Spaceheadz Review and Giveaway


The Pea has a voracious literary appetite, and she's constantly on the lookout for new books to read. She's the type who borrows a dozen books at a time from our local library, then goes back the next day to get more.

3Po and Jammy aren't quite there yet. At 6 and a half, they're reading now, but they don't read well enough (or aren't confident enough that they do) to seek out books to read on their own. But I remember when they were babies and I was freaking out because they didn't want to sit and look at books with me. It turns out all they needed were books that they were interested in. Once I bought a couple of board books about trucks and wheels and race cards, they couldn't get enough. I think it's going to be the same thing with independent reading -- once they find a book series that captures their attention, they're going to sit and read it because they want to find out what happens.

I recently discovered a new book series that might just be one of those kinds of books that's going to help ignite my boys' passion for reading. I was recently invited to review (and give away!) Spaceheadz, book 1 in a series about a 4th grader who discovers he's got some aliens in his class. It'll probably be 6 months to a year before they can read it on their own, but already they're enjoying it. I think they might even attempt to read it by themselves sooner because they really like the story!


The Basics

Here's the book's storyline:
Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn't hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren't kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ. But with a hamster as their leader, "kids" who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment?

The Bongga
Spaceheadz is out of this world! Here's what I like best about it:

* It's an easy read, which means that reluctant or insecure readers won't be too stressed out about finishing it. And the abundant illustrations and variety of fonts make it almost like a comic book, which means that even kids who don't think it's cool to read will have no problem opening this book in front of their friends.

* It's funny and entertaining and irreverent. Jon Scieszka, the author, really has his finger on the funnybone of kids today (Jon's Trucktown series has been a favorite of 3Po and Jammy's for a while now, and his Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairytales is just plain hilarious). Who else would devote a whole chapter to a monologue written by a hamster, in hamster language? I saw The Pea giggling to herself throughout the book, and ever since she found out that Spaceheadz Book 2 is scheduled to go out in December, she's been bugging me to reserve it.

* The SPHDZ fun continues online, long after the book has been read. Kids can log on to the Anti Alien Agency to view and read more about past agency cases, including the gory details of the infamous Fried Santa Incident. They can tweet with Major Fluffy on Twitter or read his blog (just make sure you can read hamster). They can interact with Bob Spaceheadz on Facebook or watch videos on Jennifer Spaceheadz's Youtube channel. They can even check out Michael K's fourth grade class website. It's the best integration of print, internet and social media I've seen!



The Blah
Sometimes I feel the book is too gimmicky; at times I got quite distracted with all the SPHDZ stickers and the crazy drawings. And I couldn't figure out how to pronounce SPHDZ (spudz? ssffdzz?) until I went online and viewed the video below.



Or maybe I just need to chill out and BE SPHDZ.


The Bottom Line
Spaceheadz is a Quicker Picker Upper, 100% All Natural, Powder Fresh and Out of This World. If any book is going to turn reluctant readers into bookworms, this might be it!


Win a Spaceheadz Gift Pack
Three lucky Bonggamom Finds readers will receive:
* Copy of Spaceheadz
* Spaceheadz Branded Pencils


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post with your favorite TV commercial or ad slogan. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Become a SPHDZ, then come back here and leave a comment with your official SPHDZ name and number (3 entries).

Check out my personal SPHDZ certificate below (don't worry, you won't have to leave any personal information to get yours):


2) Upload a photo with your SPHDZ certificate on it to the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page wall. (3 entries).


3) Upload a photo with a SPHDZ sticker on it to the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page wall. You can check out some of Bob Spaceheadz's photos or Jennifer Spaceheadz's photos (both on Flickr) for inspiration (5 entries).
cupcakes

4) Follow Major Fluffy on Twitter (1 entry).

5) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

@MajorFluffy and @bonggafinds are giving away 3 prize packs featuring Jon Scieszka's book, "Spaceheadz"! www.bonggafinds.com


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on September 20, 2010; I will draw 3 winners at random on September 21 and post the winner's name after the winners confirm acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I received a sample book, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

81 Comments, Leave yours here:

Unknown on August 31, 2010 at 7:05 AM said...

I like the Geico commercials
velvethubler@yahoo.com

Unknown on August 31, 2010 at 7:07 AM said...

Became an SPHDZ name is Sateva H. and #7956
velvethubler@yahoo.com

Unknown on August 31, 2010 at 7:08 AM said...

Following @MajorFluffy on twitter as @vhubler

Unknown on August 31, 2010 at 7:09 AM said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/vhubler/status/22619170640
velvethubler@yahoo.com

Taffy on August 31, 2010 at 12:08 PM said...

This book sounds hilarious!

I like the New Spice commercials!

taffy(dot)lovell@gmail(dot)com

Taffy on August 31, 2010 at 12:11 PM said...

I am now NEW BUBBLE BATH and I would appreciate everyone call me that OR NBB from now on.
My # 7963

Taffy on August 31, 2010 at 12:17 PM said...

I am now following Major Fluffy

Taffy on August 31, 2010 at 12:17 PM said...

I twitted!
http://twitter.com/taffylovell/status/22642159485

Susie Buetow on August 31, 2010 at 3:22 PM said...

I love the old Whatsss upppppp commercials. My all time favorite commercial is the old tooties pop owl commercial.

arteachersusan at gmail.com

moushka on September 2, 2010 at 3:45 PM said...

One of my favorites is the McDonald's Happy Meal Ad, Cha Cha Slide....love it!!

moushka on September 2, 2010 at 3:48 PM said...

1. Ultra Yellow Mustard-SPHDZ.MC 8098

moushka on September 2, 2010 at 3:49 PM said...

2. Ultra Yellow Mustard-SPHDZ.MC 8098

moushka on September 2, 2010 at 3:49 PM said...

3. Ultra Yellow Mustard-SPHDZ.MC 8098

abfantom on September 7, 2010 at 12:18 PM said...

I liked the Budweiser: "Bud", "Weis", and "Er" frog commercials from the 90's

abfantom at yahoo dot com

abfantom on September 7, 2010 at 12:18 PM said...

My Spaceheadz name is: Mini Chicken Noodle Soup-SPHDZ.AF

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom on September 9, 2010 at 3:29 PM said...

I love the Old Spice commercials.
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

Soggy Cereal Mom on September 9, 2010 at 3:30 PM said...

Following Major Fluffy via Twitter @azmarry
mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:42 PM said...

My all time favorite TV commercial is the Bud Wasssup commercial. That is a classic!

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:45 PM said...

Ultrasoft Cornflakes-SPHDZ.KR 8483

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:46 PM said...

Ultrasoft Cornflakes-SPHDZ.KR 8483

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:46 PM said...

Ultrasoft Cornflakes-SPHDZ.KR 8483

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:58 PM said...

uploaded a photo onto your FB wall

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:58 PM said...

uploaded a photo onto your FB wall

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:59 PM said...

uploaded a photo onto your Facebook wall

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:59 PM said...

uploaded a photo onto your Facebook wall

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 7:59 PM said...

uploaded a photo onto your Facebook wall

kronca on September 10, 2010 at 8:00 PM said...

http://twitter.com/mandal3/status/24161333858

Angela on September 11, 2010 at 2:46 PM said...

I like e trade commercials
veniceangel@hotmail.com

Angela on September 11, 2010 at 2:46 PM said...

I follow majorfluffy on twitter under childrensnook

kronca on September 12, 2010 at 9:52 AM said...

http://twitter.com/mandal3/status/24298885272

kronca on September 12, 2010 at 9:53 AM said...

http://twitter.com/mandal3/status/24298885272

Mandy W. on September 12, 2010 at 7:05 PM said...

Hallmark commercials make me cry happy tears!

Viva on September 12, 2010 at 7:57 PM said...

I love the ad slogan for Nike - "Just Do It", Thanks!

Viva on September 12, 2010 at 8:02 PM said...

My SPHDZ name is Individually Wrapped Ink Cartridge-SPHDZ.PP, number is 8564. Too funny. #1

Viva on September 12, 2010 at 8:02 PM said...

My SPHDZ name is Individually Wrapped Ink Cartridge-SPHDZ.PP, number is 8564. #2

Viva on September 12, 2010 at 8:02 PM said...

My SPHDZ name is Individually Wrapped Ink Cartridge-SPHDZ.PP, number is 8564. #3

kronca on September 13, 2010 at 6:56 PM said...

http://twitter.com/mandal3/status/24436059447

Brenda on September 14, 2010 at 7:21 PM said...

geico commercials

Brenda on September 14, 2010 at 7:22 PM said...

Following @MajorFluffy on twitter as @paz411

Natalia D said...

Nationwide is on your side...

natatheangel at yahoo dot com

Susan on September 19, 2010 at 12:08 PM said...

I love the old spice ones! suelee1998 @ gmail.com

Anonymous said...

"Nothing Comes Between Me and my Calvins"!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Mr Whipple and Please don't squeeze the Charmin. An oldie but goodie. wilcarvic at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

my sphz name and number natural wax paper 8856 wilcarvic@gmail.com

Misusedinnocence on September 19, 2010 at 10:16 PM said...

I like the Geiko commercials in general. Love the piggy who cries whee whee whee all the way home. Always laugh when I see that commercial.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:39 AM said...

I love all the Old Spice guy commercials
decadent87 at gmail dot com

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:42 AM said...

Became a SPHDZ, my new name is Original-scent Grape Jelly-SPHDZ.JO, #8858
decadent87 at gmail dot com

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:42 AM said...

Became a SPHDZ, my new name is Original-scent Grape Jelly-SPHDZ.JO, #8858 2
decadent87 at gmail dot com

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:42 AM said...

Became a SPHDZ, my new name is Original-scent Grape Jelly-SPHDZ.JO, #8858 3
decadent87 at gmail dot com

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:43 AM said...

Following Major Fluffy on Twitter @jsoldham

Janette on September 20, 2010 at 12:44 AM said...

tweet - http://twitter.com/jsoldham/status/25006747418

Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:25 AM said...

My favorite commercial is Folgers--The best part of waking up is Folgers in my cup!!


onedayitwillbealright @ gmail dot com

Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:28 AM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:28 AM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:28 AM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:32 AM said...

LOL my Spaceheadz name is Extra-strength Coffee Beans-SPHDZ.HG

#8860

1


onedayitwillbealright @ gmail dot com

Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:34 AM said...

LOL my Spaceheadz name is Extra-strength Coffee Beans-SPHDZ.HG

#8860

2


onedayitwillbealright @ gmail dot com

Helen G on September 20, 2010 at 9:34 AM said...

LOL my Spaceheadz name is Extra-strength Coffee Beans-SPHDZ.HG

#8860

3


onedayitwillbealright @ gmail dot com

justicecw on September 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM said...

My favorite commercials are the sears ones where Brett Favre can't make up his mind about anything! thanks for the chance, justicecw@hotmail.com

justicecw on September 20, 2010 at 11:02 AM said...

Tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/justicecw/status/25046085030
justicecw@hotmail.com

degood on September 20, 2010 at 12:35 PM said...

I like the Goldfish - the snack that smiles back commercials.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

degood on September 20, 2010 at 12:37 PM said...

I signed up and my name is Noncarbonated Barbeque Sauce-SPHDZ.KM
and my number is 8865.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

#1

degood on September 20, 2010 at 12:37 PM said...

I signed up and my name is Noncarbonated Barbeque Sauce-SPHDZ.KM
and my number is 8865.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

#2

degood on September 20, 2010 at 12:38 PM said...

I signed up and my name is Noncarbonated Barbeque Sauce-SPHDZ.KM
and my number is 8865.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

#3

degood on September 20, 2010 at 12:39 PM said...

I follow major fluffy on twitter as kmayans

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

Unknown on September 20, 2010 at 1:31 PM said...

My favorite commercial is the old Staples one with the kids going back to school and the dad dancing up and down the aisle throwing supplies in the cart while the song "Its the most wonderful time of the year" plays in the back ground. I always crack up when I see it and the kids are so angry and bummed looking and the parent is ecstatic over them going back.


giveawaymommy at yahoo.com

cman on September 20, 2010 at 3:11 PM said...

Where's The Beef!

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:48 PM said...

I loved the commercial by Pop-Tarts where the Pop-Tarts sent a guy a note "Hi Bob, we're hot for you"

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:50 PM said...

Noncarbonated Wax Paper-SPHDZ.KC
8888

post 1

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:51 PM said...

Noncarbonated Wax Paper-SPHDZ.KC

8888

post 2

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:51 PM said...

Noncarbonated Wax Paper-SPHDZ.KC

8888

post 3

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:55 PM said...

posted my card on facebook - kelley l

1

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:55 PM said...

facebook 2

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 5:55 PM said...

facebook 3

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 6:03 PM said...

shared my sticker 1

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 6:03 PM said...

shared my sticker 2

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 6:04 PM said...

shared my sticker 3

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 6:05 PM said...

following major fluffy - pandahugger76

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

kelley c on September 20, 2010 at 6:05 PM said...

http://twitter.com/pandahugger76/status/25075144944

pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown on September 21, 2010 at 5:00 PM said...

I can't remember what the actual product is (advertising apparently doesn't work on me the way it is supposed to), but whatever the commercial is that has the Madagascar penguins on it has me rolling every time. :)

bonggamom on September 28, 2010 at 9:33 AM said...

Congratulations to the winners:

#50, Janette
#57, OneDayItWillBeAlright
#73, kelley c

Enjoy your SPHDZ books and paraphernalia!

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