading it. Then I started wondering if I was just missing something. Am I too dense to get it? Maybe so.
The first chapter seemed promising, but then nothing happened. I got tired of reading pun after pun after pun with no story. The illustrations are wonderful. I didn't find any helpful advice to writers, just some quotable bits that in the end are as empty as the story. I can't imagine any child would have the patience to sit through this book.
I didn't care for this at all. It's a cute book, small with appealing line drawings. But the "story"....one liners and wisecracks just didn't tickle my funny bone. I can't think of one child who would enjoy this. Maybe an adult writer would enjoy the tedious discussion of the writing process, but I doubt it. A disappointment from such a stellar author.
Great writing advice for children. They will need further explanation of the little chapters, but great discussion starters. Also, this book employs the most play on words I have EVER seen. Great for teaching double meaning, humor, etc. You could easily read one chapter a day, just a few pages, and then make a writing exercise out of each chapter.
Avi brings back the snail and ant characters from his book, The End of the Beginning. But this book is for writers, about writing. The snail wants to be a writer and his ant friend thinks he has all the answers. There is almost constant word play thoughout the book, almost to the point of making me tired. Funny insights and ironies.
I hate to even write this review. This is the first time I have not loved an Avi book. I found it hard to read wordplay after wordplay after wordplay. I wanted the story to have a little chance in this. I loved the first. I liked the End of the Beginning but this one was too much. Grades 2+
Fabulous book for helping your middle, high school and beyond writers write! Having struggled with learning due to academic disabilities he understand that adage, "Thinking is hard; writing is thinking." And because they have enjoyed so many of his books they will actually take him seriously.
You'll either be pleasantly amused or endlessly irritated by this book. Avon the snail wants to write, but he doesn't know how or where to start. His friend, Edward the ant, gives him some sometimes helpful advice, while the two have delightful exchanges filled with all kinds of fun wordplay.
Brought this book home for my son, to help him understand writing a bit better. He began to read it, then promptly quit - he didn't like the story, thought it strange. I read it, and don't think it helps much - too esoteric for young readers, yet certainly not for adults.
This book is so amazing! I love it. It's about a snail named Avon who has always wanted to write a story. His friend, Edward the Ant, tries to help him. The go on crazy adventures and somehow always get into a bit of trouble. I'd recommend it to anybody.
What a surprising gem we found in this plot-less tale of words and writing. We couldn't decide if it was best as a read-aloud or as an independent book. Some of it worked best when seen whereas other parts were fun to listen to when read.
Again I am drawn in by the cute pretext and held captive by the double meaning and play on words that exists throughout. It flows. It explains the writing process as seen through the eyes of a snail and an ant.
Kind of fun, silly story about animal that wants to be a writer. It uses a play on words and teaches about writing. Kids enjoyed listening but you don't get the full enjoyment of the words unless you read it yourself.
Dec 19, 2008
Bullcitytaheel
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
children who like puns and word-play
Shelves:
childrens-lit
I thought this would have more about writing in it, so was disappointed when it didn't. Lots of plays on words - so would appeal to children who would delight in that. This is probably targeting 3rd - 5th graders?
I was surprised, but my 5 yr old loved this. I'm sure she didn't understand everything but she laughed her way through it. We read it in one sitting. I found it very clever and even thought provoking.
An ant named Edward tries to help a snail named Avon write a book. Basically this is a great book of word play. I would like to read it aloud to students and see how they react to some of the puns.
This book is full of word play and for that reason it is very fun to read. However, it is too hard to understand for the age level it is written at; but is too simple for older readers.
Darling illustrations. If you're into pun after pun, you'll really like this book. I must confess I got a little lost on more than one occasion. Taken in small doses, it was fun.
My nine year old son enjoyed this so much, that he wanted to read it aloud to me. Great fun, and a wonderful way to introduce grammar, figures of speech, and puns to your child.
Aug 16, 2012
Jabbman42
is currently reading it
I love this book. I'm currently reading it to Gavin and Connor. It is packed full of puns. The kids only get about half of them but they love it none-the-less.
Um, this book was confusing, and kind of boring. So... I'm not sure I would have read it for anything other than to get another informational book...
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Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use."
Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and The Crispin series. His work is very much desired by readers young and old.
More about Avi...
Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and The Crispin series. His work is very much desired by readers young and old.
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