The Mudhogs – Dalton James

©2009 Outskirts Press, Denver

Some of you will recall this spring when I reviewed two books, then interviewed this children’s author who comes from the ranks of his readers. Dalton is eight years old and illustrates his stories as well as writing them.

The Mudhogs is the story of three pigs who have come together as a club with the purpose of enjoying the mud. One problem: there’s been no rain for a long time. Finally, Piggy, Piggles, and Piglet decide to go on an adventure to find mud somewhere in the world. The story is narrated by a tick that lives on Piggy’s knee, and is a fun reminder that sometimes what we really want is right at home.

In a note accompanying my review copy of this book, James’ father suggested that this third book is the author/illustrator’s best yet. I heartily concur. The Mudhogs will entertain and inspire children and readers of all ages. Pick up a copy for the holidays and enjoy this four-reading glass selection.

—Benjamin Potter December 7, 2009

Blog Interview with Dalton James

Having been an English teacher who tried desperately to encourage my seventh-graders, ninth- and tenth-graders to actively write, I was really impressed with the stories produced by seven-year-old Dalton James. So, I sent him a few questions as a blog interview, and he graciously answered them. Here's the interview:

Benj-O: Readers like to know about the authors they read, so tell us about yourself. What things do you like to do (besides tell stories)?

Dalton James: I like to play basketball, baseball, and I take Tae Kwon Do.

Benj-O: How did you get interested in writing?

DJ: My teacher in first grade, Ms. Shoupe read "Yuck Soup" to us by Joy Callie and had us put down what we would put in yuck soup.  I went home that night and told my daddy that I wanted to write a book.  I wrote "The Sneakiest Pirates" and have finished four books so far and I'm working on my fifth.

Benj-O: Where do you get your ideas for stories?

DJ: My imagination and I think of things that I thing would be neat to be.

Benj-O: Do you see yourself telling stories for a long time?

DJ: Yes.

Benj-O: Do you write stories just for fun? Or do you write for school also?

DJ: Just for fun.

Benj-O: Did you make the illustrations for your books?

DJ: Yes.

Benj-O: Should we expect more stories about Pete and James in the future?

DJ: Yes.  I have finished the third in the series which is called, "Super Pete Saves the Day" and the book I'm currently working on is, "The Adventures of Blankman and Noodle".  I have also finished "The Mudhogs" which will be my next book out that has nothing to do with Pete and James.

From Dalton's Daddy (Cliff James)  Dalton's author/illustrator talk to elementary schools is available to elementary teachers by request on DVD.  We held a contest this year in which students could submit their books to us and the winner will have their book published through Outskirts Press.  We are hoping to publish up to five books next year through a similar contest.  We are hoping that by children seeing that an eight year old can have multiple books published that they can also.  

Thanks to Dalton and his daddy.

Happy reading, all!

The Sneakiest Pirates & The Heroes of Googley Woogley – Dalton James

©2008 & 2009 Outskirts Press, Denver

When contacted with possible books to review, I don’t have the time or energy to request every book suggested. Frankly, I try to find something in the description that will appeal to my reading tastes. Here’s something that appeals to my reading tastes: “Children’s book written by a seven-year-old.”

In response to my interest, I received not one, but two books to read and review. The back cover copy introduces author Dalton James as “an extremely precocious, bright and active seven-year-old” and the stories bear witness.

James’ first release The Sneakiest Pirates tells the story of how Peg Leg Chuck steals the prince’s

treasure only to have it stolen from his hiding place by Pirate Pete and his dad Scurvy James who fight over the treasure until they are so tired that they decide to share the loot and become Rock Stars.

In a follow-up story, we find Rock Star Pete and Rock Star James growing rich and bored with the life of rock stars. So they decide to become astronauts who eventually save the SooDos of planet Googley Woogley from their enemies the SooDonts.

Imagination runs wild as you follow these charming stories from the mind of a seven-year-old. I think I’ll encourage my brood to write and illustrate their own stories, and in the mean time we’ll be excited to see more adventures of Pete and his father James.

I give both stories four out of five stars and a hearty congratulations.

—Benjamin Potter, May 6, 2009