Artsy-Fartsy
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Ten-year-old Aldo Zelnick chronicles his life and adventures over the course of his summer vacation through journaling and sketches in his diary.
Aldo Zelnick Series
This series follows an imaginative young boy with a remarkable talent for drawing, who navigates a summer of creative adventures. Each installment is filled with whimsical stories brought to life through a delightful blend of text and original illustrations. It offers a perfect entry point for young readers seeking engaging and visually rich narratives. The books encourage creativity and playfully expand vocabulary.
Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
Bogus: Book 2
- 149 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The discovery of a seemingly fake ring leads Aldo and his best friend Jack into a whirlwind adventure when they learn it's a real diamond worth a $1,000 reward. As they embark on a quest to recover the lost ring, they must confront their archenemy, Tommy Geller, who also has his eyes set on the prize. The story explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the consequences of carelessness, as the trio navigates challenges to reclaim their unexpected treasure.
- 3
Cahoots: Book 3
- 151 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Aldo Zelnick's family vacation at the Anderson farm in Minnesota quickly turns into a comical struggle as he navigates the challenges of farm life. Waking up at dawn to a rooster's crow and facing exhausting chores, Aldo finds himself outmatched by his identical twin cousins, who are determined to prank him at every turn. The story combines humor and relatable childhood experiences, enhanced by engaging illustrations that bring Aldo's farm adventures to life.
- 4
Dumbstruck
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Aldo, a ten-year-old in Colorado, navigates the challenges of 5th grade while harboring a unique passion for bacon rather than sports or outdoor activities. Struggling with self-esteem regarding his artistic talent, he becomes tongue-tied around his attractive new art teacher. His determination to impress her drives him to work diligently in hopes of winning the school art contest. The story blends humor with engaging illustrations, appealing to both enthusiastic and reluctant readers who can relate to Aldo's relatable experiences.
- 5
Egghead: Book 5
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Aldo, a ten-year-old who feels out of place compared to his athletic brother and rock-hound friend, discovers his talent for cartooning when his grandmother gifts him a sketchbook. As he explores his creativity, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, humor, and imagination, leading him to believe he possesses the brilliance of Einstein. This installment highlights Aldo's growth and the importance of embracing one's unique abilities.
- 6
Finicky: Book 6
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The story centers on Aldo Zelnick, a fifth-grade foodie, who is perplexed by his best friend Jack's aversion to trying new foods. Jack's strict diet of peanut-butter sandwiches has made him increasingly squeamish about Aldo's passionate discussions about food. As Thanksgiving approaches, Aldo's enthusiasm for culinary adventures clashes with Jack's picky eating habits, setting the stage for a humorous exploration of friendship and the challenges of expanding one's palate.
- 7
Glitch: Book 7
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Aldo's Christmas plans are in jeopardy as he navigates the Zelnick family's festive traditions, which they cherish deeply. While the family embraces the holiday spirit, Aldo's struggle with his own feelings about Christmas adds tension to the celebrations. This story explores themes of family dynamics, holiday expectations, and the contrast between enthusiasm and reluctance during the festive season.
- 8
Hotdogger: Book 8
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Aldo Zelnick, a 10-year-old seeking excitement in his dull life, embarks on a quest to find the most boring day in January. Encouraged by friends Jack and Bee, he experiments with unusual hobbies and is drawn into a thrilling Hawaiian dream. Even his unathletic nature is challenged when he reluctantly joins his athletic brother, Timothy, for downhill skiing, leading to unexpected and risky adventures on the slopes. The story captures Aldo's humorous journey from monotony to unexpected thrills.
- 9
Ignoramus: Book 9
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
A young protagonist grapples with the challenges of sharing a birthday with Valentine's Day, feeling overshadowed by the romantic holiday. The story explores themes of individuality and the desire for a unique celebration, as the character navigates friendships and the pressures of growing up. Through humorous and relatable experiences, the narrative highlights the importance of self-acceptance and finding joy in one's special day, despite external expectations.
- 10
Jackpot: Book 10
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The discovery of a massive bone while trying to free Aldo from the mud leads to an exciting adventure for him and his best friend, Jack. Jack, a passionate rock-hound, is convinced that the bone is a dinosaur fossil from the Jurassic period. This unexpected find sparks their imaginations and sets them on a journey of exploration and discovery, blending themes of friendship and curiosity with the thrill of uncovering ancient history.
- 11
Kerfuffle: Book 11
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of a 5th grade medieval banquet, 11-year-old Aldo Zelnick and his friends, Jack and Bee, embrace their knightly aspirations. They don homemade armor and embark on various quests, ranging from cleaning up their neighborhood park to helping a struggling family, and even facing off against a new kid with dubious motives. Their adventures blend humor and friendship, showcasing the spirit of chivalry in everyday life.