Skip to Main Content

Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic

Book #1 of Desmond Pucket
Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Meet Desmond Pucket--master of mayhem! Will his monster-y special effects pranks get him kicked out of middle school before the class trip to Crab Shell Pier? Or will Desmond be able to keep his monster magic in check?

This is a compelling new character that kids will love!


"Tatulli's entry into the comics/fiction--hybrid market is one of the best…The target audience will snap this up and beg for more."

---Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This is full of ghoulish fun, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid probably won't want to miss it."
---School Library Journal

"Desmond Pucket neatly fills a gap for our readers---it's a step more sophisticated than Diary of a Wimpy Kid but appeals to that reader. It's also so great to have a Halloween/monster/scary stuff series to offer boys that is not Goosebumps."
---Rebecca Waesch, Children's Product Manager, Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Meet Desmond Pucket---professor of frightology and master of monsters.

Someday Desmond will be famous for his special effects wizardry, but for now he's just trying to make it through sixth grade at Cloverfield Memorial Junior High, which means he needs to stay one step ahead of the school's disciplinary officer, Mr. Needles.

The only problem is Desmond just can't stop pulling pranks---like the time he attached a shrieking rubber goblin to the toilet seat in the teachers' bathroom. Mrs. Rubin screamed so loudly her wig flew off! Or the time he put giant motorized worms into the mashed potatoes in the cafeteria. Or the time Desmond and his best friend, Ricky, arranged for a three-headed ghost to crash his sister's slumber party. Rachel still hasn't forgiven him.

And now Desmond has to stay prank-free for the rest of the year, or he won't be able to go on the class trip to Crab Shell Pier, home of the Mountain Full of Monsters ride! It's going to be tough, but Desmond has to try.

This book includes a section of "Desmond's Notes": instructions for making monster magic (think scary noises, or fake blood) at home!

About The Author

 Mark Tatulli, who was first known for his Heart of the City comic strip, took on Lio as an outlet for his dark and twisted humor. In addition to his cartooning experience, Tatulli is also an accomplished filmmaker and animator, and is the recipient of three Emmy awards for his television work. Mark currently resides in New Jersey with his wife, son, and two daughters. His children are the true joy of his life and the inspiration for much of his comic artwork.

Online:

gocomics.com/lio

Product Details

  • Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (October 1, 2013)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781449435486
  • Ages: 7 - 12
  • Lexile ® 740L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

"Mark Tatulli is one of my favorite cartoonists, and now he brings his delightfully warped comic sensibility to Desmond Pucket with a hilariously offbeat hero who will have kids howling. Desmond Pucket is a surefire hit and an absolute scream." (Lincoln Peirce)

"Desmond joins a long list of heroes who inspire me while making me hurry nervously out of the room. I salute Mark Tatulli! From a safe distance. Locked in a closet. With a stuffed animal for comfort." (Lemony Snicket)

(starred review) "Tatulli's entry into the comics/fiction-hybrid market is one of the best...The target audience will snap this up and bet for more." (Kirkus Reviews)

"It’s silly and fun and heartwarming all at once…a must read and a must add to any bookshelf for the grade 3-6 crowd." (Esther Keller, School Library Journal's "Good Comics for Kids" blog)

"Desmond’s school experience is very realistic and students, mostly boys, will be able to relate to his shenanigans and his journey of self-discovery. Put this in the hands of reluctant readers and they will be asking for more." (Elyse DeQuoy, Library Media Connection)

"This is full of ghoulish fun, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid probably won’t want to miss it." (Esther Keller, School Library Journal's "Good Comics for Kids" blog)

"I think deep down we all have a Desmond Pucket inside us. You won’t be able to put this book down as you laugh your guts out!" (Avery, age 9, San Francisco Book Review)

"Desmond’s adversarial relationship with disciplinary officer Mr. Needles ranks right up there with Archie and Mr. Weatherbee for fun reading." (Kat Kahn, VOYA)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Mark Tatulli

More books in this series: Desmond Pucket