This book is hysterical. I spent the whole time I was reading it laughing. Kids are going to love it, but even better there are things in the book that might go over the kids's heads, but will keep the book entertaining for the adults reading it to the kids. I definitely need this book.

Poor Charlie Pennypacker. His family finally gets to leave their backyard for a cruise and then he discovers they are on a Disney wannabe vacation and the captain seems to be avoiding two mysterious men in suits. Every time the guys show up, the captain goes back out to sea making shore excursions really difficult. On top of that his little sister Olive is keeping the Pennypacker parents on their toes with her shenanigans and Charlie's frenemy Gunther has joined them for the cruise as well. Aargh! This is a fun read and reminds me a bit of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket. Could be the beginning of a new series?

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to thank #netgalley for giving me a copy of this book to review. I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing was entertaining and the subject matter was interesting. The dad doesn't like to spend money and always opts for backyard vacations. Well, Charlie isn't having it anymore. He finally gets his dad to agree to take the family on a real vacation. Unfortunately, it's not what Charlie had in mind. This hilarious book is an adventure story that is perfect for fans of Chris Grabenstein.

I received an electronic ARC from MacMillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Hilarious adventures of the Pennypacker family as the "enjoy" a vacation for the first time. Each character is a stereotype for their professions or ages. Dad is a cheapskate accountant; Mom a cut-throat lawyer; Olive a six-year old dramatic little sister; Charlie a laid back oppressed young man. Together they make life work. The surrounding characters are equally humorous in the same style.
Doan keeps the action moving as they take a Disney-like cruise which is anything but Disney-like. Her characters are quirky and lovable. Readers will relate to them and identify with their actions. She adds enough character development for older readers to understand what's underneath their responses and actions. Could pull in a reluctant reader with shorter chapters and easy to follow text.

Charlie finally gets to go further than his back yard for a family vacation. Even when he finds out the vacation is a cut-cut-rate rip-off of a Disney Cruise AND his ex-best friend will be joining the family outing, Charlie still holds out hope that this will be the greatest summer yet. As the cruise sails towar the open waters, Charlie and ex-best friend Gunter become allies in trying to figure out why men in suits are following them, why the captain won’t answer the important questions, facing eggs for every meal and dealing with Charlie’s little sister, Olive, who is quickly and efficiently wearing on the nerves of every other person aboard the ship.

Full of humor and relateable for kids who have annoying younger sisters, suffered through family vacations, or have had a falling out with their best friend, this book is also filled with enough action to keep the reader turning the pages. This book is a recommended read-alike for Dave Barry’s “Worst Class Trip Ever,” middle grade book.