While the book was well written and a charming, funny story it felt pretty pretty unoriginal. While the angle of the eccentric plant loving aunt and the standard mystery tropes were strong elements, I feel like that makes it more interesting to adult readers who enjoy plants and mysteries over young readers.

This book was so cute. My nephew enjoyed it very much and he is 7! We read it in two nights at bedtime.

It's rare for me to come across a kid's book that I don't particularly like, but it does happen. Archie Appleby: The Terrible Case of the Creeps is one of those books. It just felt lackluster and off-kilter.

On one hand I could see how certain elements of the story (who hasn't ever given the basement the stink-eye?) would be creepy to little kids. But on the other hand, it never really gelled and then the closing of the story seems to come out of nowhere. I literally goggled at it for a second as I wondered how in the world we went from suspicion of the crazy old aunt to giving her a kiss just because.

It's a short read (only 18 pages or so), and might be a good 'scary' tester book for beginning readers who think they're big and brave. But there are better choices out there. Can't say I'd particularly recommend this book.

Archie Appleby is a little boy with a big imagination. When his parents needed to travel out of town to a funeral, Archie needed to stay with his Aunt Ruth. In Archie's mind, the only thing worse than staying with Aunt Ruth is driving for hours listening to country music with his parents.

Aunt Ruth has a basement, and that basement gives Archie the creeps. But when Archie hears strange noises coming from the basement, and even though Aunt Ruth told him to keep out of the basement, Archie's curiosity gets the best of him. Thinking somehow that his Uncle Jock, who had been missing, was down there, Archie takes on his fears and goes to check things out. What he finds is quite startling.

This was a cute story and quite imaginative. The author created some interesting characters. However, I did not like Archie's attitude toward his Aunt and his parents. This child needs to learn some manners and he needs to learn how to be polite. I would hesitate to share this book with my grandchildren because I would not want them to think that Archie's behavior was appropriate.

Sorry. Just my opinion.