Benjy and the power of Zingies

by Jean Van Leeuwen

A TV commercial convinces third-grader Benjy that bowls and bowls of Zingies, the cereal that builds bodies eight ways, will solve all his problems

Genres: Fiction

103 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1985

About the author

Jean Van Leeuwen was an American children's book author, of over forty children's books, including the Oliver Pig series, and Bound for Oregon.

Reviews

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjy is tired of being pushed around by Alex and his friends. Even Alex's dog, Duke, growls at him. He has to do something. He can't be a weakling all of his life. He decides that his ticket to strength and ability is eating Zingies, the breakfast cereal of the sports stars. He eats bowlfuls and pocketfuls. He puts them on ice cream and in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Then, he buys a punching bag and hits it every chance he gets. Benjy tells his best friend, Jason, that he’s going to fight Alex. When Jason tells the whole third grade, all of Benjy’s classmates start watching for the grand event. One day in the cafeteria, Alex makes fun of Benjy, and he realizes that the time has come. He can picture the left jab, the left-right combination, and the kayo punch. While he gathers courage, someone starts flinging food around the room. Benjy realizes the food fight saved him from an embarrassing defeat. In his heart, he knows that the Zingies haven't worked so he begins looking for another solution.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com