Reviews

Taken from Nature, International Weekly journal of Science

"A book that manages to bring together many of the key components of successful storytelling is David Donohue’s Moon Man. This is a gripping and inventive account of young Walter Speazlebud’s quest to find the truth about the 1969 Moon landings: fact or fiction."

The Funday Times Online

Walter Speazlebud has an unusual talent. He's only 12 but he can say, speak and even sing anything backwards! When Walter discovers he can harness the power of his noitanigami (spell that backwards and you'll get the drift), he and his friend find themselves hurtling towards 1969 to try to solve one of the greatest mysteries of all time. Did two men really land on the moon - or was it faked? This hilarious action-adventure is just the thing to beat back-to-school blues. Walter Speazlebud is a hero for our times. Dear siht koob!
© The Funday Times 2006

Inis - The Magazine of Children's Books Ireland

Moon Man, is the second title written by David Donohue about the remarkably gifted Walter Speazlebud. A likeable and engaging hero, Walter possesses the gift of Noitanigami ('imagination' spelt backwards). In layman's terms he has the power to send people and things backwards in time. In this latest installment Walter travels back in time to 1969 to prove that the moon landing happened. Unfortunately for Walter his beloved grandfather, who shares in the power of Noitanigami, suffers from Alzheimer's and is no longer a reliable partner in crime. To make matters worse, Walter is only coming to grips with his newly-found powers and he still has a lot to learn! He must therefore rely on the able assistance of his friends - plucky, Kung Fu expert, Annie Zuckers and gentle Levan, in order to complete his task. Moon Man's strong appeal lies in the fact that it is brilliantly written: credibility and pace is sustained throughout. The scene where Walter and his heroes, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, land on the moon is excellently crafted. Donohue is also very adept at developing the characters without departing from the evolving story line. For instance, in the course of Walter's visit to NASA, we learn a lot more about the impetus behind Walter's father's desire to create new inventions. Moon Man is uproariously funny in many places and children will delight in the antics of Walter's grandfather as he attempts to send Walter and his friends backwards and forwards through time. Set largely in America in 1969, there is a persistent American tone to Donohue's writing, a tone that will no doubt appeal to younger readers because of its instant familiarity. Suitable for readers aged 8 to 10, Moon Man will delight and enthrall younger and older readers alike.

Alien Time Bomb - Primary Times

Walter Speazlebud, the boy who can spell backwards and travel back in time, returns for a new adventure! Walter Speazlebud - first person on the moon - is back in Nittiburg, going to kung fu lessons with Annie and trying to come to terms with the death of his grandad. He still dreams about his trip to the moon, but he's trying to get back to ordinary life. Until... he receives an urgent message from the American government. There's an asteroid hurtling towards the earth - and they need Walter to stop it! Soon, Walter and his dad are in New York, discovering that an alien nation is holding the world to hostage. They are demanding the return of two of their people, alive. Only problem is, they died in an explosion in 1947. Walter must go back in time to save them. Last time, Walter enabled Man to go to the moon. This time, he can save the earth. But will he be able to do it without Grandad? For the chance to read the first chapter of this book visit our Kids Times - News page (Primary Times Kids Times Alien Timebomb Review Page)