The Messiest Desk

by Marty Kelley

Benjamin Putt has THE MESSIEST DESK in Mr.McPatrick's class, and probably in the entire Eight hundred spelling lists/ From weeks and months gone by/ Twelve gooey wads of chewed-up gum/ A cockroach , a spider, a fly. When Benjamin tries to clean up his desk, he is sucked inside. It takes all the ingenuity of the entire school, and one very brave student named Julie armed only with a plunger, to save Benjamin from a fate worse than death... This rhyming picture book is gross and funny and charming and maybe just a little bit scary all at the same time. But everything works out in the end--although our young protagonist might want to take a few baths after he is rescued.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Franki Sibberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun rhyming book--maybe I especially enjoyed it today because my piles have become totally out of control lately!

[Susanna Hargreaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every student or teacher knows someone with a messy desk, but hopefully nothing as crazy, stinky or messy as the desk in this book. “It’s the filthiest desk in the whole wide world.” Hyperbole for sure, but is it? This funny fictional tale is told in a rhyme. I listened to our elementary school librarian read it to a group of fourth graders and they laughed and loved it. I want to read all of his books, so I will. Laughter is wonderful.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute story that students can relate to!

[Lynn Plourde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids LOVE exaggeration and this book is over the top with its exaggeration about a classroom desk that is the messiest with 800 spelling tests, 12,000 ants (because of the moldy, rotten fruit), and a booger collection, of course! Author-illustrator Marty Kelley know what makes kids squeal in delight and in disgust--strong kid-appeal!