Four separate short stories (each with short chapters) . . . all hysterically funny. ( )

This is a collections of fantastic stories with rude pirates, enchanted penguins, strange inventions and a very beastly beast.The text is easy to follow. We love the illustrations. We enjoy all stories written by Garth Nix. by 7X. ( )

What an absolute delight these four stories were to read! That's it. In addition to the beastly beast, there are indeed two alients, three inventors, plus pirates, serpents, penguinmaids, and lots of fun. ( )

Reviewed by Mechele R. Dillard for TeensReadToo.com

Fantasy writer Garth Nix has created a short story collection for the younger set. Exploring the underworld of rat pirates; adoptions of Earthlings by odd, tentacled aliens; a princess literally searching the belly of the beast; and a brainiac solving the dilemmas of a kindhearted sea serpent, Nix introduces young readers to the possibilities of the imagination between the covers of a book.

ONE BEASTLY BEAST is an excellent choice for the reluctant reader. The full manuscript is around 120 pages, which can make a RR groan. However, each story is only about a quarter of the book, so readers can actually finish a single storyline very quickly. Additionally, illustrator Brian Biggs provides a number of illustrations to kick-start the imaginations of readers who might need a little extra motivation to continue to the end.

Possibly the strongest point regarding the construction of this book, however, is that even though it is a collection of four short stories, Nix still divides each story into chapters, thus giving young readers a taste of chapter books, as well as further dividing the reading challenge into smaller bites for the most reluctant of readers.

For those who are looking for something that will motivate a boy to read, this book will do just that, with pirates, rats, inventors, and aliens. Nix doesn't forget about his young female audience, however; they will love the adventure-seeking princess, penguinmaids, and the super-smart Serena, who saves the day with her bravery and willingness to dig deeper and understand the heart of a vegetarian sea serpent.

Overall, this is a book for every young reader; Nix has scored a fantasy winner with ONE BEASTLY BEAST (TWO ALIENS, THREE INVENTORS, FOUR FANTASTIC TALES). ( )

Four humorous fantasy adventures for younger readers than Nix's usual audience. A boy joins a rat navy in order to defeat a crew of video pirates. A bored princess looks for - and finds - adventure. An orphaned inventor finds the perfect parents, and a girl genius confronts a sea serpent. Wild and wacky, these stories are accompanied by equally goofy cartoon illustrations. A fun read for 3rd to 5th graders. ( )