Janice Laakko

author of 'Gloppy' & 'Addition Problems'

The Author

Janice Laakko

Janice Laakko has been a storyteller since she could talk. As a child, she dabbled in character imitations and play-acting. Books have played an important role in her life. As a mother of two avid readers, she would often leave the library with a bag full of children’s books and then do the same thing three days later… and three days after that! Janice is a tutor by day and a writer by night. When she isn’t writing a new story, one might find her reading, painting, exercising, or watching sports.

Please scroll down for “Gloppy” curriculum materials, a way to contact me, and more!

Check out my interview with Atmosphere Press by clicking here!

The Story

Gloppy

Fifth-grader Dee Lanson has had it with Samantha’s weird stares! To make matters worse, Samantha wheedles her way into Dee’s friendship circle and flips everything upside down. Dee seeks revenge against her enemy and finds herself in the deepest trouble she has ever been in. On top of that, she’s bored at school and called to the principal’s office so often that the path leading there likely has her name on it! She must find her way out of trouble and win her friends back. But how? Gloppy is a heartwarming tale of friendships and forgiveness that will stick with a reader long after the last page has been turned.

The Story

Addition Problems

The Lansons are back with new adventures! When summer vacation arrives, Dee and Joey are excited, but it isn’t turning out like they had imagined. Construction workers arrive at the house, and crazy things start happening! Plus, a mystery is unfolding: tools and supplies are disappearing! Will the Lansons discover who the thief is? In this second installment, everything seems to be changing, and Dee begins to wonder if her parents love her at all. How will she and Joey adapt to all the changes? Come along and see what happens in this wild, upside-down summer!

Educators and Parents

Gloppy is a great summer reading book and an awesome addition to classroom and elementary school libraries. Gloppy will help promote social and emotional development as the reader learns tips from Dee’s experiences and evolution. She faces some tough situations, including peer conflicts, teasing, sibling issues, and lack of academic challenge. However, over time, she develops a positive mindset to make each day better. Pranks and fun are woven in for balance.

Gloppy Curriculum

Questions

Comprehension Questions

Open Response Questions

Vocabulary List

Classroom Discussion Topics

Response Key

Comprehension Questions Key

Open Response Questions Key

Vocabulary List Key

What are readers saying?

Having bought this book for my nieces, I read a copy before sending it to them. Extremely well-written, the story flows smoothly. Ms. Laakko did a great job keeping my attention with the “big mistake,” the softball games, and the suspense. She made me feel sympathy for the main characters; the other characters reminded me of some of my former classmates. It took me back to my days in elementary school! Using her keen sense of humor, she keeps the story fun. The story provides inspiration and hope to kids (and adults) who made a mistake, but want to make amends to those they have hurt. It shows how forgiveness can mend relationships. This would be a great book for children and adults to read together. On Ms. Laakko’s website, she even offers free curriculum materials!

Gloppy is a great book for early to mid-elementary aged children. Its greatest lesson is about judging others without getting to know their struggles. It's a story about learning how to navigate the social aspects of school and about friendships. In the end, the reader learns that we all make mistakes and we should all forgive and move on. It's a great lesson for children, and quite frankly, a good reminder for adults who read it to them. Gloppy is a great summer read for kids. It's also a great read aloud book for teachers as it invites good social/emotional discussion in the classroom.

Gloppy is full of beautiful lessons that are delivered gracefully but with real emotional weight. A wonderful book for any late-elementary school kid; there are so many relatable characters and scenarios, and thoughtful explorations of themes / challenges that most school kids inevitably face. I can't recall another children's book with so many distinct plot points and 3-dimensional characters. Very impressive, and highly recommended!

Great for preteens. Encourages kids important lessons. I enjoyed the story even as an adult. Quite comical in parts! It reminds the reader sometimes first impressions are wrong. And sometimes if we can make amends we can find a valued friendship.

I read this book out of curiosity after buying it for a young family member. The story is mostly about fifth-graders, but is also appealing to adults. Although it deals with a serious mistake on the part of the main character, Dee, it also has its funny moments with some pranks. The book shows how Dee recovers from her mistake through forgiveness and by reconciling with the ones she has hurt and disappointed. The ending brought a tear to my eye

This book distinguishes itself from much other children's literature because of the number, depth, and emotional weight of its plot scenarios and the related lessons. A perfect book for any kid in elementary school to read to learn more about empathy, forgiveness, accountability, and community. Cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Craft Ideas

The characters in the book made toothpick bridges as shown on the left.

Another fun project is building structures with craft sticks. Let the kids use their imagination for what to construct!

Making bookmarks is a great activity to encourage reading.

I’d love to hear about what your class/child did!

Reach out to me to learn more!

Contact me

Exciting News!

Book Three of the Dee Lanson series is in progress!

Check back for updates!