What is the True Meaning of Smekday?

If you're on a quest for a book filled with humor that will send you rolling on the floor with laughter, you're search is over. The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex is a one-way ticket to good fun. But reader beware, this book will cause you to laugh aloud often, probably resulting in a lot of questioning looks.

Meet Gratuity "Tip" Tucci. Her world had been invaded by aliens called Bloovs, and she is still expected to write a five-page paper for school, explaining what Smekday truly means to her. What is Smekday you ask? The year was 2013, and it was Christmas Day. The Bloovs invaded Earth and renamed the most wonderful time of the year, Smekday, in honor of their fearless leader, Captain Smek. Now instead of Christmas, everyone one must celebrate Smekday. Can you imagine a world without Santa Claus, Christmas cookies, and eggnog? Through her attempts at creating an essay that adequately satisfies her teacher, Gratuity details the events of the Bloov invasion and how this has affected the world as we know it.

It all started when her mother started complaining about the mole on her neck. This mole was huge, and stuck out like a sore thumb. It kept growing and changing colors.  Gratuity's first thought was cancer, but boy was she in for a surprise. Gratuity's mother told her the aliens were using it to speak to her. Gratuity thought this was one of the most ridiculous things she had ever heard, but kept that thought to herself, and appeased her mother's rambling. (Her mom's a little crazy.) Then Christmas day rolled around, her mother got a very strange look on her face and wouldn't respond to anything Gratuity said. She made her way to a graveyard, with Gratuity at her heels, trying to coax her back home to no avail. A giant ship came and took her mother away, right in front of Gratuity. Then came the invasion

For months, Gratuity was left to fend for herself. Then "Moving Day" rolled around. You see, the Bloov liked the planet Earth. They began moving into cities, adding their own gadgets and buildings to the city, making it their own. They found it was getting a little crowded, so they initiated "Moving Day." The Bloovs "graciously" decided to designated Florida as the spot of permanent residence for all humans. Three-hundred million people living in one state, and the Bloovs would take the rest.

The Bloovs provided transports for everyone, but Gratuity decides to make the journey to Florida herself, without the help of the atrocious Bloovs. Along the way, she encounters a lone Bloov, who has decidedly named himself J.Lo. Yes, J.Lo, after the pop artist Jeniffer Lopez. A startling friendship forms and they learn a little more about each other as they travel from Pennsylvania to Florida encountering everything from Happy Mouse Kingdom (how does it always stay so clean?) to the notorious Gorg. If you thought the Bloovs were bad, wait until you meet the Gorg.

Photograph of J.Lo and Gratuity

Adam Rex created all of the illustrations that accompany the story. Many of the pictures are photos taken by Gratuity or J.Lo during their journey. . When she is unable to provide us with a photograph, Gratuity provides us with her own sketches of objects she is trying to explain. Gratuity and J.Lo also co-author a few comic strips, detailing the history of the Bloovs.

I get a lot of hesitation when I recommend this book. The cover is a little odd and the story line sounds very strange, but trust me it's one that you'll want to go back to for a good laugh time and time again. It has a really great story line that keeps you hooked, and you'll gain a pretty close connection to the characters. Give it a chance. Everyone who has, thus far, has been really glad they have. Let me, and everyone else who might still need convincing, know what you think in a post. I can't wait to hear your comments.

There is also an awesome website that accompanies the book. You can learn all about Boov Uniforms, get a glimpse at how they move, view an informational video on the new Boov holidays and calendar, and much more! Check it out at http://www.smekday.com/

Who are these Bloovs? Click the website link to find out!

Ms. April will be holding a program called "Get Booked!" on November 15th at 6:30. She will be discussing The True Meaning of Smekday and welcomes anyone to come talk about it too! Milkshakes will be provide to motivate those brain cells.

Activity: After reading the story, pick an important scene you believe needs to be illustrated. Illustrate the scene just like Gratuity and send it to me in an email. I'll try to put all your illustrations in another post. Bring it to the library and we can hang in our Masterpiece section. Want to get a little more creative? Take a picture! Set up a scene from the book and take a picture of it. Just  let your imagination run wild. I'll be looking forward to seeing all of your brilliant ideas.

Happy Reading,
-Miss Michelle