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Planet Tad #2
Return to Planet Tad
Look out, world! Tad is back with another hilarious and highly illustrated year-in-the-blog, from Emmy® Award-winning writer Tim Carvell, and based on a column in MAD Magazine.
Tad may have survived seventh grade, but his troubles are just getting started. From his first sort-of date (a disaster) to his semi-formal dance (a bigger disaster), Tad just wants to make it out of this year alive. But that’s not the only reason he keeps a blog. Tad also has a lot of important thoughts he needs to get off his chest, like: “I don’t get the phrase ‘you are what you eat.’ It seems to me like the only people that’s true for are cannibals.”
From his pithy pop-culture observations to longer episodes told in his unforgettably deadpan humor, Tad is what bestselling author Tom Angleberger calls the “actually funny stand-up-comic-in-waiting that I wanted to be in middle school.” With uproarious illustrations alongside Tad’s daily blog entries, this unique format is perfect for anyone who wants a quick laugh or a long-lasting smile. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what a few very important people had to say about the first book, Planet Tad:
“Hilarious to anyone who ever went through, is currently in, might go to, or flunked out of middle school.” —Jon Stewart
“This book will make you laugh. If you’re not into that sort of thing, consider yourself warned.” —Stephen Colbert
Tad may have survived seventh grade, but his troubles are just getting started. From his first sort-of date (a disaster) to his semi-formal dance (a bigger disaster), Tad just wants to make it out of this year alive. But that’s not the only reason he keeps a blog. Tad also has a lot of important thoughts he needs to get off his chest, like: “I don’t get the phrase ‘you are what you eat.’ It seems to me like the only people that’s true for are cannibals.”
From his pithy pop-culture observations to longer episodes told in his unforgettably deadpan humor, Tad is what bestselling author Tom Angleberger calls the “actually funny stand-up-comic-in-waiting that I wanted to be in middle school.” With uproarious illustrations alongside Tad’s daily blog entries, this unique format is perfect for anyone who wants a quick laugh or a long-lasting smile. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what a few very important people had to say about the first book, Planet Tad:
“Hilarious to anyone who ever went through, is currently in, might go to, or flunked out of middle school.” —Jon Stewart
“This book will make you laugh. If you’re not into that sort of thing, consider yourself warned.” —Stephen Colbert
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 2014
18 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 31, 2015
4.5
I have to start off with this. I LOVE TAD! Okay, good, now that I got that out of my system I can actually write this review.
This book is the second book about a ADHD/ADD boy who blogs about his life. This book is exactly what is promises to be. It's immaturely funny, but never pretends not to be. It follows a boy with an imaginative mind wondering about like and everything that happens to him. I found it hilarious. The pictures and emojis added a nice touch too.
Favorite Parts
*The whole learning how to play piano, piano teacher, getting out of playing piano (which was BRILLIANT!) situation
*How he was able to access his locker
*His focus on the tree and not the forest :)
*Hearing his random thoughts of the day
-I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review-
I have to start off with this. I LOVE TAD! Okay, good, now that I got that out of my system I can actually write this review.
This book is the second book about a ADHD/ADD boy who blogs about his life. This book is exactly what is promises to be. It's immaturely funny, but never pretends not to be. It follows a boy with an imaginative mind wondering about like and everything that happens to him. I found it hilarious. The pictures and emojis added a nice touch too.
Favorite Parts
*The whole learning how to play piano, piano teacher, getting out of playing piano (which was BRILLIANT!) situation
*How he was able to access his locker
*His focus on the tree and not the forest :)
*Hearing his random thoughts of the day
-I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review-
August 4, 2014
Many Happy Returns
The author, Tim Carvell, was the head writer for the Jon Stewart show and this book is drawn from a long running serialized feature in Mad Magazine. That should pretty much tell you all you need to know, but I'll drive on.
This is the second book in the Planet Tad saga. The blog, (not diary), entries here cover a year in eighth grader Tad's life. You get some one paragraph musings. You get events that run for a few weeks, (say, the events leading up to the school's semi-formal dance). And then you get a few story lines that peek in from time to time and arc through the entire year. That mix helps the book work because it isn't just jokey single entries and yet it means you don't need a cumbersome plot. As a consequence you can just dip into this book from time to time when you need a break and a chuckle.
For my money this is the best diary/humor book out there for tweens. It's a bit older than "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and fits comfortably along with the slightly edgier "Adrian Mole Diaries".
The tone is just right. It's a little deadpan, and the understatement is what sells a lot of the humor. Tad has a pretty level headed approach to most things. He's sometimes a little Jack Handey, (who did "Deep Thoughts" for Saturday Night Live, and is a real person who writes real, funny books), which is never a bad thing. There is a kind of gentle, bemused, good-humored archness to the project, that is occasionally sparked by a touching or surprising insight. There's no angst and no wacka-wacka humor, and the touch is always light and congenial.
You read this and you think - this Tad is a funny guy with a clear eye and a sharp mind, and you're happy to just keep him company for a while. And as I read this I had Tad in mind but I also saw Carvell in the background trying to channel the Tad character and to bring his humor into line with what an actual eight grader would think and would write. This wasn't a distraction; it actually made the whole book more fun and it led me to admire and appreciate even more the skill with which this book has been crafted. That works for me.
Please note that I received a free 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.
The author, Tim Carvell, was the head writer for the Jon Stewart show and this book is drawn from a long running serialized feature in Mad Magazine. That should pretty much tell you all you need to know, but I'll drive on.
This is the second book in the Planet Tad saga. The blog, (not diary), entries here cover a year in eighth grader Tad's life. You get some one paragraph musings. You get events that run for a few weeks, (say, the events leading up to the school's semi-formal dance). And then you get a few story lines that peek in from time to time and arc through the entire year. That mix helps the book work because it isn't just jokey single entries and yet it means you don't need a cumbersome plot. As a consequence you can just dip into this book from time to time when you need a break and a chuckle.
For my money this is the best diary/humor book out there for tweens. It's a bit older than "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and fits comfortably along with the slightly edgier "Adrian Mole Diaries".
The tone is just right. It's a little deadpan, and the understatement is what sells a lot of the humor. Tad has a pretty level headed approach to most things. He's sometimes a little Jack Handey, (who did "Deep Thoughts" for Saturday Night Live, and is a real person who writes real, funny books), which is never a bad thing. There is a kind of gentle, bemused, good-humored archness to the project, that is occasionally sparked by a touching or surprising insight. There's no angst and no wacka-wacka humor, and the touch is always light and congenial.
You read this and you think - this Tad is a funny guy with a clear eye and a sharp mind, and you're happy to just keep him company for a while. And as I read this I had Tad in mind but I also saw Carvell in the background trying to channel the Tad character and to bring his humor into line with what an actual eight grader would think and would write. This wasn't a distraction; it actually made the whole book more fun and it led me to admire and appreciate even more the skill with which this book has been crafted. That works for me.
Please note that I received a free 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.
August 25, 2016
This is my review of an uncorrected proof I won through Goodreads.
I remember Tad from years ago in MAD magazine and thought he was absolutely hilarious. Now he's not so funny. Most of the book was typical pre-teen situations that had forgettable outcomes. The laughs were few and far between. Maybe it would appeal more to a 12 or 13 year old than it did to me(I'm old I guess). The daily "blogs" were a little too adept for a kid and it came off sounding like an old guy trying not to hard to sound like a 13 year old (sorry Tim, you're probably only like 40). But after my many complaints, it's not a bad book.
I remember Tad from years ago in MAD magazine and thought he was absolutely hilarious. Now he's not so funny. Most of the book was typical pre-teen situations that had forgettable outcomes. The laughs were few and far between. Maybe it would appeal more to a 12 or 13 year old than it did to me(I'm old I guess). The daily "blogs" were a little too adept for a kid and it came off sounding like an old guy trying not to hard to sound like a 13 year old (sorry Tim, you're probably only like 40). But after my many complaints, it's not a bad book.
April 27, 2015
Tad wanted to survive 7th grade without dating anybody, but it was a really common thing to do when you are in 7th grade. So, after saying that tad went to the semi-formal with a girl. Then the semi-formal dance end in a big disaster. The book Return to Planet Tad is about Love, happiness, and desire.
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May 9, 2017Amazing Book
An amazing book a great sequel to an already great book sarcasm,analysis,and laughs made me come here a must read :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) XDDDDDDDDDD
An amazing book a great sequel to an already great book sarcasm,analysis,and laughs made me come here a must read :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) XDDDDDDDDDD
December 22, 2014
I love this series!
December 4, 2017
SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny SUPER Funny
everyone should read it
everyone should read it
July 24, 2017
Tad is a blogger. A stand up comedy middle school blogger. Do I need to say anything more?
He takes on every subject his mind can possibly conceive including yes, his parents, sister Sophie, food, school, and girls.
Each day is a blog entry consisting of a sentence or with some entries reaching up to a page and a half. But each entry is different, so you can stop wherever. I recommend Return to Planet Tad for teens (or adults) who "don't really like reading."
It was hard for me to stop reading the entries because they were hilarious and made me feel good. And after all the stand up comedy, we see Tad shining through. Sweet and thoughtful and an amazing teen!
He takes on every subject his mind can possibly conceive including yes, his parents, sister Sophie, food, school, and girls.
Each day is a blog entry consisting of a sentence or with some entries reaching up to a page and a half. But each entry is different, so you can stop wherever. I recommend Return to Planet Tad for teens (or adults) who "don't really like reading."
It was hard for me to stop reading the entries because they were hilarious and made me feel good. And after all the stand up comedy, we see Tad shining through. Sweet and thoughtful and an amazing teen!
December 2, 2018
A funny middle school book.
May 5, 2017
I like this book because It is a humor book and that is my favorite genre. This book is about Tad talking about his life. He starts in the 8th grade and is a very curious kid. A lot does not go his way and he is kind of a loser in school. The book goes day by day so then you go threw the summer when his grandma who he does not like stays at his house. During the summer the main thing that he looked forward to was just playing video games. Then he goes to highschool and he talks about his high school life and everyday that he goes threw. This book is in the format of a blog or diary just like diary of a wimpy kid, and that is one of my favorite books
January 21, 2015
The story: Tad is back! If Tim Carvell's first book, "Planet Tad", made you laugh out loud, grab this one right away!
June Cleaver's ratings: Language: G; Violence G; Sexual Content G; Nudity G; Substance Abuse G; magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes G; overall rating G.
Liz's comments: The first book in this series is one of my favorites--five stars! Volume 2 is a typical second book: almost as good, but lacking the novelty. However, MS kids don't seem to mind--just ask Jeff Kinney. Kids who liked Tad the first time around will doubtless be ready for more.
Booklist (July 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 21) review:
Grades 4-7. Tad (from Planet Tad, 2012) is back and trying his best to bridge that awkward gap between middle and high school. Picking up his blog with the last half of eighth grade, Tad has got a lot on his plate: his first dance (which you apparently need to ask a girl to), his first kiss (which is happening onstage), his first summer job (which is the worst thing to happen to summer), high school (which is, well, high school), and his first date (which is . . . confusing). Part diary and part stand-up routine, Tad’s blog recounts his handling of these obstacles and many others, not necessarily with grace, but with sincere effort. His laugh-out-loud mishaps will resonate with readers approaching early adolescence, who no doubt have encountered similarly sticky situations. Cartoon sketches and Tad’s one-off observations about life add even more humor to the book, making for a quick, episodic story ideal for reluctant readers, middle-schoolers, and the Wimpy Kid crowd.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language: G; Violence G; Sexual Content G; Nudity G; Substance Abuse G; magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes G; overall rating G.
Liz's comments: The first book in this series is one of my favorites--five stars! Volume 2 is a typical second book: almost as good, but lacking the novelty. However, MS kids don't seem to mind--just ask Jeff Kinney. Kids who liked Tad the first time around will doubtless be ready for more.
Booklist (July 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 21) review:
Grades 4-7. Tad (from Planet Tad, 2012) is back and trying his best to bridge that awkward gap between middle and high school. Picking up his blog with the last half of eighth grade, Tad has got a lot on his plate: his first dance (which you apparently need to ask a girl to), his first kiss (which is happening onstage), his first summer job (which is the worst thing to happen to summer), high school (which is, well, high school), and his first date (which is . . . confusing). Part diary and part stand-up routine, Tad’s blog recounts his handling of these obstacles and many others, not necessarily with grace, but with sincere effort. His laugh-out-loud mishaps will resonate with readers approaching early adolescence, who no doubt have encountered similarly sticky situations. Cartoon sketches and Tad’s one-off observations about life add even more humor to the book, making for a quick, episodic story ideal for reluctant readers, middle-schoolers, and the Wimpy Kid crowd.
January 9, 2016
In the book, "Return To Planet Tad" written by Tim Carvell, the setting took place mostly in the school and Tad (the main character's) home. Tad may have survived the 7th Grade, but every time he wants to do something he gets in trouble. Some examples of Tad getting in trouble is when he tried to go on a date which was a disaster and when it became to the semi-formal dance he messed it up even more. All Tad wanted was to make it out of this year alive due to all of the things he messed up and got in trouble in. But, this could not be the only reason why Tad keeps on blogging it is because he also has a lot of thoughts that he wan't to get rid of. So, Tad has always been trying to get things working, but it turns it that he makes things even worse. Then, he always tries to avoid getting in trouble in his school classroom, but things get more and more embarrassing and worse.
Themes that I would describe about Tad (the main charecter) in this book is lazy and dumb. One reason why I think he is lazy is because every time he tries to do something he finishes it off in a lazy way. Like for example when he was on a date and tried to dance and couldn't dance he gave up and didn't even try because he was too embarrassed to dance. Another reason why I think that he is dumb when he is asked to do something in class he just seems to mess things up because it might mean that he doesn't know what he is doing or just wants attention, but you should always remember that Tad's goal was to get out of the 7th grade alive.
Themes that I would describe about Tad (the main charecter) in this book is lazy and dumb. One reason why I think he is lazy is because every time he tries to do something he finishes it off in a lazy way. Like for example when he was on a date and tried to dance and couldn't dance he gave up and didn't even try because he was too embarrassed to dance. Another reason why I think that he is dumb when he is asked to do something in class he just seems to mess things up because it might mean that he doesn't know what he is doing or just wants attention, but you should always remember that Tad's goal was to get out of the 7th grade alive.
September 22, 2014
I won this ARC from the publisher through Goodreads giveaways. I enjoyed the first book so immensely, I was very excited to receive this as well. Tim Carvell did not disappoint me. The book bounced around the house continuously for a few days as I, my fifth grade son, and my husband all were reading it simultaneously. In other words, if you put it down you likely would have to wait to get it back. There were several laugh out loud moments where I had to stop reading and share. This is the perfect book for a reluctant reader, particularly boys, as the subject matter is relatable and relevent. In addition, the diary format and interspersed drawings make this a quick read. Another winner for Carvell and Tad!
May 7, 2015
"Tad is a blogger, and a funny one! He wonders about a lot of things, like why we play Monopoly, a game where you have to go to jail for no reason, and a fat man with a bag of money wins beauty pageants, and shoes, dogs and coffee mugs never-endingly buy streets. He always questions middle school assignments and has eyes on Katie Zembla or Jenny Bachman, aching to go out on his first date. Published by MAD magazine, this is rollicking, non-stop wackiness, heart-ache, and good-hearted conniving."
July 2, 2014
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher.
Kids who went from Captain Underpants to Diary of a Wimpy Kid should run right to this book. What a fun book! I liked Tad's can-do attitude. When life throws misery in his path (sweaty mascot costumes, a mad genius sister, and a few wardrobe malfunctions)he deals with it and moves on. Lots of humor and realistic adolescent drama.
Kids who went from Captain Underpants to Diary of a Wimpy Kid should run right to this book. What a fun book! I liked Tad's can-do attitude. When life throws misery in his path (sweaty mascot costumes, a mad genius sister, and a few wardrobe malfunctions)he deals with it and moves on. Lots of humor and realistic adolescent drama.
September 30, 2014
I had won this book from goodreads in a giveaway. I also need to say I had received a unedited version of the book. I found a few misspellings and I am not sure if the emoticon tk was suppose to be in there that much. But overall I enjoyed the book. Tad is a bit ADHD/ADD but hey it brings life to the story. Sophie is a know-it-all, and Tads dad is kind of quiet. But in the end I thought that is is definitely about real life drama for the teenage boy.
October 27, 2014
There is no other way I can describe this book other than amazing.
Tad is really funny. I liked how he at first wasn't doing to well in the talent show but then he started acting like the teachers and everyone loved it even though he got detention for it. I also like how tad really isn't the brightest crayon in the box. Also Tad has the same birthday as I do.
If you like books that have good humor then I suggest that you read this book
Tad is really funny. I liked how he at first wasn't doing to well in the talent show but then he started acting like the teachers and everyone loved it even though he got detention for it. I also like how tad really isn't the brightest crayon in the box. Also Tad has the same birthday as I do.
If you like books that have good humor then I suggest that you read this book
May 24, 2015
The book I currently finished was the Return to Planet Tad. It is about a teenage boy named Tad and he blogs about his everyday-life. Tad had survived 7th grade, but things are starting to turn out as a disaster. From throwing up on his first date to his semi formal dance. At the end of the book, the end of the school year has arrived and Tad is excited but not for too long. He finds out that his family is having another member. Is it a girl or Boy? You can find out by reading the book.
March 22, 2015
I read Planet Tad a long time ago, and I'm happy to see we have a sequel finally. This one felt a little more down to earth than the previous one did, and definitely fits more in on the Wimpy Kid thing than anything else.
I can't say too much, it's a pretty basic year-long blog from a kid moving into high school, and it's pretty fun and charming on a whole. Great for those looking for the next step from Wimpy Kid, I think.
I can't say too much, it's a pretty basic year-long blog from a kid moving into high school, and it's pretty fun and charming on a whole. Great for those looking for the next step from Wimpy Kid, I think.
September 21, 2016
I really liked Return To Planet Tad. I think the author is very creative and has a good since of humor. This book is about a 8-9 grader who has to get a summer job, survive the end of 8th grade and the start of 9th grade and much much more . It is very funny, and it is written like a internet blog and the character seem like they could almost be real people. If the author came out with a third Planet Tad book, it would be the first book I will read.
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February 5, 2017Slightly disappointed, but wondering if there'll be a third book
December 14, 2014
More stuff from Planet Tad - kids will enjoy ti well enough. No real plot - just a series of vignettes from Tad's life. Some are lifted from Mad Magazine episodes of the feature. One seems ripped right from the TV shows Freaks and Geeks - the vignette about being the school mascot. Overall - just ok, nothing great.
May 12, 2015
Tad, wanted to share us his year by writing a blog, but he sometimes had bad times like he almost got himself in trouble, he became mascot because he didn't knew it was bad, and etc, so he makes positives come out of them like he saved himself from trouble, and he kissed his first girl, then at summer he had to get a job and he was a bagger in a supermarket.
April 22, 2016
It wasn't as good as Planet Ted. Maybe it's just been a long time since I read Planet Ted and I'm remembering it more fondly than it was or maybe I'm getting older, but I just didn't like this sequel as well as the original.
I wouldn't continue on with the series if the author was to write more.
I wouldn't continue on with the series if the author was to write more.
July 29, 2014
Will post review once it posts at origin
August 21, 2014
I had most of a review written and then lost it, and don't feel like rewriting.
It can be summed up like this: I didn't like it as much as the first one.
It can be summed up like this: I didn't like it as much as the first one.
January 22, 2015
Eh, I guess a bit better then the last one, but there are still some times (I cant think of one of the top of my head) where you would think Tad would know what it is, but no.
May 6, 2015
I think this is perfect for 4th-6th graders, especially reluctant readers. It's like Junie B. Jones had an order brother. Real cute!
June 22, 2015
Awesome!!!!!!
August 23, 2015
so funny! LOL so hard I snorted. Perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews