Spotz (Bd. 2) - Ein trollkühner Held

Life of Zarf #2

by Rob Harrell

Fractured fairy tales meet modern day middle school in book two of this funny series for fans of Shrek and Timmy Failure.

Even after rescuing the king from deadly Snuffweasels, Zarf is scum on the bottom rung of the middle school social ladder. After all, he is still a troll. But when his best friend Kevin Littlepig is kidnapped as part of a dastardly plot to avenge the Big Bad Wolf . . . well, that’s a new low even for Zarf. A wolfish rebellion is brewing, and Little Red Ridinghood’s daughter (who just so happens to be Zarf's crush) is their next target . . . unless Zarf can get that troll brain of his to crank out a solution.

Award-winning comic creator Rob Harrell has middle-grade humor mastered. This second book in his Life of Zarf series is packed with even more witty one-liners and clever twists on classic folk and fairytales. 

Praise for Life of Zarf: The Trouble with Weasels

"Entertainingly goofy. A promising series kickoff full of off-kilter action and humor." —Publishers Weekly

"A Wimpy Kid format with a fairy-tale twist? Yes, this is bound to be a hit." —Booklist

Genres: Humor, Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Fairy Tales, Childrens

Hardcover

First published September 29, 2015

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The attempts to find the next Wimpy Kid continues with the second book in this fairly funny middle grade fantasy. This one is more about the Big Bad Wolf being more like a mob boss than a simple bad guy in a fairy tale, and the pace and humor work in the book's favor enough to be a worthy follow-up to the first book.

Overall, still worth it as a series, still not sure if it's *great* if not just pretty fun.

[BubblesTheKat77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, pretty solid book, no, REALLY ENJOYABLE BOOK. I loved it, it was hilarious, adventurous, nail-biting, make-you-smile-at-the-good-parts, and a tiny-winy bit of romance, my kind of book, but maybe more romance, it's my thing, ya know?? Anyways, it was fun to read!! (but more romance, PLEASE)

[Kristy McRae · Rating 3 out of 5]

We listened to this on audio, on a family road trip. Fun story, and very humorous. The kiddos loved it!

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dexter (9yo) read.

[Yeats Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seven year old liked it bc there were funny pictures.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny, cute
pretty good storyline and great characters

[Rodrigo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course I had to read this book because I just loved the first one so much. I will say I was a little disappointed about this one because it didnt engage me as much as the other one did. So im not going to recommend this book that much, but the first one for sure. Also I did think that this book was kind of going nowhere because they were in the same place and going in the same direction and it was not going anywhere and then out of nowhere it just ends.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cotswin has been wolf free for years. In fact, every year the Littlepig family hosts an elaborate carnival celebrating Huff n Puff Day to celebrate vanquishing the wolf. But this year at the end of the Huff n Puff celebration a chorus of howling breaks out. And the next day, Zarf uncovers a wolf in substitute's clothing. And then the unthinkable happens, a wolf gang moves in taking the Littlepig family hostage in their own home as well as kidnapping Miss Flett. They demand that the child of Little Red Riding Hood be handed over in exchange for the pig family. But no one in the town seems to know who this child is. Zarf is pretty worried about his best friend Kevin in the wolves clutches and decides to try and help any way he can.

Zarf's life is never dull, but it is always entertaining. Another funny and quick read, thanks to the illustrations peppered throughout the book and Harrell's humor. Hand this to reluctant readers who like fractured fairy tales and relatable, down to earth heroes.

Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. No sexual content. Some violence threatened by the wolves, but it all is somewhat cartoonish and no one seems permanently injured. Some gross humor that didn't seem over the top to me.

[D. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Life of Zarf" series, where Zarf wishes he was a middle school nobody - but he's the most unpopular kid in school, primarily because he's a troll. His two best friends, Kevin Littlepig and Chester, keep him company.

Prince Roquefort continues to be Zarf's nemesis, but Sierra Scarlett (who Zarf mentioned briefly in book 1), might possibly kind of like Zarf!

Unfortunately, before he can really find out, the entire town is utterly frightened by the sound of wolves howling, and the disappearance of Kevin.

The author continues what he started in book 1 - great drawings, a great mix of fairy tales, and hilarity. Very recommended. For all ages!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all sequels are as good as the first book, but it was still great. I enjoyed there were several big reveals which I can't tell you otherwise I would have to kill you. Or you could just read the book (Catherine, this isn't really an official review. I can add more later or I might review Mr. Puffball)

[Elizabeth]

Funny and light for me and my kiddo. Both of us appreciate knowing what's going to happen before the characters do, and Harrell's in-line illustrations move the story forward for kids who are still a little intimidated by chapter books. I found myself wanting to take photos of the illustrations and post them on Facebook!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious Zarf. Looking forward to #3 in September. Good to share with one's 9yo.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first in the series. I plan to continue with the series, however. I enjoy Zarf and his friends' wacky adventures.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toujours aussi sympathique ^^

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars