"a jolly romp"
| Jewish Review |
"Grobar and the Mind Control Potion, to be released later this summer, has already caught the attention of children and parents alike."
| Anne Grappone, FOXNews |
"...I thought she was slightly crazy at first, with her book about 'secret penguin spy agency that is fighting against a goat who is trying to take over the world', but now I've read it myself, I think I'll join the ranks of crazy people ranting about secret penguin spy agencies and evil goats."
| Son'ka, 16-year-old Blogger |
"This is a must read book! Definitely one of my favorites!"
| Son'ka, 16-year-old Blogger |
"hide it from Dad"
| David Gursky, Father |
"Grobar and the Mind Control Potion is an enthralling book, with many strange and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing to the end. Technically listed as a kids' book, this is a delightful read for all ages!"
| Deborah Moore, Marketing Manager |
"Grobar was so very entertaining and humorous. It reminded me of the type of British humor I like so much. The best ten bucks I've spent for a book in a long time."
| Molly, Audiologist |
"Your book is delightful. I smiled and laughed and chuckled and smiled some more. Very creative. Very appealing. Quite wonderful. Congratulations."
| Sharon Heisel, author of several juvenile fiction books including Precious Gold, Precious Jade |
"A menagerie of unexpected characters take on a not-your-typical evil genius in possession of a strange recipe and a diabolical plan. With the flip coolness of Eoin Colfer, Cox has created a new set of fictional heroes for younger readers. The plot is quick-moving, as the characters race world-wide to foil the villains using technology that would nicely suit James Bond, except that he is far too obvious a spy for this group. Wrapped up in the adventure is a very real and likeable boy, grappling with missing elements in his family as he finds himself involved in global intrigue. The story is told from several characters' points of view, enticing the reader into their world. Entertaining and imaginative, Grobar and the Mind Control Potion is an exciting new entry in children's adventure writing. As a children's librarian, I recommend Grobar as a very satisfying read for the 7-11-year old crowd. The first chapter, especially the final paragraph, will have them hooked!"
| Davida M. Levin, Librarian, Torah Day School of Atlanta |
"I really really like Grobar and the mind Control Potion. It had a rare touch of fantasy and comedy together. It was hilarious at times, and made me think of my own life sometimes. Thank you Joseph Cox for writing this book. Please write more soon."
| Io Kuttner, Recording Artist, 9 |
"I've been reading at Golden Hours Radio for the Blind for 12 years or so, and because I came from a further 10 years' experience at the Chicago Guild for the Blind, they let me choose whatever I like, to read. I chose Grobar because I love material that appeals to both adults and children, because it's the kind of story that would keep listeners engaged and has so many twists and turns that they'd tune in each day for a continuation of the story, and at the same time, a new listener would get hooked into the story even if she missed the previous episodes. And it reads so well aloud -- the characters are unique, the story not a rehash of everything else available, the story a fresh one, although it resonates with the best kinds of adventure and spy books. And listeners/readers care about the characters -- it's not just a well-plotted book, it's got dimensional characters with whom children, and adults, can identify. Even the villain's motives are resonant with everyone's feeling, at one time or another, of rejection leading to a desire for revenge. Most of all, the book is fun: fun to read, fun to read aloud, and fun to listen to. I know that the crew at the station were very eager for me to read the sequel, and they're not easy to please!"
| Rebecca J. Becker, Reader on Golden Hours Radio for the Blind |
"I thought it was great. I expected to find it childish, but was engrossed. I read the whole thing in a single day. It was highly engaging. I laughed out loud at times. The characters were great and the informative sidebars were exactly the kind of thing I'd want my kids reading. I highly recommend it."
| Eric Brumer, Graduate Student |
"Parents and teachers who read Grobar and the Mind Potion to young children will appreciate the graceful language and humor that tell this quietly moral story. Older children will relish the action and the cleverness of the characters. It's appeal to a wide range of young people as well as adults makes this book a rare find. Teachers using this book as a classroom resource will see many possibilities for writing assignments, art projects, and character development activities. It is rare to find a book that a wide range of students and adults will enjoy, remember and pass on to their friends."
| Beverely Shaff, teacher. Mrs. Shaff has been teaching since 1947 |
 "As I watched the penguins waddle around unsteadily, I couldn't help but imagine that their clumsiness was nothing less than an elaborate facade. With that thought, the Short Eddy Series, a story of daring, international intrigue, world history and, yes, penguins, was born." Joseph Cox is the author of the Short Eddy Series. His day job is as a functional analyst. He'll be leaving that easy life temporarily in order to pursue writing (well, actually, promotion) full-time. To request Joseph for a book signing or reading, email jcox@suckerfishbooks.com. The artist who has truly brought this story to life is Rebecca J. Becker, a talented visual artist, actor, director, musician and choreographer. Her pastels are incredibly realistic and artistic. |
Eddy's face is not shown in order to protect his identity.
If you need a spy, Thursday is about as good as they get.
Of course, Sam is in the spy business. And in a big way.
When he heard those words, Grobar’s heart almost stopped. It had never occurred to him before that the family he’d loved would think that he was ‘just a goat’. Heartbroken, Grobar turned around and walked away, never to return. He thought he'd never be happy again. And then, one day, while munching on some grass in the middle of nowhere, Grobar realized what he needed to do.
He needed to take over the world."
Thursday´s office was a low-rent hole in the ground. He was a hard working guy who didn´t care much for luxury. He was more interested in keeping a low profile and getting his work done. Thursday was a spy, a secret agent, a spook. The less people noticed him, the better he could do his job.
Imaginary spies, like those you see in the movies, put themselves up at fancy hotels, and are surrounded by ferris wheels and fast cars.
But Thursday wasn´t imaginary.
He believed in keeping his eyes on the ball. All that fancy stuff didn´t do much for him. Some people might say that Thursday took ‘low-profile´ a little too far. When he went looking for office space, he didn´t go to the low-rent district like some private detective from an old movie - no, he made his own low-rent district. He bought an old waterpark, got it fixed up, and in the process built himself a nice plastic bunker under the main pool. His bunker wasn´t decked out with funky couches, a shark tank or any of that cool stuff. It just had his equipment, a small mat on the floor for sleeping, a little fridge for ice cream and old pizza with anchovies, and that was about it.
The place wasn´t designed for guests. Which was why the pile on the floor that went by the name of Short Eddy was such a problem.
A few minutes earlier, Mean Eyes Paine and his gang of bullies had been trying to drown Short Eddy in the waterpark pool. Thursday had watched on his surveillance equipment, and he´d hoped that the bullies would let Short Eddy up for air. But they didn´t. So, using a robotic arm disguised as an automatic pool cleaner, Thursday had dragged Eddy into the bunker´s waterlock.
A moment after the waterlock had drained, Short Eddy opened the door and stumbled into Thursday´s office.
The kid was sputtering, but he was breathing. He coughed a few times and then stood up straight and looked around the room. Thursday saw Short Eddy´s brain trying to figure out what was going on.
Short Eddy stopped looking around when his eyes finally got around to Thursday. He looked at Thursday for about five seconds, his jaw slowly dropping lower and lower. Then, Short Eddy, the 4th grade nerd who always got pushed around at school, just passed out on the floor. He made a very unsatisfying thump as he landed.
It wasn´t unexpected.
Thursday wasn´t quite like most secret agents. He wasn´t tall, he wasn´t dashing and he didn´t have the fastest hands in - well, he didn´t have hands at all.
Nonetheless, he always looked great in a tux.
Thursday wasn´t just a spy.
He was a penguin spy.
Joseph Cox is available for readings.
He will be on the road promoting the book throughout the US in July, 2005. If you are interesting in having him give a reading in your city or being added to his notification list for readings, events in your area or the release of book 2 in the Short Eddy series, just email him at: jcox@ShortEddy.com.
You can also post your request on the Forum (although we recommend that bookstores use email).
Happiness,
The Management
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