A kind hearted, but slightly absent-minded
father forgot that there was no milk left for breakfast cereal, or for that
matter, his tea. Being the good father that he is, he leaves his son and
daughter for what should be a quick trip to the corner store to pick some
up. Except his children feel like he has
been gone for what seems like “ages.” When he finally returns a mere two pages
later, he begins to explain the reason for his unforeseen delay. And that is how Newbery Award winning author
Neil Gaiman opens his latest kid lit offering titled Fortunately, the milk.
Gaiman spins a fast paced, hilarious, and unpredictable tale of adventure through space and time. Beginning with an
encounter with grumpy aliens, the father has to outsmart and outrun pirates,
wumpires, and a godly volcano, all the while hanging on to the milk. Fortunately,
a time traveling stegosaurus piloting a hot air balloon is able to help guide
him in the right direction even if it takes some time to get there.
Skottie Young’s detailed pen and
ink illustrations subtly support the story while simultaneously add a layer of
fantasy to an already fantastical tale. Full
of imagination and humor, this story is a true delight for your eyes and ears. Highly
recommended to anyone who likes to laugh, read aloud, or occasionally just get
swept away.
