Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Sunday Book Review – Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space by Toni Pike – #Children’sbook

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My Sunday Book Review is for a book not in my usual genre of reading – Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space is a children’s book written by my friend and multi-genre author, Toni Pike. I’m more used to reading Toni’s thrillers but couldn’t resist checking out this book when she gifted me with a copy. Wonderfully relatable book for children with clever lessons entwined in the story.

 

 

 

Blurb:

Brody Cody is almost eight years old and definitely, absolutely, positively does NOT want a mother. His mother died when he was a baby but life with his dad is just perfect.

Brody is horrified when his father goes away to a publishing conference and returns with a wife, Pandora Smith, who is a children’s author. His life spirals out of control as he is forced to eat healthy food, do his homework and help with some chores.

Even worse, he and his friends suspect that his new stepmother might be an alien from outer space.

A hilarious adventure for children aged 6-9.

 

My 5 Star Review:

This was a pleasant diversion in the children’s genre from this author whose books I’m used to reading in the mystery/thriller genre, but was delighted to read how the author crossed genres. Pike did a wonderful job with this story about a little boy growing up with his dad, just the two of them after Brody’s mom died in an accident when he was a baby, living like boys with no rules. That was until Brody’s dad falls in love with a new woman while out at a business conference and marries her, and Brody’s life of  lounging, junk-food eating and lack of household rules are forever changed.

When Brody proceeds to tell his best friend Kyle about his new stepmother, he also mentioned that Pandora had two different colored eyes. The boys were convinced she was an alien from outer space, especially since Kyle is convinced he saw a UFO while star-gazing. Between her two different colored eyes, her healthy cooking and creating new house chores, the two boys are convinced Pandora is from outer space.

I found this book a delightful read. Reading a children’s book through adult eyes, we can see how cleverly the author has woven in the good changes Pandora has brought to Brody’s life, despite the fact that some of these changes were so foreign to Brody, and how he eventually learns to happily adapt and realize how wonderful it really is to have a new mom.

 

©DGKaye2020

 

59 thoughts on “Sunday Book Review – Brody Cody and the Stepmother from Outer Space by Toni Pike – #Children’sbook”

  1. Hi Debby, Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Brody Cody – and for including it in your wonderful Sunday Book Review series. I feel so blessed and honoured. I hope you have a fabulous week. Toni x

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  15. Toni’s book cover is enough to draw in a young audience. Besides, children “sheltering at home” would enjoy a break from digital learning and parents would benefit too.

    Thank you Debbie and Toni!

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  17. I love the title of this book and the content seems so much fun. I can imagine how Brody is not very happy with the changes in his new life. All the best, Toni. I’m sure a lot of kids will love this book and likely identify with it. Thanks, Debby for the delightful and clear review. 🙂

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  19. Oh this sounds like a darling story. They think she is from outer space! I had to eat healthy food too and now am glad that habit was instilled in me as a kid 🙂 Great review, Debby.

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    2. Hi Christy, Thank you very much – and I’m so glad you had to eat healthy food LOL. Thank goodness for wonderful parents. Yes, Debby review is superb. Toni x

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