Publisher’s Weekly
Dash Candoo, 11, who appears to be a character of color with dark curly hair, has a penchant for narrating in lists and a knack for attracting “total mayhem.” When Dash’s breakfast is interrupted by the random appearance of three combat-ready, ninja-like wrestle-scallywags and the two-tailed Devil-Cat, he’s in for a so-called “total mayhem situation.” Dash handily vanquishes these unusual foes, but the bedlam continues over the course of a day at Swedhump Elementary, which features unlikely classes such as “Vegetables” and “Paper Airplanes.” A sprawling, fast-paced plot unfolds, involving the world’s largest carrot, the theft of a trophy and the world’s most expensive perfume, underground tunnels, a quadcycle chase, and an abundance of Bond-esque gadgets used by Dash and his white sidekick and best friend, Rob Newman. Rough, doodle-like b&w line drawings are paired with a typeface of varying size, conveying the feel of a child’s notebook. With enough detailed world-building to fill an almanac, Lazar and Swerling (Happiness Is…) concoct a high-octane caper in this early graphic novel series starter. Ages 7–10. (Aug.)
Kirkus Reviews
Is there anything worse than mayhem ruining your breakfast?
Dash Candoo is no ordinary elementary schooler. After he dispatches three fearsome Wrestle-Scallywags and a two-tailed Devil Cat that interrupted his breakfast, Dash heads to Swedhump Elementary to take classes like Vegetables and Paper Airplanes alongside English and math. But the morning’s mayhem was just the beginning: Items are mysteriously stolen from school grounds in broad daylight. Dash knows the Scallywags and Devil Cat are involved, and he immediately begins investigating. But he will need the help of his best friend, Rob Newman, some highly specific gadgetry, and several secret tunnels if he wants to figure out who’s behind the thefts and why before the villains carry out their final plan. With this series opener, Lazar has crafted a visual narrative that lands somewhere between a wacky cartoon and an increasingly outlandish group round robin. With Dash narrating all the background exposition and action play-by-play, readers don’t have much breathing room as the plot hurtles forward — something Lazar seems to anticipate with the inclusion of occasional double-page spreads to break up the momentum as well as the promise of a treat should a reader finish the book in one sitting. The underlining of certain terms to signal that readers can find further information in copious backmatter also offers the option to pause. Black-and-white illustrations render Dash and a few other characters as characters of color. Sequel Tuesday—The Curse of the Blue Spots publishes simultaneously.
Delightfully chaotic. (Graphic adventure. 7-10)
Rachel
LOL for kids and adults
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Direct quote from my child, age 6: “I love this book so so so so SO so much! I would give it 10 stars, or even more. It’s so interesting and funny. You all should buy it for your kids.”
Whitney R.
LOL for kids and adults
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023
My son (8) loves this series – it’s funny, imaginative, and he loves the almanacs. He says it’s amazing and he can’t wait to read the next book. He loves the books so much that he dressed as Dash Candoo for literary character day at school.
Rachel
So Funny!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
These books make my 6 year old laugh out loud. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Silvia D
Great series!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2023
My son (6) loves this book series, he already went through all the days of the week books. We can’t wait for the next adventure
Kelly L.
Favorite book series yet!
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2022
My 7 year old son LOVES this series and I have to say, it is my favorite to read with him. They are so funny and we laugh so hard together reading it. It’s clever and witty and the writing is great for his age. I also love the format of the book – it is not top to bottom text but instead it is broken up with drawings and different font sizes etc and that really helps my son to stay focused and engaged while reading. Can’t recommend these enough.
Jess A.
The best kind of mayhem!
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2022
Highly recommend! These Dash Candoo books are hilarious trips through Lazar’s wild and uninhibited imagination! My kids (and the household grown ups too!) are still chuckling at all the kooky characters and are ready for the next unpredictable and highly entertaining adventure with Dash and crew. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to eat my Boil Degg. 🙂
Melissa L.
Total Laugh Situation
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022
Dash Candoo is hilarious fun. It is charged with silly action and bursting with ridiculous characters. The author has created a world full of amazing devices and crazy made up words that will delight young readers. I’m most excited to share Dash with my reluctant readers who, I think, will be so excited to go on adventures and laugh with Dash, they won’t event notice they read a whole book.
N. T.
Another Dash Candoo nonstop adventure!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2022
We were all so excited to get the next Dash Candoo and it was as funny and clever and chaotic as ever. Henry the Hog, is my favorite character by far, but very close behind are the missing Fluff-tailed Hemple-Fluffers! — Gabriel Tarrow
Triste B.
My 7 year old couldn’t put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2022
My son is a good reader but reading at night is sometimes a struggle. He read the first book in this series and was hooked. He read this second one in a day. He took in the car and store. He loves the humor and is so proud that he is reading a ‘chapter book’.
Kjersten
Great book
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022
My 8 year old loves these books!
Brittani K.
Made my son love reading
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2022
My son is now a reader thanks to this series. He is addicted to this set of books. We were at Disney World and he brought the last book to read in lines and I had to ask him to put it down while walking. He just finished 1-5 and I just put in an order for #6!
AC
Thumbs Up
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2022
My daughter loved this book and wants the next in the series.
Lelah
my 7-year-old loves this series
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2022
My seven year old stays up late to read each new entry in this series. He’s a big fan. It’s a very approachable series if you are just starting out reading chapter books.
Shanna H.
Amazing series!
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
Love these series. Has inspired a love for reading in our almost 7 y/o.
Kimberly J.
So Happy!
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
My daughter loves these books and reads them so fast and begs for the next one in the series. She hated reading before so this is a big step for her!
Lala
Not my first book by this author
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022
Read the first book and had to get the second one the night after for my grandson and I to keep reading. We laughed and laughed and laughed. What A great story and such an imagination the author has . The almanac was priceless.
Jenny F.
Funny- kiddo loves these books
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
My child loves these books. She thinks they are so funny. They are engaging silly stories well written for elementary aged students.
HollywoodGirl
My 6 year old loves these books
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
A book my 6 year old looks forward to reading. He has the whole set and loves them so far.
Susan M.
Silly, smart and a hit!
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2022
My almost 4 year old wanted this from the book catalogue, and I almost didn’t get it for him because I thought it was too old, but I’m glad I did because we have read this book cover to cover three times in a week! He loves the story, which is just the right mix of silly and clever and the drawings. This is a GREAT book for a 4-6 year old to have read to them and also for an older kid to read to themselves. A must buy! We’re back to get the whole series!
Grace L.
This is such a fun reads for kids!
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022
I read this book my small group of two 3rd Grade boys and this read had them laughing out loud! I highly recommend this for students and kids that struggle with finding the excitement for reading. The pages are short and the pictures are so fun, while also including some bigger words that will help student grow in their reading skills.
Bookwagon
Ralph Lazar’s new series is shaping up to be one of the funniest (and silliest) in recent memory.
Reviewed in the United States on 11 April, 2022
Lazar’s illustrations are the perfect companion for the wild and wacky story. One of the best aspects of this book is that there is an accompanying on-line almanac.
Alexis
7yo’s New Favorite Series
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2022
My 7yo says this is his new favorite series. He loves all things ridiculous, and this series is silly. He loves easy reads like Press Start, Dogman, and 13 Storey Treehouse. Already can’t wait for the next one.
RT
4th grade Readers
Reviewed in the US – March ’22
My students really enjoyed this book, and asked me to buy the whole series. Books that get my students excited to read are good books in my eyes.
Christine C.
Eagerly awaiting your 5th book
Reviewed in Canada – March ’22
I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you for your wonderful Mayhem books. My 9 year old son has ADD and struggles with school. He has read through all of your four books and is eagerly awaiting your 5th book in the series. He is disappointed that this may be the last one? He is so impressed with your books that he has created (written and illustrated) his own books using your characters. For a child who has difficulty sitting and concentrating for more than 15 min; he is able to sit and read your books for much longer and he can easily spend over an hour just writing and drawing! Thank you for inspiring him and fostering the love of reading in him.
Allea Saunders
Great read for 2nd grader
Reviewed in the United States – November ’21
My son loved this series, we have pre-ordered the next one.
Pam on Goodreads – October ’21
Dash Candoo never seems to have a day without a Total Mayhem Situation. The Monday in this book is no different. Before breakfast, he has to confront the Devil-Cat and Wrestle-Scallywags. Of course, he is victorious but then he has to rush to eat and get to school. Readers come along on the rest of the adventures with Dash and his friend, Rob as they defeat thieves intent on stealing the gym teacher’s prized trophy. Hilarity ensues as we see a typical day unfold. Short chapters and constant action will work for more reluctant readers in mid to upper elementary school.
Ryn on Goodreads – October ’21
A fun and adventurous chapter book. Great to new readers since with the Almanac of the created words at the back of the book it teaches young readers how to look up unknown words while reading. Even as an adult I was invested in the story to the point that I didn’t want to stop till I got to the end.
Cheri on Goodreads – September ’21
You will like this book if:
A) You like to laugh
B) You like adventure
C) You like fun drawings
D) You like to learn new things
This book is so funny that even your parents will like it.
I am a big fan of Dash Candoo 🙂
librarycomic.com – September ’21
So much of what makes this book great appears in the almanac, including Lazar’s illustrations! It’s available at http://total-mayhem.com/almanac/ I recommend just going there and reading the entries on the Devil-Cat, Scallywags, the Backpack-Ladder, and the Grobsnot. You’ll know if this book is for you or someone you love. (Part of the almanac is also printed at the end of the book.)
11-year-old Dash Candoo sits down for breakfast when his KB-15 alerts him to nearby danger. Outside his front door are three Wrestle-Scallywags and the two-tailed Devil Cat. They battle. Then dash heads for school and more Total Mayhem Situations. His first class: Vegetables. The lesson: learning Broccolish. The problem: Devil Cat tries to steal his teacher’s world famous giant carrot. And that’s just the start of a day that includes so much more mayhem.
Warning: the first page of the book says if you read the book in one go you’ll get a treat from the nearest adult. (I think the book itself is enough of a reward, but if I was working in a school library I’d keep a bowl of candy nearby.)
The second book in the series, Tuesday — The Curse of the Blue Spots, is already available.
@fisherboysread – September ’21
Total Mayhem 1: 🥷 Ash reads everyday, but for the last few months he starts a bunch of books and finishes very few. I found this Total Mayhem book on the new shelf at the library. He stayed engaged in this book & finished this morning, so you know it’s good. 😁 The story is about Dash, an 11 year old kid. His regular breakfast is interrupted by scallywags and a devil cat. He proceeds to school where bad guys keep intruding. His school day is fantastic…he plays wobble ball in gym class, one of his teachers makes him walk pet fish, and his science teacher is famous for making perfume. Each page is illustrated and has just a few sentences, making it very unintimidating. But, it has tons of made up and unusual multisyllabic words, plus a bunch of numbers which makes it challenging reading (Reading level Q). It reminds me a bit of Mac B Kid Spy, a fun combination of action, adventure, crime & humor.
Imaginationsoup – August ’21
Wild and quirky, this un-put-downable adventure filled with illustrations is perfect for you if you like good vs. evil adventures where kid power saves the day! Dash Candoo’s Monday is one crazy adventure after another with Devil Cat attacks, a quadcycle pursuit, a math class secret tunnel, stolen perfume, and so much more. I’m a big fan of this exciting, readable new chapter book and look forward to more books in the entertaining new series. (P.S. And it’s funny with zero potty humor!)
Darla – Goodreads
Dash Candoo is accosted by mayhem before he even gets a chance to eat his breakfast. And it is only Monday. As he goes through his day at Swedhump Elementary, the adventure continues. Dash and his buddy Rob have to get on their quadcycles and may even need their backpack-ladders to defeat the two-tailed Devil-Cat and the Wrestle Scallyways in their tower formation. Are you a bit confused by some of these terms? No worries! There is an Almanac at the back (also available at www.total-mayhem.com) to help decode any confusing vocabulary. Reminds me a bit of the Mac B series. Should be a week full of adventure once all the days are covered.
M.D.
Lazar and Swerling have created a book that defies classification.
Reviewed in the US – 23 May ’21
Lazar and Swerling have created a book that defies classification. It’s not a chapter book, but is arranged by chapters; not a novel, although there are the usual elements of a plot diagram present; can’t be called a graphic novel because it doesn’t have cartoon panels, but it is filled with sketches, drawings, cartoonish characters and possibly those illustrations outnumber the words! And what word!! Skallywags, grobsnot, devil cats, krypton-web, and a game called “Paper Rock Scissors Carrot Spoon tissue Elbow.” Are you intrigued, yet? Now go take a look at the website and find out more about Dash Cando and his daily adventures at school, home, and in his neighborhood as he fights the evil Devil Cats and Skallywags along with his best friend Rob. Teachers and librarians may be tempted to write this one off as simply a goofy attempt at entertaining those in the target audience of grades 2-4 (maybe 5) but read it with your kids and be sure to include the glossary in that reading. The total mayhem series will grab the attention of both kids and adults, encourage creation of characters that will fit in with the unusual world and will have all clamoring for the next installment. Thanks for the ARC, Scholastic!
W.S.
FANTASTIC BOOK – Perfect for my 10 year old nephew
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Hilarious and brilliant illustrations. Perfect for my 10 year old nephew
Leanne
Buy this book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
How lovely to read this fantastic book with my 7 year old! Such an interesting way to live this adventure with the marvellous Dash! Would highly recommend, have bought book 2 for Christmas.
Olivia F.
I need to get someone to play paper-rock-scissors-carrot-spoon-tissue-elbow with me
Reviewed on Goodreads in the United States
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect from this book. But I can tell you it is no regular book or graphic novel; it is SO MUCH MORE. The book was so fun and young kids will definitely enjoy it, heck I’m not a kid and I enjoyed it more then I thought possible. I am a very in-depth reader and I prefer novel to graphic novel but this one had me entertained. It was so engaging. I love that there was an Almanac aka glossary. It provided so much more information on the book and the very creative terms used. I have to hand it to the author, he has quite the imagination, and I say that as a good thing. I would never have thought to include half of what he did, and it wasn’t just entertaining but actually funny.
I also have to say I need to get someone to play paper-rock-scissors-carrot-spoon-tissue-elbow with me, if I can get the rules down first. I also never say this especially with short books like this, but I would definitely re-read this book. It still blows my mind how creative this author is. He and his wife did an amazing job and Dash had one jam packed Monday. Can’t wait to see what he gets into on Tuesday.
Surftiger
Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I love this book!! There is always something to discover on every read with children of different ages too. Very much recommend it.
A. K.
They have totally changed his life
Reviewed in the United States
My son is LOVING the Dash Candoo books — they have totally changed his life. He is suddenly super excited to read now — each night he requests reading time, and he brings them to school to show his teacher. We can’t thank you enough!
Shelley P.
I love everything about this book
Reviewed in the United States
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but that has no bearing on my review.
I love everything about this book. Dash is a wonderful hero that I can see kids becoming themselves in their minds. It will help them take everyday life and find adventure in it. The Cave of Thieves takes place mostly at school. The teachers are great characters. I also love the villain, Devil-Cat.
The illustrations are like they came right out of a child’s mind. This is probably hard for an adult to do. I especially love Devil-Cat.
I like the fact that there is a mix of easy words, a little more difficult ones and some super entertaining harder words like scallywags, triplo-triplocopter. and grobsnot. Don’t worry. There is an almanac at the end of the book with definitions. I think this is a nice mix for several ages to enjoy. Younger kids can have fun asking an adult about the big words.
Now that I’ve read this book it is going straight to my grandkids. They will love it! I will be getting more Dash books for them.
Amelia S.
Wonderfully entertaining
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
What a wonderful book, stepping straight into a child’s imagination and using language and a tale that immediately appeal to a child, and of course to us adults too! Superb illustrations, we really loved it!
V.P. (7 years old)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I love the characters and illustrations. My favourite bit was when the wrestle scallywags fell into the quicksand.
Aileen C.
Kid-pleaser
Reviewed in the United States
3 kids from just-turned 6 to 12 blasted through this book and loved its adventures, characters, and funny inventions. They can’t wait for the next one.
David J.
They keep getting better!
Reviewed in the United States
So delighted to find another Dash Candoo book has been published! Our son (aged 10) devours Dash Candoo books and I’ve also taken to reading them to our almost 7 year old. They’re in that rare category – great for kids and a refreshing joy to read aloud as adults! Can’t recommend this series enough, and hoping there are more to come!
Lori
So engaging for my son
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My son continues to love these books. His only complaint is that he wants more! It’s the only, Book that he reads cover to cover by himself, and won’t stop!
Marta M.
My son loves the books!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My son is 10 and each time asks… “is there a new one out yet?” Awesome books!
Stacey H.
Crazy fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Great book, really liked it and the kids thought it was great! Full of fun and kept them involved and interested.
David H.
Our 4-year-old loved it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We read the first chapter. Charlie (aged 4) wanted to hear it again. We read it through bit by bit every evening. He found it so enjoyable. Once we’d finished, he wanted the whole thing.
Rosie B.
Dash is the best!!! Please make them faster!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We love the Dash books. They are silly and brilliant and hilarious. We love the gadgets and the action and the devil cat. We’re looking forward to Friday and hope a second week at school with Dash is coming soon!
Claire
Fun-filled pictures and storyline. Read it!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
“It’s great! I’d like the next one” my 7yr old said. (After telling me he’s read it twice). His favourite was the baddie.. ‘devil cat’ who he found very funny.
Love the illustrations and sense of fun- a thoroughly enjoyable and different book.
Off to get the next one now 🙂
Just Saying
A cool adventure with some fun twists and turns
Reviewed in the United States
I enjoyed the adventures of Dash and the pace the books set. The world of Dash Cadoo is fun and kept me amused and entertained. Definitely interested in what the rest of his week looks like after Monday.
misterrollover
Brilliantly Bonkers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
The familiar but fantastical world created here is really great fun. Loved the bizarre contraptions and characters. The almanac is a nice touch for nerd appeal! Dash is immediately likeable.
Gigi
The index was really fun and helpful
Reviewed in the United States
Over all I really like the book, I like how it’s pictures and paragraphs. Also the index was really funny and helpful, I liked the characters and how they were “Designed.” And all the things, like the sports and the inventions.
L.B.
Dash Can Do No Wrong!
Reviewed in the United States
My 9 3/4 yr old twin boys, who are big fans of the better-known series like “Diary of A Wimpy Kid” and the “Dog Man”, both really loved this book. The Triplocopters and the Triplo-Triplocopters, the invention of the Saw-toothed Doublodlies, and the World’s Largest Carrot cracked them both up. The surprise ending took them both by surprise! Really looking forward to collecting the others in the series!
M.O. (schoolteacher)
I love it!
Reviewed in Australia
Things I love:
[1] The annotations on your images as they add lots of humour to the book and make it visually interesting for a young person.
[2] The slightly anti-establishment tone that will definitely appeal to young children and maintain their interest in this character.
[3] The way it stretches their spelling and vocabulary with unconventional words and their learning by adding in the morse code and some mathematics.
[4] The non-specific cross cultural characters and names. It makes the reader able to see themselves in this story.
[5] The way the book can be read and held by the reader while another person checks the almanac online. This makes it a great book for children and parents to share at the same time. It is also really clever in the way you have written the almanac to be read at the same time and compliment the story with an aside injection of humour.
D.J.
So rare to find a new fresh voice
Reviewed in the United States
At last! A new book for kids that doesn’t feel like it’s just trying to emulate the few that have been successful. My kid absolutely loves Dash Candoo and has read each book multiple times in recent weeks. Just hoping there are many more to come.
D.J.
When are we getting more?
Reviewed in the United States
My 10 year old has devoured the first three! And keeps harassing me for more. The best thing about these Dash Candoo books is that like all great kids fiction, it works on multiple levels and is a fun read for parents too.
M.
Totally Brilliant and laugh out loud book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My kids couldn’t get enough of this book so we were very happy to hear there were more in the series.
So funny and clever and the illustrations are just fab. Always great to find something they enjoy where there are more books to follow…so bring on more Dash Candoo!
mils
We LOVE Dash!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We were so excited to get Book 2 after loving Book 1 so much. Total craziness and fun and brilliant illustrations. More Please!!!!!
Heather
Best belly laugh and reading fun!!!
Reviewed in the United States
This is honestly one of the best children’s books we’ve read together! It is so creative and gets the imagination wheels turning with all of Dash’s gadgets and gizmos! The storyline and illustrations are hilarious and had us in tears! It is such a great book I’m going to buy several to have on hand for upcoming birthday presents for friends! We’ve ordered Tuesday and Wednesday’s books to continue the fun! Awesome!
Mrs. D.
A hit for all the family
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I loved this book – I read it to the kids that I babysit for and it was a hit! All the wit and fun of Harold’s planet in a longer story complete with beautiful illustrations! The perfect gift that keeps giving (excited for the sequels!)
Veronica B.
Can’t put it down
Reviewed in the United States
This book was very enjoyable for our 6 year old and us to read. Our 6 year old couldn’t put it down and asked to read it during breaks between school zoom sessions. It’s silly and wonderful!
M.C.
Hilarious
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Eclectic but hilariously awesome. Can’t wait for more!!
S.Y.
A great book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I thought this was a great book but it is for younger people to read, like an age rating of 6+. I read it twice and it only took me around 30 minutes each time. It was very imaginative and humorous and I think the author should continue with the same storyline. My favourite character was Dash and my favourite bit was when Dash ran like a crazy person because it reminds me of myself . But I think it was very short. I thought they could have done more with the storyline and that the book could be a bit more descriptive and explain more about what is happening. Jonah age 9
Maribeth Davies
We love Dash
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Another funny adventure that has silly words, and great pictures, I especially like the made up words. My brother and I really enjoy these books, please write more. Love Sebry (7), Thor (5) and mummy X
Mrs. M
Great book for young readers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review which I passed to a friend’s 7 year old who loved it. He said it was funny, cool and loved the drawings. At 200 pages, took 2 days to get through, but managed fine as story was easy to read and understand and illustrations were fun. I have received several ‘Dash Candoo’ drawings including Devil Cats and an offer to act out the story when next I visit, with digging of tunnels weather permitting. Christmas presents sorted.
Edie
I love this book soooooo much!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My daddy got this book for me and I read it in one go on the day it arrived.
What I really liked was when Dash was facing 81,012 moves from the Wrestle Scallywag’s and was also facing a Two-Tailed Devil Cat. That’s just the start of the day and things get much much worse at school.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
From EDIE and I’m 7.
Maribeth Davies
Totally awesome and ridiculous 5*
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We are on the third Dash Candoo book, it has us all in fits of laughter. My son is keen to have a designated book shelf just for his Dash Candoo book collection!
L.C.
The perfect starter chapter book for my 6 yo
Reviewed in the United States
Within the first few pages of this book, my 6 yo daughter was keeled over with laughter. This was the perfect starter chapter book for her. She loved the story and the characters and at the end, was eager for what happens on Tuesday – book 2? As a parent, I loved the fact that the book had a glossary of terms, “Almanac”, that my daughter was more than happy to go back and forth to look up the meaning of words. This is a great book with a fun and imaginative story that my 6 yo could relate to and enjoy.
B.L.
So detailed, keeps my kids amused for hours
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My kids are absolutely OBSESSED with this series. Literally jumping up and down when this one arrived. They love all the details, plus the almanac and mazes at the end are such a bonus.
Elijah 7 yrs 9 m
I would pay £9000 to read this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
It was as funny as the time when I nearly fell down the toilet
Nicky T.
Awesome – the one word my daughter says describes this book
Reviewed in the United States
My son literally checked amazon daily to know when the third of this series was coming out. Both kids find it hilarious. More of the same please!
A.C.
Love love love
Reviewed in the United States
Verified Purchase
I loved that like there’s a new scaly wag in every book – wish it would keep a sport.
Elijah 7 years 9 months.
My son remains glued to the sofa reading every time the next one arrives!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Book 3 going down VERY well too!
Charlie R.
My 8 year old self would have thoroughly enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I am a 12 year old boy and I was given this book to review. I think I fall into the wrong age category for this book, and think it would be better suited for anyone between 7-9 years of age. I really enjoyed parts like the banana shaped science lab, the cool underground tunnels and the cat named Dog. They all made me laugh. I found the banana shaped science lab so out of context and random and I really liked the idea of having underground tunnels leading home from my English and Maths class! My 8 year old self would have thoroughly enjoyed this book and would have been read time and time again. It reminded me a bit of the 13 Storey Treehouse Series which was a firm favourite of mine when i was in Year 3 (3rd Grade).
Nicole R.
Hilarious, smart and beautifully creative! Kids LOVE Dash Candoo!
Reviewed in the United States
Dash Candoo has become our family’s latest obsession! Kids can’t wait for more books to come out! They’re hilarious, smart and beautifully creative. Even our 12 year old loves them 🙂
P.B.
Great book!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters in the story – my favourite was the Devil Cat. The pictures were great and added to the story. Thank you for writing it! Isla xx (Age 10)
This book is fun and it made me laugh so hard. I would recommend this to anyone. It was amazing because I love adventure books and mysteries. The science teacher is my favourite because she is so laid back but she is also really fun. I can’t wait to read the rest of the stories. Sophie (Age 12)
A.N.H
Awesome!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My 8 year old said this was an awesome book. She loved the drawings and the characters. It was unputdownable!
W.J.B.
Cave of thieves – couldn’t put it down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Wow my 7 year old grandson LOVED your book. He wanted to read it himself the first two times and read it all the way through both times, only then was I allowed to read it to him! He loved the characters and the adventures and the great drawings. I will have to get him the other two books. He read it every night for the week he stayed with me and many mornings too. I obviously had to give it to him to take home. I loved the drawings and the crazy names for the characters, also the page designs… all so pleasingly different. A great success! Thank you.
N.R.
Get the whole series!
Reviewed in the United States
My 4 year old loved the first one so much we immediately got the second! I can definitely see us getting and enjoying the whole Dash Candoo series!
Charlie
Fantastic book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My 6 year old sat down and read this all in one morning, and then started it again that afternoon! Absolutely loved it, kept laughing along. Brilliant! We’re ordering the next one now.
Ali B.
Great fun!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My nephew loved this book! (I really liked the matt cover..and the storyline!). He read it in the space of a few days, and has already passed it on to a friend who he thinks will also love it! Some fairly advanced text in a really accessible format, lots of pictures – and a glossary for the Dash Words!
S. B.
Fantastic hilarious read for the whole family
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Absolutely hilarious and well thought out book for 5 plus. Illustrations are so fitting to the story and add to the crazy adventures of Dash. My boys loved it and couldn’t wait to read what Dash gets up to in the next chapter and are trying to work out how they can can dig tunnels from their room. I will certainly be getting the next book.
Nina R.
Fun, creative and wacky story
Reviewed in the United States
This book was so much fun to read! We immediately got the second one! The names are hilarious and the imaginative story is amazing. Highly recommend for kids 3-10!
globalthink
More Dash Candoo, please!
Reviewed in the United States
I thought this book was funny and unique! I am eleven and I guess it is for kids a bit younger than me but I still loved it. It was kind of action/spy/adventure, I’ve read the first two books and if there are more, I will read them!
KC
Must add to your library collection
Reviewed in the United States
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, very entertaining, and artwork & storyline was very creative.
Karen B.
Great graphic novel for kids
Reviewed in the United States
My seven year old who loves Captain Underpants really enjoyed this book! He flew through it, and laughed aloud – the humor really kept him connected to the story. Great story for young readers looking to bridge the gap between graphic novels and chapter books. Can’t wait for the next one.
Mary T.S.
Great Kids’ Story
Reviewed in the United States
I didn’t read it so I am transcribing what my kids say:
F: It is five star, very nice, pretty sweet. I like it. I like how it’s a tint of funny-ness. I like how he was in his pajamas when a full-mayhem situation started. It was funny. It relates to when I don’t like having some kind of thing like that in the morning, too.
B: I would say the same thing. This book is a nice book and it has a bunch of this weird stuff like a world-famous carrot. A famous carrot! It’s funny because they have a bullet-proof glass! And dynamite-proof glass! There’s no way to make that. The illustrations are really good and really weird because someone’s hair falls off and goes on someone else.
F: Dude, it’s a wig!
B: Oh. And they have bikes that have 4 wheels instead of 2–the opposite of 2.
F: The opposite of 2? The opposite of 2 is 200.
B: I guess not.
Well, I hope this exchange encourages you to buy the book.
M.K.R.
Absolutely brilliant!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Loved the book – read together with a 13 year old English as second language boy and he was completely engrossed in the story and illustrations. The text and fonts made the book even more capturing for him. Brilliant book and I absolutely loved it as much as he did. Read this book and your imagination will be running wild!
M.J.Y.P.
Enticed a 9 year old boy to read over gaming…
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Been a fan/ subscribed to ‘Last Lemon’ for years so when I got the email offering a review copy of course I said yes!
Delighted to say my 9 year old son inhaled it overnight and I’ve just ordered book 2. He says the imagination is amazing – ‘I mean a two tailed devil cat – come on!’. Of huge relief – just forced him to read 3 recommended reading books from school…thought I’d damaged his interest in reading but Dash has restored! Well played Ralph – thank you!
H.G.
Good adventure read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
A review from my niece:
‘This is a story about Dash and Rob who are best friends. At breakfast time Dash goes downstairs, eats his breakfast and his KB15 starts flashing red.
He goes outside and sees three Wrestle Scallywags. He fights them before going to school…that is the start of the adventure.
Dash Candoo is a brave character in this exciting story of mischief and adventure. Funny at times; when paper airplanes are shaped like bananas and Devil Cats are terrified of watermelons.
Book 1 ends when the Mr Remington Hobbs (inventor of wobble ball) wants to get his trophy back, but first be must find a way to melt bullet proof glass and get through dynamite proof concrete.
He needs one more ingredient…orange juice! Dash and Rob thwart his plans with a Kryptoweb, making them heroes. This story is exciting from beginning to end.
I am 6 and loved this story. I would recommend this book to all those looking for a good adventure to read.’
Adam C.
Great illustrations and lovely large font size. Perfect for young readers.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Just received this. Much more substantial than expected. Loads of great illustrations and nice big font. Looking forward to reading through this alongside my 6 year old daughter.
C.M.T.R.
Quirky and fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My 7 year old daughter and I are about half way through this book. When asked what she thought about it, she said she liked that it was different – the fact that it is a chapter book but the chapters are manageable for her because of the font size and illustrations (not overwhelming like many chapter books). We have been reading it together because there are some tricky words but the majority can be read independently. My daughter is finding it entertaining and different to other books she has read.
GBR
Appeals to all ages…laugh out loud!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
What a hoot! I’m a 54 year old female and I loved it. Can’t wait to pass on to various children I know. Quirky sense of humour wth laugh out loud moments. Charming.
Elijah 7 years 9 months.
It’s really funny!
Reviewed in the United States
You see I just lay on my bed reading every line in 2 seconds and I didn’t stop until I finished. My favourite bit was when Dash threw the watermelon into the two tailed devil cat’s mouth!!
Julian.
Fun for any age
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I smiled all the way through from page 1 to the end and had to read it in one sitting. Look forward to reading the rest of the week!
A.C.
Great book, would highly recommend!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My 5 year old daughter and I are half way through this book and we are both hooked! It’s funny, imaginative, crazy, hilarious, and written in such a way that it you just want to read *one more page*. We have shared the reading so far – the actual lay out of the book and illustrations really lends itself to divvying up the paragraphs – and it has been great for pushing my daughter’s reading ability. The pages are really appealing and, although it’s a 200 page book, she hasn’t found it daunting. There’s lots of little funny details that she’s enjoys spotting along the way too. I’m certain we’ll be buying more of these books as they’re published and it will be a series we will return to time and time again!
My one question is, why are devil cats terrified of watermelons?!
Silvia N.
Entertaining, great drawings and very funny!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Our 8 yrs old girls loved the book and read it to each other in one go. I heard them laugh aloud. Now to my daughter to continue the review:
Hello, what I liked about the book is that it was a mystery book and my favourite character is Dash Candoo because he is clever and cunning. My sister loved the Almanac at the end, it was both entertaining and funny. We both loved the drawings and we think the age is 5-9 yrs old.
We just ordered the second book, we can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Andrew W.
Adventures, great and exciting!
Reviewed in the United States
A little short but good detail and very creative!
The above rating, review and headline was written by my 9-year old who devoured this book. I had hoped to read it with him, but this was one he read in just a few hours after it arrived. Note: my child reads a lot, and it is not uncommon for him to finish a book the day or the day after it arrives. As he told me, “I couldn’t stop reading it because it was as if I was in the book, not reading it, but in it.”
From flipping through, I think this will appeal to fans of Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Mac B. Spy Kid, and the like. Double thumbs up!
Sarah G.
Hilarity for 5 to 8 year olds!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review.
It is the first grown up style, chapter book we have read to our 5 year old son and I can say he thoroughly enjoyed it, he found it extremely funny and loved the characters, particularly the Devil cat! Some of the abbreviations went over his head but it in no way affected his enjoyment and when we finished it he asked if we could get the next one. It is an ideal story for 5 to 8 year olds and we will certainly purchase more books in this series.
Kyra
Kept my 5 year old engaged during story time
Reviewed in the United States
We read this book during circle time and my 5-year-old son was engaged the whole time. He enjoyed looking up words and special moves at the back of the book as well. He even tried some of the moves the character explained by jumping off the furniture and bouncing off the wall as part of a move. It also made my 2 year old interested in seeing what was going on. I highly recommend this book because the story is fun to read, grabs, and keeps their attention as they wait to see what coming next.
Emily C.
My 7 year old daughter calls this book ‘perfect’
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My 7 year old daughter loves this book. She took about half an hour to read it cover-to-cover. She was completely absorbed by & delighted with it! She especially liked ‘how adventurous it was’ – she says she loved the plot – & is eagerly awaiting the sequel. When I asked if there was anything she didn’t like about it, she said, ‘no, it was perfect!’
C.L.
Watch out for the Scallywags!! – A fun read with great characters.
Reviewed in the United States
Old and young will enjoy the adventures of Dash, but especially the 6 -10 yr olds . What a Monday he had in this fun and amusingly illustrated read – The Cave of Thieves.
A great story which will make you laugh as well as feed your imagination.
Very entertaining and we love the Almanac at the back of the book which tells you more about some of the wonderful things Dash and his friend Rob come across on their adventures and use to combat the baddies. This part of the book, gives the reader a chance to think, or discuss with another, what certain words or phrases may mean, before looking it up at the back of the book – we especially enjoyed this interaction. We are now wondering what ingredients would be in our version of the Wombat Juice, as not sure we are too keen on some of the ones Dash swigs!
A delightful book which is easily devoured in one sitting for the adventure seekers; and good bite sized chunks for those that wish to take their time. Complete with puzzles, this book is one that you will read over and over again!
Emma B.
Crazy fun!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Very funny in a crazy, weird way. My 9 year old loved it, and both him and his 12 year old brother laughed hard at the characters’ names. To me, this book is written similar to how dreams work, so totally, wonderfully illogical, crazy and full of weirdness! Great fun! And if we ever get a cat we will name it Dog for sure!
R.W.
Both of my kids really enjoyed this book!
Reviewed in the United States
My 8 year old and 5 year old both loved this book and wanted to read the entire book the first day we got it! It was a funny story and the details of the characters and events really made it come to life. My kids both asked to read the next book in the series because they liked it so much.
J.L.
Funny, creative and good summer reading
Reviewed in the United States
My almost 8 year old boy loved this book and laughed out loud!
R.O.
Our first chapter book
Reviewed in the United States
This book is a bit advanced for my 4 year old but he was over the moon to get his first “big kid chapter book”. We both love the way the book is laid out for fun, and the almanac is a fantastic way to introduce the concept of looking up words we don’t know. I feel this series will grow with us and be a classic in our home!
Olive
Creative and wonderfully FUN!
Reviewed in the United States
So creative!!!! Super funny and the most interesting, unique drawings… My Nephews will love this! I’m sending it to them in Canada!
Sarah A.
Fun read
Reviewed in the United States
My 6 year old found the book very exciting and gave it two thumbs up.
Tim
My 3 and half and 6 year old LOVE this story and characters!
Reviewed in the United States
6 year old favorite part: When Devil cat steals the Egyptian Blue.
3.5 year old favorite part: when the drone sees the Devil cat steal.
Both children sat and listened and laughed out loud to the entire book, 2 days in a row, and keep asking for more! They have incorporated the characters and ideas into their imaginative play, shouting about “scallywags” and “stink balls”. We definitely be return readers of the entire series!
Nate B.
Dash makes reading fun!
Reviewed in the United States
My granddaughter is 7 1/2 & will be starting 2nd grade. We read all about Dash, his friends, his enemies and loved it! The drawings were funny and charming, and led to a discussion about what contraptions we would invent to save the day. That two–tailed devil cat is evil but we love that evil cat! We can’t wait to read the rest of the books! (Truth be told I, the 56-year-old grandma, read it through twice because I couldn’t wait for my granddaughter. This book is just that much fun!)
*I did receive a copy free for review.
Chocobug
Illustrations were great – it was very funny!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
13 year old daughter loved it but wished it was longer, maybe we just need to buy the next book!
G A Marriott
Fun tale but a bit advanced for a 5 year old
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Got this for my 5 year old grandson, think he might be a little too young, his current story books are full of colour & think he will enjoy it more when he is more able to read some if it himself. Fun tales though.
Lucy C.
Great series for 7 plus year olds.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
This book went down very well with our 8 year old. He read it in one go and would like the next book in the series. Love the characters and story, brilliant.
A.C.
Great book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My daughter really enjoyed reading this book. It was a little below her reading level but she thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. She said she found it hilarious, loved the characters and the story line – especially the devil cat! We would say this book would be ideal for ages 6-9 years. Lovely illustrations and large print. Good to share and easily read in one go.
Miles C.
Couldn’t put it down!
Reviewed in the United States
My 5 year old niece begged for me to read the whole book in one sitting then start it over again. She laughed and smiled all the way through it. She particularly liked looking up the new words in the almanac. Highly recommend!
P.B.
Totally captured the imagination of my 4 year old son
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We’ve had this book 3 days and read it 3 times already.
My four year old has been creating his own KB-15 alarms throughout the day.
We’ve ordered the next one.
Love the illustrations.
Maribeth D.
Couldn’t put it down, fun and crazy nonsense 5*
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
We loved this book… my son is age 5, daughter age 7, even I loved it and I’m getting bored of reading kids stories. Quick and fun to read, have ordered book #2 already.
Fiona
Pinky promise
Reviewed in the United States
I pinky promised to review the book With out giving the plot away,I should say young and old would enjoyit.
Dash Candoo was recommended to me by my niece.We started our journey at lastlemon.com that lead Us to total-mayhem.com that lead us to the book. We begin on Monday ( like title implies ) we are wearing pajamas but not for a breakfast… Illustration on every page with a large font makes an nengaging way to present the story to young reader. Staff like Wombat Juice,Hammophote Tree etc. ., make them giggles . And everybody what’s to learn how to play paper-rock-scissors-carrot-spoon-tissue-elbow.Buttom line you should get this book.
P.S.not recommended to people allergic to silliness .
Jenny B.
Wow, what an amazing book
Reviewed in the United States
Our son is 5.5 years old and he absolutely loved it. He laughed out loud and could not stop. Mom gives him a book every days for when he’s stuck at home with me working from home. He loved it so much and was on chapter 7 before I was even done with breakfast. He’s a little more advanced in reading for his age and he’s between picture books and chapter books. I think this is the perfect hybrid of those 2 things. It has illustrations on each page, but more than 1 or 2 sentences on each page, so he’s able to read, but not be overwhelmed.
The book is very beautifully drawn, very cutely written, and just full of personality. I feel like Dash and Rob think *exactly* like my son. =)
Buying Tuesday now…
Nicky Tarrow
Great read for laughs and whirlwind adventure
Reviewed in the United States
Hilarious, antics and adventures that are an easy read full of ridiculous tidbits. In the vein of Dog Man, this series is a must read.
S Rudnick
Such great illustrations!
Reviewed in the United States
Gave this to my almost four-year-old grandson, who absolutely loved it.
Great for readers and those who are read to.
Leviw
5.0 out of 5 stars
The cave of thieves
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Levi, Violet and Gabriel Wogman
This is a fantastic book for ages 7-9 year olds and both girls and boys will enjoy reading this book I’m very excited to read the next one
Rebecca R.
Highly appealing to small boys!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My son devoured this in a day which- considering he is not an avid reader and likes gaming a lot- is really impressive! He thought it was very funny and enjoyed the format of the book. He is 10- I would say it is probably aimed at a slightly younger age group- maybe 7-9… but nonetheless it was a big hit and he’d likely read the next one too. Frankly any book which makes him want to read to himself gets a big thumbs up from me!
TR1213
Cuteness Overload
Reviewed in the United States
We loved it! A page turner for the whole family.
SMK
My son loved it!
Reviewed in the United States
This arrived today as a gift for my 8yo son as a surprise – he also had a brand new Lego set he was about to get started on and decided to just ‘read a few pages’ and low and behold, 45min. later, he was still reading and finished the book! He says “I loved it! It was funny, and action filled!” He can’t wait to get to read #2.
Y.G.
Great book, fresh and funny
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
This is a different book with lots of funky illustrations and a lovely bunch of charming characters set on hilarious adventures. Can’t wait to get the second one!
Al.H
Really funny and kids love it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Really funny book with interesting story, it has very nice illustrations, and the kid (9 years old) loved it.
Tessa L.
Fun Read
Reviewed in the United States
I read this with my 6 year old daughter and she absolutely loved it! Such fun adventures. I don’t know how many evening, after reading a chapter together, that I’d go to check on her and find that she was still engrossed with the book. I did have to help her with words like “scallywags,” but those prompted some funny conversations.
Jacqueline A.N.
Funny illustrations!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
The character Dash Candoo is 11 years old but I would say this book is suitable for ages 7 and up. There are over 200 pages but the font size and amount of illustrations means the story can be read relatively quickly and independently without feeling the book is too long. The almanac at the end is a good feature and I can see the pupils in my class wanting to re-read the book for this feature alone. The illustrations are funny and grumpy and easy enough for children to try and imitate. Is it wrong that I would like to have my own Devil Cat?
Judith
Fast moving, fun story for younger kids
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Both my 9 and 11 year old girls read this. Both thought it was a bit easy for them, but the older one thought that it was really good. She felt that the story was very fast moving and there was a lot going on all the time. Well worth a read for younger kids.
Rob N.
Brilliant imagination, captured us all!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
Totally hilarious book, fresh and different, went down extremely well in our household. Have already bought the next in the series – keep them coming!
Kat
Cute and fun
Reviewed in the United States
This was a super cute and fun little book. I enjoyed reading it with my 10 year old nephew.
D.J.
My son DEVOURED this book
Reviewed in the United States
We recently ordered a dozen books for our 8 year old summer reading and The Cave of Thieves was the one he chose to read first. He went into the bathtub and by the time he came out he had finished the book and was asking for more “did you get me the next one?… Luckily we had ordered other books but will def be looking out for this series. Please keep them coming FAST!!!
Meko
This book was awesome!
Reviewed in the United States
I liked this book because of all the action and creativity that was throughout, and also that it was very funny.
Heidi B.C.
AWESOME!!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
THIS BOOK IS SOOOOO Well done!
If you get it = LOOK closely at HOW much detail is in your hands. IT — is *AWESOME!!
DASH Candoo is *GREAT* it IS geared toward kids, but I love it as an adult kid!
*fabulous* characters – great, fun story for all!
I highly recommend getting a hard copy as it is great to HOLD and be able to flip back to the *Awesome* almanac in the back for easy reference! *FUN* funny, wonderful .. no! Funderful!!! really great for ALL!
My husband and I are great fans/followers of these creators/artists who do quite a few other *Beloved* characters/comics as well. DASH CANDOO is yet another *wonderful* gift into the minds of readers wanting some great adventure!!
Looking forward to getting BOOK 2!! Thanks so much for bringing us such wonderful characters!!
VivW
“Awesome crazy funny book” DJ age 9.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
I ordered this as a treat for my son for doing lots of reading in the summer reading challenge (he loves Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, 13 storey treehouse etc).
He loved this book and read it in one sitting and wants to read it again tomorrow to his little sister so they can laugh at the crazy bits together.
He loves that it is a detective story with ninjas, secret tunnels, gadgets, crazy buildings, and an evil cat.
Oren K.
Great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
My son loved this book. He couldn’t put it down (our competed Fortnight). We can’t wait for the next one.