Garbage Island (The Nearly Always Perilous Adventures of Archibald Shrew)

Don't let the title or cover fool you. This book is about a lot more than garbage. It's the only book I've ever read about the garbage patch but it still made me laugh a few times. Even though it's about a rat who has his own civilization on the garbage patch, it's educational and informative. The Pacific Garbage Patch is a real thing.If you get squeamish about fictional rats, you might want to grow up a little before you read this book. But I think kids as young as eight years old would like this book, especially if they care about the environment.My favorite character is the bird because she is spunky. I hope my little sister reads this book next. She is 10. And my brother will probably read it in a year when he turns 8 because my mom likes to keep good books around.By CS, a 7th grader

Archibald Shrew is the only shrew living on a mound of garbage floating in the wide, wide ocean. Archie loves inventing and adventure, but his inventions sometimes go horribly wrong. When they threaten the safety of the Garbage Islanders, the mouse, Mayor Popli orders Archie to stop inventing. Feeling hurt and disrespected, Archie plots to sneak away and find his lost family. Then he and Mayor Popli are stranded at sea. As they battle storms, ocean predators and a garbage island full of spiders, Archie and Mayor Popli work together to save themselves. They grow to be friends and Archie learns that he'd give up his dreams for a friend.Fred's dynamic art and wit create charming characters and a thrilling tale.

My family of 6 is riveted every night as we read "Garbage Island" together. At the end of every chapter the kids beg us to continue because they know that the next pages hold laughter, suspense, adventure and warmth. This is a must-read for families who want to teach their children that our flaws can be their strengths and life is best lived in a community. Highly recommend this book!

Cool premise and entertaining story. My 7 and 8 year old were riveted. I have a boy and a girl and they were equally interested, although I think this is a great book for boys as there seem to be not as many of those--until now! Sympathetic characters and exciting, intricate illustrations. Buy this book!

Incorporating life lessons and environmental issues in a children’s book without becoming tedious or pedantic is a difficult task. Fred Koehler has done so in his entertaining story, “Garbage Island”. Not only does he teach young readers the importance of community and of accepting the differences between contemporaries, he highlights the critical need to repurpose discarded items and to re-imagine possible solutions to problems we face.Archibald Shrew is an eccentric, sometimes rebellious inventor. His quirky way of looking at issues allows him to create imaginative machines, potentially solving problems facing the residents of Garbage Island. Against the wishes of the populace and the outspoken Edward the Dung [Beetle], Mr. Popli, the mayor, often supports Archie. When Archie and Mr. Popli become trapped on Mr. Popli’s houseboat and land on Colubra, the snake’s territory, their perilous adventure takes a turn for the worst. An egg Archie took from Colubra turns out to be a baby snake rather than a bird. Through a series of terrifying developments, the duo – along with Huxley, the baby snake - returns to Garbage Island and the now dictatorship of Edward the Dung. The exciting conclusion allows Fred Koehler to continue the story of “Garbage Island” should he choose to do so.Characters in “Garbage Island” represent a diverse community of individuals, each having positive and negative traits. These characters must learn to accept their differences and to work together for the good of all. Archie often takes his own path, to the consternation of Mr. Popli. However, his motives are not self-centered but often focus on the betterment of others’ lives. His creative repurposing of items provides an important lesson for young readers as it highlights the dangers of a throw-away society and the good that comes from repurposing items. Self-sacrifice, as represented by both Mr. Popli and Archie, teaches young readers that self-centered actions are undesirable.The detailed map of “Garbage Island” on the introductory pages is lovely; it has depth and dimension. Conversely, the illustrations in the body of the Advance Uncorrected Proof are rough. I hope are not representative of those to be included in the final published “Garbage Island”.“Garbage Island” is an exciting, educational book that the target audience – ages 8 – 12 years old – should enjoy. Parents and grandparents who enjoy imaginative, fun-to-read books may also like this book.

Reading on this is a bit more advanced than it appeared originally, but otherwise a good book for an established reader.

"Garbage Island (The Nearly Always Perilous Adventures of Archibald Shrew)" by Fred Koehler is a delightful read. Garbage Island is populated with colorful characters of the animal kind. Mr Popli is the mayor of the island and Archie Shrew, an inventor who is also a shrew and somewhat Mr Popli's opposite in personality.Firstly, you are never too old to learn something new because I didn't know what a shrew was but now I do so thank you, Mr Koehler, on that new piece of info.The story is that Garbage Island has a certain order to it but then it splits apart with Mr Popli and Archie stuck adrift in Mr Popli's houseboat. The two must work together to return to their island home but it will be a challenge and an adventure.I enjoyed the story and I think it will be enjoyable to its intended audience (and the adult readers of the intended audience). The characters are bright and distinct. The plot is developed well and flows at a good pace. The dialogue is witty and engaging. Reading this book was a most enjoyable and delightful way to spend an afternoon.