Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Comics / Humor / Family

Book Review:
Dennis is taking charge! In ''Taking The Lead,'' Hank Ketcham's beloved menace decides it's time to be a leader—with predictably hilarious results. This collection of comic strips captures what happens when Dennis's natural enthusiasm meets his desire to organize, direct, and take control.

Dennis has big ideas. He knows how games should be played, how projects should be run, and how problems should be solved. Unfortunately, his five-year-old logic doesn't always align with reality. When he tries to organize a neighborhood baseball game, chaos ensues. When he attempts to direct a school project, his classmates end up confused. When he decides to help Mr. Wilson with a home improvement project, disaster is guaranteed.

What makes this collection so enjoyable is Dennis's complete confidence in his leadership abilities. He never doubts himself, even when everything around him is falling apart. His enthusiasm is infectious, even when his methods are disastrous.

Mr. Wilson, as always, is a frequent victim of Dennis's leadership initiatives. A simple request for help becomes a full-scale operation under Dennis's direction, with Mr. Wilson ending up more frustrated than before. Their interactions are comedy gold.

The neighborhood children also feature prominently, following Dennis's lead with varying degrees of enthusiasm and confusion. Their reactions to Dennis's ''leadership'' add another layer of humor.

Ketcham's artwork is simple but brilliantly expressive. Dennis's confident expression, his friends' confusion, and Mr. Wilson's dawning horror are all captured perfectly.

This collection is part of a series that includes other Dennis adventures like ''The Little Bully,'' ''Upside Down,'' ''Gettin' Dizzy,'' and more.

''Dennis the Menace: Taking The Lead'' is perfect for readers aged 7 and up, as well as adults who appreciate classic comic humor. It's a delightful reminder that sometimes the best leaders are the ones who don't realize they're leading everyone into chaos. Highly recommended.