I was totally charmed by this book. Sure, it’s a book about a kid who solves puzzles to win stuff (my initial thought was “oh, dear, ANOTHER puzzle book?”) but the feel of the book completely won me over. I smiled. I cheered. I was thoroughly entertained.

The Gollywhopper Toy Company is having a contest to celebrate its 50th anniversary. only 2500 kids, ages 11 to 15, will be allowed to compete, and Gil Goodson is one of those kids. The son of a former Gollywhopper executive (he was arrested under suspicion of embezzlement, but ended up wtih a not guilty verdict after a trial), Gil is determined to win. Partially to “get back” at the company that made his father’s (and his) life so miserable, but partially because he’s made a deal with his dad: if Gil wins, they’ll move.

The book is mostly about the games — a series of questions and puzzles that Gil (and the decreasing number of contestants) have to solve. It’s a bit like Mysterious Benedict Society that way, except that Gil isn’t one of those pretentious geniuses figuring everything out. In that way, I think that The Gollywhopper Games is more accessible: Gil’s just a regular guy who happens to be pretty good at deductive reasoning. The puzzles were tricky, but nothing over the top. And yeah, they were kind of fun to figure out. But it’s also about Gil making peace with the past, about working together, and about gaining the confidence to do not only what is right, but what you think you can do. It’s not an especially challenging or even plot-heavy book, but I’m not sure that’s the point. I think it’s more about the mood — about having fun and doing your best, and enjoying the ride while you’re at it.

Of course Gil wins in the end– like Charlie Bucket, there’s no doubt that he would. But getting there is a whole lotta fun. Which makes it charming, fun, and ultimately quite satisfying.

(Just for the record: because this is a Cybils nominee, I’ve been asked to make sure y’all know this is my opinion only, and not that of the panel. Thank you.)