A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing by Avi J Avi

Good children’s literature often appeals to readers on different levels. Some of the cleverest picture books entertain youngsters with their story but have humor that only a more experienced person would understand.
This is definitely the case with A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing by Avi. Classified as juvenile fiction, and assigned a grade-level appropriateness of 4th through 6th grades, this book is an example of word play and language manipulation at its best – some of which will be lost on readers in the target audience.
My favorite example is when Edward, an ant, is threatened by an anteater. Avon, his snail friend, keeps Edward safe by convincing the anteater that he really is supposed to eat aunts. A much-relieved Edward cries, “ ‘Avon, you’re a genius! It was as if you put a spell upon that creature.’ ‘It just goes to show,’ agreed Avon, ‘that in this world U can make a difference.’”
If you are a lover of language and appreciate the nuances of words, don’t miss this clever new offering. The small format, wide line spacing and only 164 pages make this a quick diversion from weightier “adult” reading, and it’s guaranteed to elicit a bit of a smile, or maybe even an occasional giggle.