As Seen On Kelly Clarkson!

“K-Gr 5–Young readers are sure to be mesmerized by the illustrations, evoking circus and fun in this spirited biography about how humor can function as resistance. Tracing Mel Brooks’s childhood imbued with fear and exclusion through his later work in satire, the narrative frames comedy as deliberate disruption. Laughter becomes the means through which identity is revealed. Brooks reclaims narrative authority by using his comedy to address politics and authoritarian leadership. His Jewish identity is positioned as foundational, allowing cultural memory and historical awareness to give his comedy edge. Readers are asked to consider the ethics of satire as the biography oscillates between levity and gravity. Kirschner’s illustrations heighten the theatricality. Bold linework, exaggerated expressions, and saturated primary colors evoke the spectacle of stage and screen. The text moves dynamically across the page, reinforcing rhythm and timing. The visual language leans toward caricature, though at times the exuberance outpaces quieter reflective moments. The palpable energy between the text and illustrations further expresses Mel Brooks’ persona. 

VERDICT: A vivid, thoughtfully contextualized portrait that frames comedy as cultural critique and underscores the enduring power of laughter to confront injustice.” -School Library Journal

I laughed out loud reading this book…Jewish children, especially, will not only learn about a filmmaker, actor, comedian, songwriter and playwright whose movies they are too young to know, but will come to understand how important humor is to the Jewish people and will feel proud to know that Mel Brooks is one of them.- Patricia Sarles, The Jewish Link