
A parent should reach for this book when their child needs a dose of pure, silly fun that sneakily builds vocabulary and champions honesty. This collection features three tall tales about Josh McBroom and his eleven children on their amazing one-acre farm, where the soil is so rich you can grow a crop in an hour. From wrangling a dry-ice ghost to creating a zoo of invisible animals, the McBroom family uses ingenuity and teamwork to solve the most outlandish problems. It's a perfect read-aloud for ages 7-10, celebrating imagination and integrity with a folksy, classic charm. The stories are short, fast-paced, and guaranteed to produce giggles, making it an excellent choice for reluctant readers or as a joyful break from more serious topics.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe story "McBroom's Ghost" deals with a ghost, but the approach is entirely humorous and secular. The 'ghost' is quickly and logically explained as dry ice, removing any real supernatural threat. The resolution is funny and empowering, showing how a mystery can be solved with observation. There are no other sensitive topics.
This is for the 7 to 9-year-old who loves wordplay and silliness, the kind of kid who delights in the impossible. It's an excellent fit for a child transitioning into chapter books who needs a high-interest, low-frustration read. Also, it's perfect for a reluctant reader who can be captivated by short, hilarious, self-contained stories.
No prep is needed. A parent could briefly explain the genre of "tall tales" (exaggerated stories told as if they were true), but the book's context makes this clear. Be prepared for a child to ask for definitions of some of the delightful, folksy vocabulary (e.g., "gallnipper"), which provides a great learning moment. A parent is looking for a fun, classic read-aloud that isn't emotionally heavy or complex. Or, they've heard their child telling an exaggerated story and want to introduce the concept of a "tall tale" as a form of creative expression, distinct from lying.
A younger reader (7-8) will love the slapstick and visual humor: watermelons growing on vines so fast they skid across the ground. An older reader (9-10) will have a greater appreciation for the clever wordplay, the narrative voice, and the way McBroom uses logic and language to outsmart his adversaries.
Compared to other humorous chapter books, McBroom's distinction lies in its authentic revival of the American tall tale tradition. Sid Fleischman's prose is a masterclass in folksy, inventive language that is both unique and educational. Furthermore, the explicit, recurring theme of McBroom's staunch honesty ("I'd rather sit on a porcupine than tell a lie") provides a clear moral anchor amidst the delightful nonsense.
A collection of three classic American tall tales narrated by farmer Josh McBroom. In "McBroom the Rainmaker," he and his eleven children use absurd methods, like planting onions to make the clouds cry, to end a drought. In "McBroom's Zoo," he foils his greedy neighbor Heck Jones by creating a zoo of imaginary creatures. In "McBroom's Ghost," the family investigates a spooky, cold presence in their home, which turns out to have a comical, scientific explanation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.