Allen MM

As a homeschooling mother, I enjoy finding new books for middle age children to read. Even though my youngest at 18 has moved past this stage, I still enjoy reviewing books for this age group. In Wishapick, the author created a fantasy involving a boy who finds himself in a fantasy world where rattlesnakes and other animals live together under the rattlesnake king’s tyrannical rule.

Jack and his sister show the typical brother/sister dynamics. Yet it becomes clear they must come together to bring the light back to Wishapick. I found myself unable to put this book down. The family dynamics between Jack and his sister along with those of a possum family they encounter bring this book to life.

If you enjoy books like the Narnia series or other fantasy-based books, check this book out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (altro)

I am an avid reader and try to support authors as much as I can. I know they pour everything into their stories and I appreciate their imagination. Not every book is for everyone and in this case I really didn’t like it. The darkness spread throughout the story was overwhelming and gave me a heavy feeling of doom. I wanted the book to be imaginative and creative but it lacked badly in that category. I’m sad that it was very parallel to a few other well known stories and it made me think I was reading something that was not quite as unique as I had hoped.

I’m sure some that like fantasy will find this story exciting with hissing snakes, a mysterious trunk, a wolf and two children that race to help this land that has been held captive in darkness. I think what really bothered me was it felt like a magic book with spells that I don’t like to read about. I did like the possums which the authors made cute and almost cuddly. Lilly seems like an innocent young girl who is easily persuaded to travel down the wrong path.

Jack was a good character but I really think he was overwhelmed with worrying about his sister and trying to figure out who to trust. There is enough adventure to keep some entertained . Even though I didn’t care for the story I hope you will give it a chance and draw your own conclusions.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (altro)

(I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, together with a CD which I have yet to listen to)

Would I enjoy this book more if I had read it when I was in primary school? Quite possibly yes. But now, at the age of 17, I'm finding terms such as “jiggery pokery” being used as some sort of attack too childish for me.

―2.5 stars―

This book was a really quick read, being only 149 pages long. I think it is due to the short length of the book that the events seemed to be jumping all over the place, Jack's character development was really abrupt (view spoiler), the relationships between some characters did not have sufficient time to form, and I still do not understand the significance of the name “Tickety Boo”. Also, I think a map of Wishpick would be really helpful.

However, there's no denying that Wishapick: Tickety Boo and the Black Trunk is an interesting story set in a highly imaginative world with slightly bizarre characters. It just isn't meant for readers in my age group.… (altro)

Reviewed by Patti Teel - Dream Flight Productions

MM Allen’s new book, Wishapick, Tickety Boo and the Black Trunk, is a timeless tale which takes readers on a breathtaking adventure. MM weaves a tapestry made of adversity, and hope that cannot be extinguished. It hints of a mysterious secret that is hidden just beneath the surface of our hero’s consciousness. It’s a tale of courage and daring with loveable characters who quickly become cherished friends. The book has a companion CD with original music and lyrics by Deborah Wynne. While the book can stand solidly on its own, the music spellbindingly supplements, hand in glove, the storyline and adds a brilliant complement to this enchanting story. Listeners of all ages will experience delightful vocals and unforgettable melodies beautifully and imaginatively orchestrated. Like the story itself, the songs take listeners on a journey that is at times humorous and at other moments dramatic, whimsical and inspirational. Mark my words, the book is destined to become a children’s classic to be enjoyed for generations.

Reviewed by Robert Johnson - Bob Johnson Gallery

I haven’t had as much fun reading a tall tale in, I don’t know how long? I read it over three very busy days. I couldn’t wait to get back to it – Jack and Lilly were up to something and I wanted to know! What did the pudding have to do with anything? MM - thank you for the imaginative and warm heart-beats. The music is fantastical! Robert Johnson – author and artist

Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars

Wishapick: Tickety Boo and the Black Trunk is a children's adventure fantasy written by M.M. Allen. It's been two years since Jack's father died, and Jack's still angry about it. He misses his dad and the adventures they used to have together. His sister, Lilly, is a bit of a nuisance, and his mother just doesn't understand or appreciate what Jack's going through or is interested in. The black steamer trunk is a good example of that. It's been sitting there locked away, and his mother won't let him have the key to open it, despite the fact that Jack's father always said that they'd open it together. When Lilly shows Jack the key on a day when their mother is away, Jack knows instantly what he wants to do. Lilly had overhead their mother discussing the key's hiding place and figured that she'd be in on the adventure, but Jack is determined to open the steamer trunk on his own.

M.M. Allen's fantasy adventure story for children, Wishapick: Tickety Boo and the Black Trunk, is an exciting and original tale about a brother and sister who discover a hidden world inside of a black steamer trunk. Jack and Lilly are marvelous characters who are joined in their quest by a grand cast of denizens of that world, who also happen to be animals. I think my favorite has to be the wolf, Winston, whose bad teeth cause him to spend too much time in the dentist's chair, and his sweetheart, Miss Bailey, the dentist assistant, who just happens to be a skunk. Allen's story is well plotted and fast-paced, and her use of imagery and description makes the world of Wishapick and its inhabitants come alive. Allen's story is accompanied by a CD containing a musical score and a collection of songs written and performed by Deborah Wynne. Wishapick: Tickety Boo and the Black Trunk is recommended for young fans of the fantasy genre.… (altro)