Children's Book Review: Fortunately the Milk (Ages 8-12)

Fortunately the Milk
Neil Gaiman

Mom is out of town on a business trip so Dad and his two kids are going to have to fend for themselves. She leaves a LONG list of instructions but most importantly she says, “DON’T FORGET TO GET THE MILK!” Everything goes smoothly until the morning when they realize they neglected Mom’s most important instruction—there’s no milk. No milk for cereal, no milk for tea. It’s unacceptable! So Dad decides that it’s up to him to save the day. After a lengthy absence, he returns from the shop with more than a jug of milk. He’s got an outrageous story to tell. What begins as a mundane grocery run becomes the adventure of a lifetime. He encounters a stegosaurus in a hot air balloon, flying saucers, volcanoes, wumpires (not vampires!), and so much more. The kids manage to suspend their disbelief while he tells his wild tale. Can you?

Newbery Award-winning Neil Gaiman has created a children’s book that’s delightfully surreal and fun for all ages. The illustrations by Skottie Young add about as much detail and humor as Gaiman’s text. Fans of the author will also notice that Young drew the dad in his likeness. This is a middle grade chapter book, which I read in a little under an hour. It would make a great choice for a bedtime story.

Mollie McFarland
Springville Road Library