What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ghastly McNastys
The Lost Treasure of Little Snoring
The McNasty twins are the meanest pirates
to ever sail the Seven Seas.
Even fish put their fingers over their eyes when they
see the twins coming in their ship,
The Rotten Apple!
But when the despicable pirates’ never-ending quest
for treasure takes them to the island of Little Snoring
and brings them up against honest youngsters
Tat and Hetty, they find they’ve more
than met their match.
to ever sail the Seven Seas.
Even fish put their fingers over their eyes when they
see the twins coming in their ship,
The Rotten Apple!
But when the despicable pirates’ never-ending quest
for treasure takes them to the island of Little Snoring
and brings them up against honest youngsters
Tat and Hetty, they find they’ve more
than met their match.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2013
2 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gardner
31 books43 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Lyn Gardner is the author of Olivia’s First Term and the other Olivia books. She was born in London and now lives near Richmond Park with her partner and two daughters. A theatre critic for The Guardian, she goes to the theatre five or six nights a week, which should leave no time for writing books at all. Before she became a journalist, Lyn was a tea lady, a waitress and sold advertising space for a magazine called Sludge. Her ambitions are to learn to tap dance and walk the high wire, but it may have to be the low wire as she is a bit scared of heights!
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Lyn Gardner is the author of Olivia’s First Term and the other Olivia books. She was born in London and now lives near Richmond Park with her partner and two daughters. A theatre critic for The Guardian, she goes to the theatre five or six nights a week, which should leave no time for writing books at all. Before she became a journalist, Lyn was a tea lady, a waitress and sold advertising space for a magazine called Sludge. Her ambitions are to learn to tap dance and walk the high wire, but it may have to be the low wire as she is a bit scared of heights!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 12, 2015
I recieved a free copy of the book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a brilliant book featuring two dastardly pirates - the Ghastly McNastys! They are twin brothers and sail in their ship called 'The Rotten Apple', in search of treasure. They are searching for treasure which they have heard resides in their town of Little Snoring'. I won't tell you any more than this, as you'll have to read it to find out more. But there is humour, dastardly deeds and daring adventures all in the quest for treasure. A wonderful read and enjoyable tale for children aged around 6 +.
This is a brilliant book featuring two dastardly pirates - the Ghastly McNastys! They are twin brothers and sail in their ship called 'The Rotten Apple', in search of treasure. They are searching for treasure which they have heard resides in their town of Little Snoring'. I won't tell you any more than this, as you'll have to read it to find out more. But there is humour, dastardly deeds and daring adventures all in the quest for treasure. A wonderful read and enjoyable tale for children aged around 6 +.
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 19, 2014
Silly, Silly, Silly, Silly, Silly, and then more Silly
There are silly books and then there are stupid books. I see the appeal of books that are clever, silly, a little manic and otherwise full of antic, imaginative foolery. (Like this one.) I understand but don't really go for books that turn primarily or even mostly to farts, boogers and butts for their energy bursts. This book is a bit on the aggressively silly side of the ledger, (and there are boogers and odd smells), but it is so fast paced and nimble and there are so many clever jokes or throwaway lines or sly bits of humor that you don't mind. The book is also fundamentally good humored, which helps immensely.
Some silly books have a sweetly inane and almost free verse feel to them. One character in Andy Stanton's Mr. Gum books, (about the citizens of the village of Lamonic Bibber), occasionally cries out at moments of high drama that "Life is a lemon meringue pie!". In Kirk Scroggs's Wiley & Grampa adventures you will find remarkably, cheerfully inappropriate behavior that is outrageous, innocent, and yet sometimes surprisingly edgy. Books like that and the books in this Ghastly series demonstrate that you can have silly and smart.
In this series, (of which "The Lost Treasure..." is the first volume), the villains, (the McNasty twins), are variously described as nasty, vile, despicable, rotten, disgusting, dastardly and horrible. Look at that cover; I can already see little readers grinning. And then we meet our heroes and best friends - determined Tat and clever Hetty. They are honest, quick-witted, resourceful, and true blue. There's a race for treasure, much derring-do, displays of courage and guile, and a lot of silliness. Coupled with, and greatly enhanced by, amusing drawings, lists and little jokes in the margins this ends up an entertaining and satisfying read.
The publisher lists this as aimed at a 7 to 10 year old crowd, and that feels about right, (although it does have some advanced vocabulary, which I like.)Between the pirate angle, the silly angle, and the kid heroes, it seems to me that this is certainly worth a close look. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
There are silly books and then there are stupid books. I see the appeal of books that are clever, silly, a little manic and otherwise full of antic, imaginative foolery. (Like this one.) I understand but don't really go for books that turn primarily or even mostly to farts, boogers and butts for their energy bursts. This book is a bit on the aggressively silly side of the ledger, (and there are boogers and odd smells), but it is so fast paced and nimble and there are so many clever jokes or throwaway lines or sly bits of humor that you don't mind. The book is also fundamentally good humored, which helps immensely.
Some silly books have a sweetly inane and almost free verse feel to them. One character in Andy Stanton's Mr. Gum books, (about the citizens of the village of Lamonic Bibber), occasionally cries out at moments of high drama that "Life is a lemon meringue pie!". In Kirk Scroggs's Wiley & Grampa adventures you will find remarkably, cheerfully inappropriate behavior that is outrageous, innocent, and yet sometimes surprisingly edgy. Books like that and the books in this Ghastly series demonstrate that you can have silly and smart.
In this series, (of which "The Lost Treasure..." is the first volume), the villains, (the McNasty twins), are variously described as nasty, vile, despicable, rotten, disgusting, dastardly and horrible. Look at that cover; I can already see little readers grinning. And then we meet our heroes and best friends - determined Tat and clever Hetty. They are honest, quick-witted, resourceful, and true blue. There's a race for treasure, much derring-do, displays of courage and guile, and a lot of silliness. Coupled with, and greatly enhanced by, amusing drawings, lists and little jokes in the margins this ends up an entertaining and satisfying read.
The publisher lists this as aimed at a 7 to 10 year old crowd, and that feels about right, (although it does have some advanced vocabulary, which I like.)Between the pirate angle, the silly angle, and the kid heroes, it seems to me that this is certainly worth a close look. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 15, 2015
You may well have guessed from the cover of this book that it is about a couple of truly nasty pirates - the Ghastly McNastys! The McNasty pirates are twin brothers, Captain Gruesome and Captain Grisly McNasty who sail in their ship, The Rotten Apple, in search of treasure. This is their first adventure in which they endeavour to discover the lost treasure of Little Snoring'. Now, like in any great children's book, you've already met the villains and now need to meet the heroes. These are the school friends Tat and Hetty who are equally determined to find the treasure! The story is humorous, with lots of wicked antics, nasty and gross acts being counteracted by the clever, resourceful children's actions to outwit them.
Aimed at 7 to 10 year old readers, this book is divided into chapters with brilliant illustrations helping to bring the adventurous story of these vile pirates and their crew to life. The language is very age appropriate and children will love the wicked humour throughout the story - and that children are the only ones able to oppose the nasty pirates! A great, well paced, funny story that will appeal to independent readers. This book could also be shared with children by parents or teachers - a real rip-roaring tale that will have everyone laughing and enjoying the escapades of everyone involved.
N.B. This book was first published by Piccadilly Press in 2013 but the edition being reviewed here is the 2015 one published by Kids Can Press.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Aimed at 7 to 10 year old readers, this book is divided into chapters with brilliant illustrations helping to bring the adventurous story of these vile pirates and their crew to life. The language is very age appropriate and children will love the wicked humour throughout the story - and that children are the only ones able to oppose the nasty pirates! A great, well paced, funny story that will appeal to independent readers. This book could also be shared with children by parents or teachers - a real rip-roaring tale that will have everyone laughing and enjoying the escapades of everyone involved.
N.B. This book was first published by Piccadilly Press in 2013 but the edition being reviewed here is the 2015 one published by Kids Can Press.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2015
This book made me laugh out loud and not in a very dignified way! I am certain that when I put it on display in my library, it will be snatched up immediately and enjoyed by all who read it (those who love silly pirate chapter books, anyway). Gruesome and Grisly McNasty are seeking the lost treasure of Little Snoring. Hetty and Tat, students in Little Snoring, are also on the hunt for the town's lost treasure. Great adventures ensue and with humorous language and funny illustrations, the good guys win in the end. The McNasty's will be back in a second book in the series, and I will be sure to read that one as well. Both boys and girls will love the students' quick thinking, the pirates' dastardly deeds, and the author's goofy sense of humor.
September 16, 2015
This book is a good choice for the young reader who is just tackling chapter books and likes comedy, adventure, and mystery. The story is not too long consisting of 139 pages and is sprinkled with small illustrations to further support the theme and encourage the reader to finish. In this book the nasty, uncouth pirates are again seeking a lost treasure also being pursued by a young boy with the help of his friend. The young boy wants to find the treasurer to save his family from being evicted from their home and to buy his little sister new shoes. His father has lost his job and his sister has outgrown her shoes. The book provides an excellent example of the battle between good and evil with good winning out in the end. I definitely recommend this book.
March 30, 2015
I liked this book overall. The humor wasn't the grossest I've ever seen, although most of it was a bit too lowbrow for my taste. Then again, it was written for middle-grade children. I actually chuckled out loud at a few of the sections of clever wordplay. If the book's humor had all been of that style, it would have gotten 5 stars. I appreciated that Tat's parents were actually trying to do what was best for the family, although the idiot teacher charicature was a bit much. I believe this book will appeal to the intended age group (3rd-6th graders) with its silly pirates, resourceful kids, and mild potty humor.
June 11, 2015
I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was funny, with plenty of humour for all ages, which went across all the pages. It was silly and exciting and full of adventure and bravery.
I loved the characters and how the good guys were two kids just trying to help out their parents or a friend. It shows you can be kind hearted at any age. The pictures were great. I found myself smiling at how great and silly they were.
I can imagine parents reading this to their kids, lots of laughter would ensue.
Great book for kids.
4 stars out of 5.
This book was funny, with plenty of humour for all ages, which went across all the pages. It was silly and exciting and full of adventure and bravery.
I loved the characters and how the good guys were two kids just trying to help out their parents or a friend. It shows you can be kind hearted at any age. The pictures were great. I found myself smiling at how great and silly they were.
I can imagine parents reading this to their kids, lots of laughter would ensue.
Great book for kids.
4 stars out of 5.
May 3, 2015
Some young reader books are filled with potty humor and thin plots. In this first book of The Ghastly McNastys series there are certainly boogers and silliness but its quick plot, and kid heroes provide an appropriately entertaining read. Tat and Hetty foil the plans of two nasty pirates searching for, of course, treasure. This fun book will appeal to reader’s seven to 10.
January 5, 2021
I recieved a free copy of the book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
★★☆☆☆½
Formatting issues which can be expected since it was an ARC. Funny story. Wonderful to read aloud to children.
★★☆☆☆½
Formatting issues which can be expected since it was an ARC. Funny story. Wonderful to read aloud to children.
April 28, 2015
The Ghastly McNasty's: The Lost Treasure of Little Snoring is sure to be a hit with boys. There is action, adventure, silliness and snot...lots of snot.
July 3, 2016
An okay book with silly humor that had nothing in it that I disagreed with. High literature, no. Entertaining to both a 4yo and a 7yo, yes.
February 23, 2015
A bit too much snot in here for me but I can see younguns loving it; great illustrations.
April 23, 2017
Gardner, Lyn The Ghastly McNastys (Book #1) 140 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $16.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G
Tat is a young boy who would love to help his family, they are in financial need. When a treasure map is found, with a treasure supposedly at their nearby beach, Tat is determined to find it. With the help of his best friend Hattie and his cat named Dog, they set off. What they don’t know is that they will have to face a pair of fearsome pirates, the McNastys, who are also in search of the treasure. Tat and Hattie will have to be smart, avoid walking the plank, and watch out for the second mate, Mrs. Slime, who has a never ending supply of snot. Lots of illustrations make the 140 pages seems like a quicker read that would be appealing to a third graders.
I did not enjoy reading this book, it was very nonsensical and silly to the point where I just couldn’t buy into the world. It was gross and goofy, but not in an intelligent and funny way. Kids may enjoy the booger fest, but I think there are books out there that use grossness in a better planned and executed way (See the Otis Dooda series). The illustrations remind me of Roald Dahl and seem very dated.
EL(K-3) –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Tat is a young boy who would love to help his family, they are in financial need. When a treasure map is found, with a treasure supposedly at their nearby beach, Tat is determined to find it. With the help of his best friend Hattie and his cat named Dog, they set off. What they don’t know is that they will have to face a pair of fearsome pirates, the McNastys, who are also in search of the treasure. Tat and Hattie will have to be smart, avoid walking the plank, and watch out for the second mate, Mrs. Slime, who has a never ending supply of snot. Lots of illustrations make the 140 pages seems like a quicker read that would be appealing to a third graders.
I did not enjoy reading this book, it was very nonsensical and silly to the point where I just couldn’t buy into the world. It was gross and goofy, but not in an intelligent and funny way. Kids may enjoy the booger fest, but I think there are books out there that use grossness in a better planned and executed way (See the Otis Dooda series). The illustrations remind me of Roald Dahl and seem very dated.
EL(K-3) –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews