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Beginning, a Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing

Name: Beginning, a Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing
Author: Avi
ISBN: 9780152055554

by Avi, Tricia Tusa

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Overview

Avon the snail and Edward the ant are back for another funny—and philosophical—adventure. This time, Avon has decided he wants to be a writer, only to discover that writing is way more difficult than he ever imagined. He finally gets the word Something written down, but there's a problem: What to write next? Luckily, his friend Edward is there to advise.

Brimming with wit, wisdom, and humor, this warm and winning tale of two friends on a quest will be enjoyed by readers (and writers) of all ages.

Synopsis

A laugh-out-loud marvelous sequel to The End of the Beginning from Newbery medalist Avi.

Alan Review

Avi continues the adventures of Avon the snail and Edward the ant in order to explore the process of writing and becoming a writer. Part fable, part Alice in Wonderland, a Beginning, a Muddle, and an End attempts to express wisdom about writing through the confusion that results from the characters' misunderstandings of concepts of writing. For example, when Avon declares, "I've always thought that it would be best to keep my writing on the light side," Edward replies, "Writing in the dark is harder." The entire book is a series (a muddle, perhaps) of similar explorations and insights, covering spelling, punctuation, and so on. And while the book exploits the genre conventions of children's literature, writers of all ages will appreciate the understanding Avon and Edward uncover through their discussions. In fact, the individual chapters could serve as springboards to serious discussions of the writing process by adolescent and adult writing classes and writing groups. Reviewer: F. Todd Goodson

About the Author, Avi

Known for his unconventional vision and quirky creative style, Avi has penned scores of children's books that young readers devour with a passion. Twice awarded the Newbery Honor medal for his work, this prolific Pied Piper won the 2003 Newbery Medal for Crispin: The Cross of Lead -- an action-packed adventure set in 14th-century England.

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Editorials

F. Todd Goodson

VOYA - Leslie Wolfson

Avon the snail and Edward the ant, the characters from The End of the Beginning (Harcourt, 2004), are back for another adventure. Avon, who wants to record his life experiences on paper, has writer's block. He starts with the word "something" on a piece of paper, asking the advice of his buddy, Edward. Neither character is too bright, but their devotion and trust in each other is unflappable. The two main characters, as well as some other animals they encounter, exchange play-on-word repartee, such as the mother crow sitting on her eggs: "Eggs are always hard, but if you want children you have to sit on them. That's why parents have such a hard life." There is humor infused in the dialogue, which most young readers probably will not understand, but their parents will. Although Avon and Edward go on some minor adventures such as being swallowed and then spit out by a large fish, a lss Jonah and the whale, there is not much of a plot. By the end of the book, Avon still has writer's block but has accepted the fact that being in a muddle comes with the territory. This short book is divided into chapters, accompanied by captivating pencil illustrations. It is written entirely in dialogue, which may be distracting to some readers. Although it is marketed as middle grade, it would probably appeal to younger readers as well. Reviewer: Leslie Wolfson

Kirkus Reviews

Invertebrate and inadvertent punsters Avon the snail and Edward the ant explore new territory: storytelling. While Avon sets his cap at writing about-instead of undertaking-an adventure, Edward provides him with encouragement and advice. What makes a good story? How do you write one? Avon grapples with these large and challenging questions in 17 dialogue-filled short chapters, jam-packed with double meanings and plays on words and ideas. There's not much plot here for readers who require action and activity, but Avi's protagonists continue to radiate plenty of unprepossessing charm and kindness toward each other and the world around. Tusa's simple line drawings capture a snail's-eye view of the world of tree, leaf and bird, and bestow a droll sincerity on the faces of Avon and Edward. (Fiction. 8-12)