I chose to read this book because it seemed like a good read for second grade and up: its plot and themes, sporadic illustrations, plus readability make it a fine book for this age group. The main storyline is about this boy going into fourth grade, feeling not so great due to his best friend's move to another state. Pretty soon we meet Inkling, a bandapat, a creature who initially can't be seen, just "felt" by the main character. There are also problems with a bully at school and plenty of adults who don't listen to the main character's problems with the bully. The resolution, or lack of resolution, was my problem with the story. While reading the verso, it seemed this book was meant to be a series, and that might be the reason, but it ruined the book for me. The way the bully problem is solved, and the suggestions of ways to deal with it are not acceptable to me.The two-star rating went to Inkling, the bandapat (bandaid-pet?), and its constantly changing personal story. Funny, sort of. Fourth grader Hank Wolowitz has an overbusy imagination. He'd rather imagine about airplanes that argue with their pilots and drinks that change the color of your skin instead of cleaning his room or listening. However, this is nothing compared to when he rescues an invisible bandapat named Inkling (whose not imaginary) from a neighborhood dog. Inkling must now stay and repay the debt by saving Hank's life.Inkling's species is endangered due to scientists who've searched for the source of bandapat invisibility but without success. Inkling travelled to Brooklyn specifically to find the "Big Round Pumpkin" since bandapats love squash, but he's crushed to learn that it's an ice-cream shop owned by Hank's family.When Hank begins to get bullied at school by Bruno Gillicut, Inkling is the unlikely ally to stand up to Bruno and whose invisibility is a big benefit. Despite Inkling's saving Hank from Bruno, Inkling wants to stay and considers the debt not being repaid yet. Hank now has an invisible friend which means anything could happen. A charming series for ages 7-10 who like funny and realistic reads.
What do You think about Der Unsichtbare Wink (2012)?
Invisible friend, bully, family owns ice cream store...what's not to like?
—Sara
Cute - not as great as Dangerous Pumpkins but still good.
—Bethany
Cute! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
—hayat2032
