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Welcome to Wonderland #1: Home Sweet Motel
Welcome to Wonderland #1: Home Sweet Motel | Chris Grabenstein
27 posts | 8 read | 5 to read
From Chris Grabenstein, the bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncellos Library and co-author with James Patterson of I Funny, House of Robots, and Treasure Hunters, comes a hilarious illustrated series about all the wacky things that happen when you live in a motel! Eleven-year-old P. T. Wilkie may be the greatest storyteller alive. But he knows one thing for a fact: the Wonderland Motel is the best place a kid could ever live! All-you-can-eat poolside ice cream! A snack machine in the living room! A frog slide! A giant rampaging alligator! (Okay, that last one may or may not be made up.) Theres only one thing the Wonderland doesnt have, thoughcustomers. And if the Wonderland doesnt get them soon, P.T. and his friend Gloria may have to say goodbye to their beloved motel forever. They need to think BIG. They need to think BOLD. They need an OUTRAGEOUS plan. Luckily for them, Gloria is a business GENIUS, and OUTRAGEOUS is practically P.T.s middle name. With Glorias smarts and P.T.s world-famous stories and schemes, theres got to be a way to save the Wonderland! BONUS: Includes fun extras like P. T. Wilkies outrageous (and sometimes useful) things you learn living in a motel. Installment 1: How to say Help! The toilet is clogged! in over twenty languages! Here's What People are saying about Welcome to Wonderland! "Classic Grabenstein. The mystery should satisfy Grabensteins Mr. Lemoncello followers, and the humor and visuals will appeal to fans of his collaborations with James Patterson. This new series should be a hit."School Library Journal A delight. P.T. is a hoot and a half. A funny, madcap dash. Grabenstein . . . threads in a mystery that blooms in the last act and that puts this particular read over the top."Kirkus Reviews From the Hardcover edition.
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review
emtobiasz
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Mehso-so

Finished this summery read last night. You can definitely tell Grabenstein co-wrote the I Funny books— this has a similar feel and style, which isn‘t my taste but will definitely attract readers at the library. The kitschy Florida motel setting was definitely my favorite part. Homemade strawberry lemonade popsicles courtesy of my sister, who sent me yeti popsicle molds for my birthday 🍓🍋🍧

readordierachel What an adorable popsicle! 6y
52 likes2 comments
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CogsOfEncouragement
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Pickpick

Yet another clever series from Grabenstein! I look forward to more of these lovable characters.
Fifth grade son gives it 4.5 out of 5. Tenth grade daughter gives it the full 5. #BedtimeBookClub

20 likes1 stack add
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CogsOfEncouragement
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My kids‘ #bookishgifts this year. We will read the Grabensteins together🙂
I also received an Amazon gift ecard which will be solely used to purchase books throughout 2018.
#Advent2017 #12DaysOfChristmas

21 likes2 comments
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Smangela
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It‘s fine. I‘m fine.

I‘m fangirling.

Even if it‘s like his assistant who has to get on and like every review I don‘t even care 😂

Ashley_Nicoletto 😂😂😂 6y
robinb 👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉 6y
BookMaven407 😂👏 6y
Elizabeth_Chatsworth 👏👏👏 6y
74 likes4 comments
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Smangela
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Fact: I devoured this.
Fact: after finishing I promptly requested all of Grabensteins‘ other books from the library because
Fact: I NEED THEM NOW.

#mgbuddyread

Lmstraubie 😅😅😅 I really liked Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library & The Island of Dr. Libris. 7y
Smangela @Lmstraubie it just takes me back to reading at that age and I love it 😁😁😁 7y
LibrarianRyan The Lemoncellos are my favorite. 3 just came out last week. And it's being turned into a movie. 7y
Lmstraubie @LibrarianRyan I love the bookish adventure in them. I hope the movie lives up to the book! 6y
CogsOfEncouragement I also enjoy his John Ceepak mysteries which are written for adults. 6y
50 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 6 (last question) #mgbuddyread

Amie It was fun and entertaining with some heart-warming parts. I liked the unique setting. Interestingly, I enjoyed it, unlike Mr. Lemoncello which I didn't like and didn't finish. 7y
Lmstraubie @amie I agree it was cute and I know specific readers that I will be able to engage with this book. I also liked Mr. Lemoncello's Library as well. (Somehow I like most books I read lol) 7y
Smangela @Lmstraubie I would say I end up liking most of the books I read too - my goodreads account is full of 4 and 5 stars 🤷🏻‍♀️ 7y
See All 9 Comments
Smangela @Amie @Lmstraubie I enjoyed it. It just did such a good job of bringing back that kid-energy that made me so excited to read. I think so many kids would love the tone and dialogue ☺️ 7y
Lmstraubie @Smangela Agreed! I know several of my Readers I'm going to share this with. 7y
Chelsibno I really enjoyed it. It was a fun and lighthearted read. It really reminded me of other fun kid-centered books I enjoyed as a kid. From around high school through undergrad, I read a lot of heavy, dramatic, and depressing books, especially as an English major. One thing I‘ve enjoyed as a school librarian is getting to read a wide variety of children‘s books, ranging from zany and fun to intense and dramatic. 7y
Lmstraubie @Chelsibno So glad you joined us! It was a fun read. I am definitely planning on recommending to my students who love Big Nate & Wimpy Kid. 7y
Peddler410 #mgbuddyread This book reminded me of the Goonies. 6y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 Kids saving the world! 6y
16 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 5 #mgbuddyread

Smangela Good question! I‘m hoping we eventually find out - I had almost forgotten that that was part of the story line until the end when he said he wrote it for him. And that part? Oh my heart - PT‘s dad is definitely missing out! 7y
Chelsibno I have no idea! I guess I need to keep reading the series to find out. However, I never really thought that P.T.‘s Dad was an important part of the story. Aside from a few mentions here and there and the ending, he wasn‘t really a huge focus in the story. 7y
Lmstraubie @Chelsibno @Smangela I definitely think the end was the set up for the next book. I'm hoping he shows up & that it's not a long absence (like until book 4 or 5. 7y
Peddler410 I was not expecting to find out in this book, but the wondering about who/where he was did stay with me throughout the reading. @Chelsibno @Smangela @Lmstraubie 6y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 I hope we find out in book 2. 6y
15 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 4 #mgbuddyread

merelybookish Jumping in here to say I didn't finish this book. I think the book is great for mg readers. Humour, short chapters, clever storytelling. I think Grabenstein understands his audience and . . . it's not me. ☺️ I just found it irritating. So no, I won't read the next one. 7y
Amie I might read the next one, because I'm curious about what happens to the family, but it probably won't be a top priority on my never-ending tbr 😀 7y
Smangela I‘ve already requested all of them from the library 😂 I loved it - it really captured my favorite books when I was in 2-4th grade - reminded me strongly of 7y
See All 13 Comments
Lmstraubie @amie @Smangela I have to say @merelybookish took the words right out of my mouth. While I think my Readers of Big Nate & Diary of a Wimpy Kid would really enjoy this and I will add the 2nd one to our collection, I felt there wasn't a lot of substance. (I had trouble coming up with substantial questions.) 7y
merelybookish @Lmstraubie @amie @Smangela Reading this book made me appreciate Orpan Island which was rich and imaginative for any age. 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish But that ending!!! Ugh! That ending!!! 7y
merelybookish @Lmstraubie I know. It was disappointing! But even that was worth discussing. 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish Yes, you are definitely right. There was A LOT to discuss in that book! 7y
merelybookish @Lmstraubie Thanks again for hosting. If you ever want a break or help with questions, I'm happy to take a turn. 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish Thanks! Good to know 😁 7y
Smangela @merelybookish @amie @Lmstraubie that‘s fair - Orphan Island felt like it had a lot of depth :) 7y
Chelsibno I really enjoyed this as a light-hearted and fun read. While I‘m not putting it at the top of my TBR pile, I wouldn‘t mind reading the next book in the series the next time I wanted a quick, fun read. 7y
Peddler410 I want to read ALL the books! 6y
17 likes13 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 3 #mgbuddyread

Amie Both? He generally had good intentions so he didn't seem totally manipulative. 7y
Smangela Only time I felt he was really manipulative was when he got his friends to do his work for him; however that type of action didn‘t really come up again in the novel so I‘d definitely call him creative (edited) 7y
Lmstraubie @amie @Smangela I also think Gloria helped him expand his creativity. I like how he formed things into stories (even if he wasn't always up front about his motive). 7y
Chelsibno I think he could be a bit of both. His creativity adds fun to the lives of those around him. Although I enjoyed the part when he got his friends to do all his work for him (reminding me of Tom Sawyer), I think that was him at his most needlessly manipulative. Any other point that he seems manipulative, it was to save himself and his friends or the hotel. 7y
Lmstraubie @Chelsibno Great comparison! Tom did the same thing, but with a fence if memory serves me right. 7y
16 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 2 #mgbuddyread

Amie I think they're appealing for kids, and it's something kids are looking for in books. For me, they didn't really add to or take away from my reading, and I listened to the audio for the 2nd half of the book and didn't feel like I was missing anything. 7y
Peddler410 I enjoyed the illustrations and they will totally help sell the book to fans of other illustrated novels. 7y
Smangela I liked the illustrations but I also really enjoy graphic novels so that could be why. It‘s a great way to break up the text and keep the attention for MG readers though 7y
Lmstraubie @amie @Peddler410 @Smangela I thought they added a little element of behind the scenes to give some more insight into the story, but I don't feel they were necessary to understand the story. 7y
Chelsibno I enjoyed the illustrations and feel like they added a bit more insight and comedy to certain scenes. However, I don‘t think they were necessary to understand the story. 7y
14 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Question 1 #mgbuddyread

Mdargusch This looks fun. Sorry I missed the buddy read but I‘m stacking it for the next readathon! 7y
Lmstraubie @Mdargusch Join us at any time. I'll tag you in the post with future reads. ☺️ 7y
See All 7 Comments
Peddler410 P.T — funny, creative, family orientated 7y
Smangela Gloria - genuine, clever, and smart! 7y
Chelsibno Grandpa- fun, inventive, nostalgic 7y
15 likes7 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Okay #mgbuddyread Littens - it's discussion time! Feel free to share your thoughts when it's convenient for you. Just be sure to tag anyone you are responding to so they are aware of your response. If you are an early bird Litten don't forget to check back later to see what else has been posted. Here we go!

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Lmstraubie
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Just a reminder our #mgbuddyread discussion will take place tomorrow morning. Just join in when you can and remember to tag anyone you are responding to! #raisingreaders #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy

Peddler410 I hope I get the chance to participate, I really liked the book. My daughter and I are leaving at 7:30 am for trick or treating at the downtown shops near my parents. Then we have three birthday parties, all right after each other times with just enough time to get from one to the next. I hope we‘ll be home before 11:00 pm 7y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 No worries! Just chime in when you can. Even if that means tomorrow. Just remember to tag the person you might be responding to. Have an amazing day! 7y
32 likes2 comments
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Smangela
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Really enjoying this sweet middle grade read for October‘s #mgbuddyread I‘ve been so MIA from Litsy lately and I don‘t like it! I don‘t know where my day is going though, it always feels so jam packed 😴 what are you guys reading currently??

josie281 Because I need fluff right now, I am reading 7y
Smangela @josie281 how do you like it?? That is on my TBR and was on my goal list for this year... I‘m hoping I get to it still lol 7y
josie281 @Smangela it‘s a reread for me but I like it. Have you already read 7y
Smangela I have and I loved it! @josie281 (edited) 7y
Lmstraubie I know what you mean!! I miss my Littens so much. 7y
68 likes5 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Started this month's #mgbuddyread. So far so good 👍
Join us on Saturday, October 28th for the discussion!

EchoLogical I didn't know this was a thing! Can you tag me in next month's read?! 7y
Peddler410 So good! 7y
Lmstraubie @EchoLogical I'm going to tag you in the post with all the upcoming reads. ☺️ 7y
35 likes3 comments
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Amie
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Pickpick

This was fun! I read the first half on my Kindle and listened to the second half on audio. #mgbuddyread

merelybookish Oh good! My hold just came in so will be starting soon! 7y
Lmstraubie Oh! Now I'm going to half to look for it on audio. 7y
45 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Peddler410
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Starting this one tonight for #msbuddyread ! Really looking forward to this one 🙂

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Lmstraubie
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Reposting in case anyone missed it ☺️

Join us for this month's #mgbuddyread! This month's selection is from the same author who brought you Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Chris Grabenstein! We'll be discussing it on Saturday, October 28th. Happy Reading! #teachersoflitsy #librariansoflitsy #raisingreaders

[DELETED] 3803335244 If you do another MG read a long next month I'd love to participate if we have the book. Unfortunately we don't have this one. Have fun, looks like a great read! 7y
Smangela Gotta request it right now! Loving our MGbuddyreads ☺️ there‘s something so satisfying about reading that age level and I love the adult discussion we have after! 7y
Lmstraubie @Smangela I know!!! I can talk with my students, but I love being able to speak with adults about great, or even not so great, children's books. ☺️ 7y
33 likes3 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Reposting in case anyone missed it ☺️
Hi Littens! Here is the schedule for our #mgbuddyread for Oct. - Feb.

Oct.-Welcome to Wonderland by Chris Grabenstein

Nov.-Gertie‘s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Dec.-The Losers Club by Andrew Clements

Jan.- Karma Khullar's Mustache by Kristie Wientge (thx @monkeygirlsmama for the suggestion)

Feb.-A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Our chats take place the last Saturday of the month. Join us!

[DELETED] 3803335244 Oh I commented too soon on the other post! Lol 😂 thanks so much 😊 7y
Lmstraubie @EchoLogical Here is a listing of what's next! 7y
See All 7 Comments
EchoLogical @Lmstraubie Awesome. Thanks! 7y
Lmstraubie @Mdargusch Here they are! 7y
Mdargusch I‘m so excited! Thanks. 7y
monkeygirlsmama I‘m so sorry I dropped the ball, guys. Had some major big changes in life back in October and just haven‘t had the time for reading like I did. Hopefully I‘ll be back in full swing soon. 6y
31 likes7 comments
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Chelsibno
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Pickpick

I just finished this month's #MGBuddyRead. I really enjoyed it! Grabenstein's humorous writing and Allen's comic-style illustrations create an amazing combination that a lot of young readers will enjoy. I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil it for my fellow MG Buddies. @Lmstraubie

42 likes2 stack adds
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Lmstraubie
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Join us for this month's #mgbuddyread! This month's selection is from the same author who brought you Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Chris Grabenstein! We'll be discussing it on Saturday, October 28th. Happy Reading!

Peddler410 Hoping to pick up a copy tomorrow. I'm excited for this one! 7y
Sace I need to start joining these. No MG people in my life, but I just enjoy books for that age group. 7y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 Me too! ☺️ 7y
Lmstraubie @RestlessFickleBookSlut We would LOVE for you to join us!! 7y
40 likes4 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Hi Littens! Here is the schedule for our #mgbuddyread for Oct. - Feb.

Oct.-Welcome to Wonderland by Chris Grabenstein

Nov.-Gertie‘s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Dec.-The Losers Club by Andrew Clements

Jan.- Karma Khullar's Mustache by Kristie Wientge (thx @monkeygirlsmama for the suggestion)

Feb.-A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Our chats take place the last Saturday of the month. Join us!

Peddler410 @Lmstraubie If you are looking for more suggestions, I recommend by Gordon Korman 7y
Sace Just saved this post! 7y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 That will be good for March 👍 7y
36 likes4 comments
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Chelsibno
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@Lmstraubie posted this list of upcoming #mgbuddyread books a couple months ago, but I thought it might be helpful to repost it for those who didn't see it or didn't save it.

Lmstraubie Thank you! Things have been crazy here & I've been MIA on Litsy. Thanks for putting it out there ☺️ 7y
Chelsibno @Lmstraubie No problem! Since I hadn't seen you post in a while, I figured that you're life had gotten super busy. 7y
35 likes2 comments
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Chelsibno
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This is the next book coming up for my #mgbuddyread. It's also my #OctoberMostAnticipated. I enjoyed Grabenstein's award-winning Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, so I'm excited to see what this book will be like. #UncannyOctober @RealLifeReading

merelybookish Thanks for posting. I was wondering what was up next. ☺️ 7y
Chelsibno @merelybookish No problem! It's been a while since the schedule was posted. 7y
Lmstraubie @merelybookish @Chelsibno Sorry ladies. Life has gotten in the way. Hoping to be back on track soon!! 7y
35 likes1 stack add3 comments
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BethFishReads
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Was offline today doing fun things with family and eating leftovers. 💕 Also did some book organization. I need more wall space for bookshelves. Welcome to MY Wonderland 📚📚😄 BTW this is a fun, quirky middle grade read. Now to pour some wine and scroll through all your #Litsy posts 🍷🍷

LeahBergen Oh no. It's bad when I see ones that I want on the VERY FIRST STEP. Gorgeous! 😍 7y
BillBlume Love the way this looks. 7y
CherylDeFranceschi Love this! 7y
See All 20 Comments
Hooked_on_books Love your booksteps! 7y
Megabooks Awesome!! 👍🏻👍🏻 7y
DimeryRene Ahhhhh! I love this picture. 7y
jennifersmeth Fun!!!! 7y
Lizpixie I'd love to do something like this, but my clumsy arse would be tripping down the stairs within a day! Looks great though👍 7y
LitHousewife That makes walking up the stairs an adventure! 7y
BethFishReads @Lizpixie @LitHousewife we've been doing this for years. Probably dangerous, but we're pretty used to it 7y
DebinHawaii This looks awesome! 📚❤️ 7y
Zelma I love the way it looks but that would be disastrous in my house with my three furry troublemakers. 😆 7y
Jess_Read_This 💕📚Those book steps are awesome! 7y
Suet624 I love this so much. 7y
BethFishReads @Zelma omg yes! If we still had cats there would be no way! 7y
MyNamesParadise Cool!!! 7y
87 likes20 comments
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dizzymissruby
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Finished this book last week but forgot to post about it! I enjoyed it despite the campiness of it, it's a pretty good kids book. The cool thing about it was that it was set in St. Petersburg, FL, so many of the landmarks they talked about was very familiar.

1 like1 stack add
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Billbrarian
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Fact: life doesn't usually have the same rules as a board game.
And if we couldn't pay off the banker, we might lose more than just a turn.