My Life as a Cartoonist - by Janet Tashjian (Paperback)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Derek wants to train his pet monkey to help Umberto, a new student who uses a wheelchair, but Umberto would rather steal Derek's cartoon ideas.

Book Synopsis

In Book Three of the popular "My Life . . ." series by Janet Tashjian, Derek Fallon's plan to help out a new classmate backfires miserably

There's a new kid in Derek Fallon's class. His name is Umberto and he uses a wheelchair. Derek's family is still fostering Frank the monkey, and Derek thinks it would be great to train Frank to assist Umberto. But Derek quickly realizes that Umberto is definitely not looking for any help. Derek soon becomes the butt of Umberto's jokes. On top of that, Umberto starts stealing Derek's cartoon ideas and claiming them as his own. How did Derek get himself into this mess, and how can he find a way out before he is the laughingstock of school? The answer may very well be his cartoon strip--SUPER FRANK!

My Life as a Cartoonist features illustrations by Janet Tashjian's son, Jake Tashjian.

Review Quotes

"Cartoonist Derek grapples with a perplexing association between disability and bullying in this stand-alone sequel to My Life as a Book (2010) and My Life as a Stuntboy (2011)." --Kirkus Reviews

"Give this to kids who think they don't like reading. It might change their minds." --Booklist, starred review on My Life as a Book

"A kinder, gentler Wimpy Kid with all the fun and more plot." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review on My Life as a Book

"Sure to engage fans of Jeff Kinney's 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books as well as those looking for a spunky, contemporary boy with a mystery to solve." --School Library Journal on My Life as a Book

"Another fun, emotionally resonant read for the Wimpy Kid set and beyond." --Kirkus Reviews on My Life as a Stuntboy

"A fast-moving plot and relatable protagonist make this stand-alone sequel a good choice for boys who, like Derek, would rather reach for a TV remote or game controller than a book." --School Library Journal on My Life as a Stuntboy

"Fans of the first will be utterly delighted by this sequel and anxious to see what [Derek] will turn up as next." --BCCB on My Life as a Stuntboy

"This is a great package for kids, especially those like Derek who don't think they like to read." --Booklist on My Life as a Stuntboy

About the Author

Janet Tashjian is the author of the popular My Life series including My Life as a Book, My Life as a Stuntboy, My Life as a Cartoonist, and My Life as a Joke, as well as the Einstein the Class Hamster series, illustrated by her son, Jake Tashjian. Jake and Janet live in Studio City, Californi