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Bugs Potter #1
Who Is Bugs Potter?
This is an alternate cover edition of a
different edition
with the same ISBN.
Who is Bugs Potter? When he was last seen, he was wearing a moustache and running out of a crowded rock club. Then, he was spotted dressed as a telephone repairman, trying to break into a glamorous movie star's hotel suite. Next, he was observed playing the drums at the high school band festival rehearsal.
Who is Bugs Potter and why is he doing all those wild things? Maybe he's just crazy or maybe he's a star....
Who is Bugs Potter? When he was last seen, he was wearing a moustache and running out of a crowded rock club. Then, he was spotted dressed as a telephone repairman, trying to break into a glamorous movie star's hotel suite. Next, he was observed playing the drums at the high school band festival rehearsal.
Who is Bugs Potter and why is he doing all those wild things? Maybe he's just crazy or maybe he's a star....
Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
3 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
253 books4,471 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 4, 2024
THIS IS HANDSDOWN THE FUNNIEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ.
WHY IS THIS NO LONGER IN PRINT??? *cries*
I began rereading this (for the fifth time) aloud to my whole family yesterday, and everyone was just dying, even though they'd all read it before.
I pity all you who never got the joy of reading Gordon Korman's early books, before they all went out of print... (or got reproduced with stupid changes to make the technology not modern that take away from the story, as in the case of the Macdonald Hall books).
WHY IS THIS NO LONGER IN PRINT??? *cries*
I began rereading this (for the fifth time) aloud to my whole family yesterday, and everyone was just dying, even though they'd all read it before.
I pity all you who never got the joy of reading Gordon Korman's early books, before they all went out of print... (or got reproduced with stupid changes to make the technology not modern that take away from the story, as in the case of the Macdonald Hall books).
July 26, 2016
Yes, like nearly all of Korman's YA reads, "Who Is Bugs Potter?" is completely implausible. Movie stars walking around with single bodyguard escorts, two-bit thugs who get chance after chance to pull off the theft of the century, and a no-name nobody getting to rock out with all of his favorite bands simply by donning a mustache and walking through the front door of a bar where no one gets carded: these are the sorts of absurdities one must overlook when reading a Gordon Korman book. If you can't abide the ridiculous, put down the book--Bugs Potter is not for you.
On the other hand, if you enjoy killing an hour or two in an amusingly-realized fantasy world that looks bizarrely like the one outside your front door, yet odd enough to allow the afore-mentioned craziness free reign, then come right on in. The water's fine. Indulge yourself in some Pottermania from a time before anyone know the name J.K. Rowling.
Of the books Korman has written aimed at younger readers, as opposed to his teen fiction like "Don't Care High" or "Son of Interflux", this is my absolute, hands-down favorite. It brings back memories of class trips from grade school and high school, the trouble we managed to get into, and the laughs shared along the way. "Who Is Bugs Potter?" is what every school-age kid wishes his field trips would turn into without the police investigations and looming detentions which menace us in the real world.
Korman's true writing gift is his characters, and he's no slouch in that department here. From the titular Potter, who proclaims himself "The Most" in an early introduction to mild-mannered flute-guy ("that's 'flautist!'") roommate Adam Webb to world-famous, yet cursed, movie star BiBi Lanay, her gorilla of a security guard Charlie, and her eternally optimistic publicist Claire, Korman covers all the bases for a set-'em-up-and-knock-'em-down bevy of gags which rely on the kids knowing everything and the adults in charge being completely incompetent. I love it, and I love 'em all, even some two decades after I first read this book.
Wish-fulfillment adolescent fantasy? You bet your drumsticks. Would I want it any other way at all? Not on your life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pop my Dorchester Mellon tape into my cassette player, put on my head phones, and pay close attention to some amazing drum work.
On the other hand, if you enjoy killing an hour or two in an amusingly-realized fantasy world that looks bizarrely like the one outside your front door, yet odd enough to allow the afore-mentioned craziness free reign, then come right on in. The water's fine. Indulge yourself in some Pottermania from a time before anyone know the name J.K. Rowling.
Of the books Korman has written aimed at younger readers, as opposed to his teen fiction like "Don't Care High" or "Son of Interflux", this is my absolute, hands-down favorite. It brings back memories of class trips from grade school and high school, the trouble we managed to get into, and the laughs shared along the way. "Who Is Bugs Potter?" is what every school-age kid wishes his field trips would turn into without the police investigations and looming detentions which menace us in the real world.
Korman's true writing gift is his characters, and he's no slouch in that department here. From the titular Potter, who proclaims himself "The Most" in an early introduction to mild-mannered flute-guy ("that's 'flautist!'") roommate Adam Webb to world-famous, yet cursed, movie star BiBi Lanay, her gorilla of a security guard Charlie, and her eternally optimistic publicist Claire, Korman covers all the bases for a set-'em-up-and-knock-'em-down bevy of gags which rely on the kids knowing everything and the adults in charge being completely incompetent. I love it, and I love 'em all, even some two decades after I first read this book.
Wish-fulfillment adolescent fantasy? You bet your drumsticks. Would I want it any other way at all? Not on your life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pop my Dorchester Mellon tape into my cassette player, put on my head phones, and pay close attention to some amazing drum work.
May 24, 2011
Even at the age of 27 I love reading Gordon Korman books. His brand of humor and rebellious child fantasy is perfect escapist fiction. While my favorite will always be I Want To Go Home, Who Is Bugs Potter is a good (though repetitive) extension of what Korman does best. In the case of Bugs Potter, who hasn't dreamed of rocking out with their favorite bands on stage? Crowds cheering... becoming famous overnight... that is the environment in which Bugs Potter puts himself. It could never happen that way in real life, yet it is so fun to dream about it. Into this dream Korman inserts slap-stick humor akin to Home Alone, a worry-wart straight man, and the biggest movie star in the world. It is a recipe for cheesy ridiculousness, yet Korman knows how to play the characters against each other so that it doesn't feel stressed or out of line. Recommended for the kids out there who dream big--and the adults who want to remember how to dream.
January 30, 2019
I only vaguely remember this, but I know it was funny and I liked it. And now as an adult, realizing that of COURSE I liked it . . . it's Gordon Korman! Makes me want to find a copy and reread.
July 12, 2013
Funny, in an amazingly silly way. Read it, it will make you smile!*
*Unless you have a low tolerance for the absurd. In which case, avoid this, or take it like you would medicine, to cure your unfortunate condition.
*Unless you have a low tolerance for the absurd. In which case, avoid this, or take it like you would medicine, to cure your unfortunate condition.
May 29, 2019
I have fond memories of this book from my childhood and recently re-read it to my kids. They were as wildly enthusiastic about Bugs’ antics as I was, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was amused that t-shirts cost $5.95 in 1980. Highly recommend.
January 1, 2023
This book is one of the few of the 100 volumes from Gordon Korman that I have found looks to be currently out of print. I believe it was originally published in 1980, and there appears to have been seven editions between then and 1991 in English and an edition in German in 1984. Mid Last year, in the summer of 2022, Korman published his 100th book. Yes you read that correctly, his hundredth book. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read over 20 of his books. Barely a drop in the buck, but with each one I read I am entertained and often challenged. My son often reads these books to me or with me. This was one I picked up this to read on my Christmas vacation.
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book. Prior to that I had a read a few of his contributions to the 39 Clues series and had enjoyed them. My son and I have mostly been reading his more recent titles. I have have started going back and am randomly reading his older works and series. I believe there are only 2 books in the Bugs Potter series, they are:
Who Is Bugs Potter?
Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny
The description of this volume is:
“Who is Bugs Potter? When he was last seen, he was wearing a moustache and running out of a crowded rock club. Then, he was spotted dressed as a telephone repairman, trying to break into a glamorous movie star's hotel suite. Next, he was observed playing the drums at the high school band festival rehearsal.
Who is Bugs Potter and why is he doing all those wild things? Maybe he's just crazy or maybe he's a star...”
The chapters in this book are:
The Most
That's flautists
Plumber calling
Aren't you glad you came?
I have this headache
Let there be light
Negative vibes
The Big Watermelon
It's the thought that counts
Extra towels
The new BiBi Lanay
Man, it's a happening!
Onward and upward
I could see that this story would have a hard time getting published today. You have a group of high school students in Toronto to play as a National Orchestra. The problem is, the lack of adult supervision, 2 of the kids sneaking out to bars every night to hear bands. And the complete disregard to rules and authority, at least by Bugs. But that is also what makes this story so fun. You just cannot see it happening, at least today, maybe back in the 80’s. Back in the 19’s and not in the 20’s, as in 2000 and later.
But the story is so much fun. It is over the top, as is Bugs’s personality and behaviour. It was vastly entertaining and as soon as I finished I gave it to my son recommending that he bump it to the top of his ‘to be read’ pile.
The story in this one is a little out there compared to many of Korman’s offerings. It takes the Bruno and Boots antics to a whole new level! The pace is break neck, the characters humorous and yet endearing, Bugs, BiBi, and even Adam. It is a story that young readers will love! Another great read from Korman’s masterful pen!
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together a few years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book. Prior to that I had a read a few of his contributions to the 39 Clues series and had enjoyed them. My son and I have mostly been reading his more recent titles. I have have started going back and am randomly reading his older works and series. I believe there are only 2 books in the Bugs Potter series, they are:
Who Is Bugs Potter?
Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny
The description of this volume is:
“Who is Bugs Potter? When he was last seen, he was wearing a moustache and running out of a crowded rock club. Then, he was spotted dressed as a telephone repairman, trying to break into a glamorous movie star's hotel suite. Next, he was observed playing the drums at the high school band festival rehearsal.
Who is Bugs Potter and why is he doing all those wild things? Maybe he's just crazy or maybe he's a star...”
The chapters in this book are:
The Most
That's flautists
Plumber calling
Aren't you glad you came?
I have this headache
Let there be light
Negative vibes
The Big Watermelon
It's the thought that counts
Extra towels
The new BiBi Lanay
Man, it's a happening!
Onward and upward
I could see that this story would have a hard time getting published today. You have a group of high school students in Toronto to play as a National Orchestra. The problem is, the lack of adult supervision, 2 of the kids sneaking out to bars every night to hear bands. And the complete disregard to rules and authority, at least by Bugs. But that is also what makes this story so fun. You just cannot see it happening, at least today, maybe back in the 80’s. Back in the 19’s and not in the 20’s, as in 2000 and later.
But the story is so much fun. It is over the top, as is Bugs’s personality and behaviour. It was vastly entertaining and as soon as I finished I gave it to my son recommending that he bump it to the top of his ‘to be read’ pile.
The story in this one is a little out there compared to many of Korman’s offerings. It takes the Bruno and Boots antics to a whole new level! The pace is break neck, the characters humorous and yet endearing, Bugs, BiBi, and even Adam. It is a story that young readers will love! Another great read from Korman’s masterful pen!
January 23, 2022
Who Is Bugs Potter? is a deeply silly book. That's not a criticism - indeed, it's a compliment of the highest order. WIBP has none of Korman's usual post-modernism, satire, or particularly well-developed characters; in fact, it barely has a plot. But it doesn't need any of that. Bugs is pure, uncut slapstick, the kind that would make the Marx Brothers proud. It's brilliantly-constructed, moving effortlessly from scene to scene, and reaches a wonderful, well-earned final payoff.
Who Is Bugs Potter? is fluff, but it's the best damn fluff you'll ever read.
Who Is Bugs Potter? is fluff, but it's the best damn fluff you'll ever read.
July 8, 2020
I can't believe it! I read this book in 1991, and I loved it. But since I couldn't remember the title or author, I've been going around saying, "There's this book, and it's about this kid named Bugs who becomes a famous drummer without knowing it...." Then my friend, who is a LIBRARIAN IMBUED WITH MAGICAL POWERS, as all librarians are, found it. I had searched the internet with various keywords, but no, it took someone sprinkled with MAGIC LIBRARIAN DUST.
November 29, 2023
One of Korman's less successful early efforts, though for some reason it spawned a sequel (which I have never been able to find). There's the usual odd-couple dynamic, with the strait-laced Adam rooming with the considerably more free-spirited Bugs at a high school band festival. The problem is that Bugs is just not that interesting: his schtick is that he prefers to skip the high-culture activities the festival has on tap for when the attendees aren't rehearsing and instead break curfew to go see hard rock bands that, frankly, sound pretty terrible. The twist, and it's not much of a twist, is that Bugs is a super-talented rock drummer, who thrills the crowd with epic drum solos, but my interest in rock drum solos is pretty limited. Adam's role, meanwhile, is limited to getting Bugs away from his adoring fans after the concert ends, so that they can sneak back into the hotel successfully: Korman tries to sell this as Adam being a super-talented security guy, but I didn't really buy it. Since this is all pretty thin, there are a couple of secondary characters, Laura and Sylvia, who are also at the band festival: they reproduce the Adam-Bugs dynamic without being nearly as memorable and are not given much of anything to do. Plus, there's a rather Wodehousian subplot involving a movie star, a jewel, and some thieves, which has a fairly tenuous connection to the rest of the book. There are some good bits, enough that a hardcore fan of early Korman like me won't regret reading it, but anyone else can skip it without missing too much.
May 26, 2025
Who is Bugs Potter? By Gordon Korman. ..
In a fancy hotel are..A movie star promoting her new movie & trying to get rid of her expensive necklace she believes is cursed… 2 untalented burglars trying to steal the necklace… & a group of teenage musicians one of which who in trying to meet the movie star keeps accidentally foiling the burglars.
Very funny.
It’s time for this book to be reprinted (with NO changes).
In a fancy hotel are..A movie star promoting her new movie & trying to get rid of her expensive necklace she believes is cursed… 2 untalented burglars trying to steal the necklace… & a group of teenage musicians one of which who in trying to meet the movie star keeps accidentally foiling the burglars.
Very funny.
It’s time for this book to be reprinted (with NO changes).
September 15, 2024
Such a fun, heartwarming and funny book. Enjoyed reading it when I was young and again while reading it to my own kids. This book is also definitely one of the reasons I decided to work in the music industry myself.
It's hard to find print versions of this book at the moment but it can be borrowed and read the internet archive.
It's hard to find print versions of this book at the moment but it can be borrowed and read the internet archive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
Doesn't seem like the Bugs Potter books have survived in popularity as well as the Bruno and Boots series. I remember this one as a blast - every kid's dream of becoming a famous rock star out of nowhere and traveling the world. The second book was not as strong, if I recall.
May 6, 2020
My all-time favourite book...has been for almost 40 years. I have and will read it over and over and I have and will share it with as many people as possible. It continues to crack me up. Can't get enough of Bugs!
November 1, 2022
An unputdownable beautifully written YA comedy about Bugs, the flute guy, the Falusi emerald and the two burglars that ressembled those of the "Home Alone" movie. It's a must read for all YA lovers and if you are looking for a laugh out loud read then this must be your choice.
June 30, 2025
eponymous sentence:
p42: "Who is Bugs Potter?"
I feel for Adam. Being put on the spot for that long and that intensely would break most people. But it did work out rather spectacularly at the end.
p42: "Who is Bugs Potter?"
I feel for Adam. Being put on the spot for that long and that intensely would break most people. But it did work out rather spectacularly at the end.
March 12, 2018
So great. I love Bugs Potter!
August 26, 2018
Just as good as I remembered. Too bad both it and the sequel are out of print.
October 31, 2018
The bands, the jewellery heists, the Toronto activities... Who is Bug Potter?
October 6, 2020
classic u cant call urself a reader if u never read this
March 18, 2022
Gordon Korman is a Canadian treasure. I didn't know what I was missing all these years. Read this one to my class and we all loved it; we were in stitches from start till finish.
October 11, 2023
Reviewed by the teenage me. Just the right thing at that age.
November 29, 2023
Probably the best book I’ve ever read
Read
January 4, 2026obsessed!!!!
July 18, 2020
Not quite as creative as its sequel, but Who Is Bugs Potter? still has plenty of fun to offer. The plot is essentially repetitive, but this is not overdone to the point of being tiresome. Instead, the confusion gradually builds up and Bugs and Adams' cluelessness becomes increasingly funny along with it. And while Bugs is becoming a local celebrity without even realizing it, there is even more madness thrown in the mix and the characters involved often cross paths in funny and unexpected ways. Bugs' movie star crush is slowly descending into paranoia over the allegedly cursed Falusi emerald, two crooks are plotting to steal said emerald, and Bugs' gifts to the unfortunate actress have the unintended side effect of driving her further into hysteria.
I'm a sucker for stupid criminal characters, and the burglars here tick all the boxes: a brainier leader who is still nowhere near as competent as he thinks he is, silly plans that fail continually, and an improbably mild-mannered sidekick. There's something about the dumb criminal trope that I just love, and there's a good dose of it here. BiBi Lanay is another delightfully silly character, with her phony accent, her comical frustration about the Bugs Potter incidents, and the way she tries to deep-six the Falusi emerald with such gleeful abandon. She is balanced out by her more level-headed assistant and bodyguard, and their interactions are always entertaining as they try to appease BiBi and keep her from chucking the emerald out a window at the same time.
Even in its more predictable moments, Who is Bugs Potter? is an irresistibly zany and good-natured story, and an overall fun piece of chaotic escapism!
I'm a sucker for stupid criminal characters, and the burglars here tick all the boxes: a brainier leader who is still nowhere near as competent as he thinks he is, silly plans that fail continually, and an improbably mild-mannered sidekick. There's something about the dumb criminal trope that I just love, and there's a good dose of it here. BiBi Lanay is another delightfully silly character, with her phony accent, her comical frustration about the Bugs Potter incidents, and the way she tries to deep-six the Falusi emerald with such gleeful abandon. She is balanced out by her more level-headed assistant and bodyguard, and their interactions are always entertaining as they try to appease BiBi and keep her from chucking the emerald out a window at the same time.
Even in its more predictable moments, Who is Bugs Potter? is an irresistibly zany and good-natured story, and an overall fun piece of chaotic escapism!
March 4, 2013
Looking at the description and the title there are several ways that this book could have gone. The ending of the curse, the stopping of the crimmals, the goal to see Bibi, or the preperation for a high school band concert. Or you could look at the author and discover that there is only one way this could have been told, funny overdose.
The book is entertaining and keeps you laughing through their weird adventures. The antics of the characters are awesome, and the coninsedences that happen through out the novel are funny. Everyone is funny and it's a pleasent read.
However this book is unplausiable. This really does not matter because of the age group that this book is intended for, yet it is not plausiable. From what I've read they will check ID going into bars, and the security for Bibi's room would have been much higher. However, this does not really matter; the age group that this is intended for would not care and the plot could only happen this way.
This book was really enjoayble, and it's nice to see a successful teenage author.
The book is entertaining and keeps you laughing through their weird adventures. The antics of the characters are awesome, and the coninsedences that happen through out the novel are funny. Everyone is funny and it's a pleasent read.
However this book is unplausiable. This really does not matter because of the age group that this book is intended for, yet it is not plausiable. From what I've read they will check ID going into bars, and the security for Bibi's room would have been much higher. However, this does not really matter; the age group that this is intended for would not care and the plot could only happen this way.
This book was really enjoayble, and it's nice to see a successful teenage author.
October 9, 2019
RATING 3.75 STARS
What a fun ride through yesteryear as I revisited this one. So glad I came across a copy of it.
Korman shares the humorous story of accidental drumming legend in the making and his straight-laced sidekick in this YA classic from my youth. Not his best book, but this has many great elements including fun characters, capers, absurdity, and more.
Now it's on to the sequel, which I'm not sure I have ever read before.
What a fun ride through yesteryear as I revisited this one. So glad I came across a copy of it.
Korman shares the humorous story of accidental drumming legend in the making and his straight-laced sidekick in this YA classic from my youth. Not his best book, but this has many great elements including fun characters, capers, absurdity, and more.
Now it's on to the sequel, which I'm not sure I have ever read before.
January 14, 2012
The Swedish cover, depicting Bugs Potter with insane eyes, had me shying away from this book for years after I found it, never noticing that the author was the same as the one who had written my beloved Macdonald Hall books, which I had been reading for years. When I finally decided to read it, I immediately regretted not doing it sooner. It has held a firm place in my heart ever since that day.
December 18, 2012
Before Harry Potter mania there was Bugs Potter mania. Never heard of it? Well, at least you've heard of Canada? What bugs me about this early effort by Gordon Korman is the predictability of the plot and the cliched characterization of the cast and crew. Still it was super silly-ous. Of/f/on course, the roller coaster ride was ridiculous as usual. A crazy caper.
January 7, 2009
Another favorite from my 8-10 year old days. This may have been a forewarning of my rebellious days to come as Bugs Potter is basically a kid that just keeps doing what he wants to do rather than follow the rules.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews