Bibliographic Information
Weston, Robert Paul. ZORGAMAZOO. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9781595141996.
Summary and Analysis
Split between two worlds, this novel focuses on one human world of Katrina Katrell who is especially curious and clever and that of a world of personified animals who live beneath the humans. Katrina is adventurous while Morty, a Zorgle, is not. But when the Zorgles of Zorgamazoo disappear their worlds collide. While Katrina accepts a new adventure after escaping her caregiver, who calls in a doctor to perform a lobotomy, Morty reluctantly must go investigate the disappearance of the Zorgles of Zorgamazoo. As this due travels they meet a survivor from Zorgamazoo. The trio is later captured by the same flying creatures (actually machines) that took the citizens of Zorgamazoo. It ends up creatures and beasties from all around Earth have been captured by Dullbert Hohummer the third and locked up on the moon. Dullbert's home planet is loosing their energy resource - Tedium Steam - and in order to capture more, they need humans to have no excitement or imaginative experiences in their lives, as the energy produced by excitement blocks Tedium Steam. In boredom, the humans release dullness into the air, which Dullbert can collect and feed his planet. Thus, he is capturing mermaids, dragons, and Zorgles - all creatures that shock and amaze humans.
Through teamwork and Katrina's cleverness, the creatures are returned to earth by Dullbert after Katrina shows him that more power is released by humans when they are amazed or awed than bored. She convinces him this Enchantaium Gas is stronger than Tedium Steam. Therefore, Earth once again has their creatures of wonder and Katrina and Morty return to life with the Zorgles underground.
This verse novel would appeal to kids who like to read and enjoy a little creativity. Both the text and the plot are original, yet kids can relate to it. The language is funny and fast, which could be as enjoyable to read silently or aloud. In its 281 pages, the rhyming never stops, which only aids in the storytelling aspect of reading out loud.
The rhyming that remains throughout this verse novel is quick, clever, and enjoyable. The plot continues to move forward, which is impressive as the couplets vary in length and rhyming words. This book would appeal to younger audiences especially if read aloud as the tone resembles longer Dr. Seuss rhymes with invented words mixed in with real words. The fantasy of Zorgles and creatures add an imaginative element, while the evil Dr. LeFang and his "Cranial Puncturing Mincer of Mind" offer a serious tone and emotion in the middle of whimsical rhymes.
Language is enhanced by the occasional spiraling, bold, and various fonts used with the rhymes. The text is very visual and the overall story is creative and visual with creative sketches beginning each chapter.
Highlighted Poem
"Listen," she said. "I don't mean to pry,
but I'd sure like to give an adventure a try.
I always wanted to travel, to ramble and roam,
but old Krabby won't let me. She keeps me at home.
So this is my chance, I'm off on my own.
I can travel the world! Explore the unknown!"
Morty thought for a moment. He paced in a loop.
He went moping around in a sort of a stoop.
"Wait a second," he said. "Are you actually sure?
If you join me, who knows what we'll have to endure..."
"Of course!" said Katrina. "I could give you a hand.
I could help you to make it to Zorgamaland.
I'm good with a map and I'm quick on my feet.
Who knows? Perhaps we were destined to meet!"
Connections
Verse novels are probably new to most students, and even adults. They are a type of poetry that may be easier to understand than traditional poems as they have a longer plot that develops into a story that the reader has time to understand. If this was someone's introduction to the verse novel, it would be a great one. It could lead to writing exercise where a reader was asked to create a passage from their favorite novel into a verse novel. It would also open the readers eyes to a new type of literature, not only with reading juvenile and young adult books, but recognizing and appreciating a new form of poetry. These books would make for great reading aloud or audio books for children to hear the flow of poetry as well as experience poetic elements in a longer format than traditional poetry.
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