In Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back, Steven Joseph takes readers on a fantastically zany, noodle-packed adventure where bravery and absurdity walk hand-in-hand across the galaxy. This time, the Zoodles are back with a vengeance, teaming up with a down-on-his-luck tycoon to poison Earth’s water supply. It’s up to our heroes Briana and Ricky—and maybe a few surprising allies from the wrong side of the tracks—to stop this dastardly plot. With Joseph’s trademark humor and knack for making the utterly ridiculous feel almost plausible, this third installment of the beloved Snoodles series offers readers a delightful, laugh-out-loud experience with a dash of environmental awareness.
Steven Joseph, the imaginative mind behind the Snoodles series, is no stranger to blending humor with deeper themes. A lawyer, marathoner, and self-proclaimed “Zen Master of Crankiness,” Joseph’s life experience brings a unique flavor to his stories. He’s mastered the art of spinning tales that are as entertaining as they are insightful, tackling complex themes of resilience and hope through fun, engaging narratives. If you’re ready to dive into a world where space noodles and stinky Groodles collide with kid-friendly messages on courage and environmental care, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare for belly laughs, unexpected heroes, and a few life lessons that will sneak up on you along the way.
Q. Tell us about the importance of encouraging kids to rise to challenges?
In my books, my rule is that it should take the totally ridiculous and make it completely believable. Then, when you get that, the feeling should be almost magical, and you think anything is possible. It is that belief that anything or everything is possible that will allow a kid to believe and see the importance of rising to the challenge.
Q. What are the core environmental messages inside the Snoodles In Space 2 book?
When you think about the Groodle that is quite stinky, and the Grool itself is dumped into the rivers, you see that there is a connection between the air and the water. I think that is just as true in the real world. What ends up in the air gets into the water as well.
Q. Share with us a little bit about your life growing up in NYC and the importance of going to museums.
We did not have royal palaces to go to, but we had museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History were our castles that you could not do it justice by going there for one morning or one day. Also, they had a voluntary admission, and we would give the person at the ticket booth, and six of us would get the clip-on admission buttons for a nickel!
Q. What messages of hope and change for kids do you hope to deliver through this book to help make the world a better place?
There are too many zombie books and movies out there. There is so much negativity with global warming and things are getting worse. Kids should grow up thinking that they have an opportunity to leave this world a better place than it was when they got here.
Q. What will parents and educators discover in Snoodles in Space Episode 2?
They will discover that kids are so excited to learn when it is fun and different and when it opens their minds to a new world and new possibilities. When you get kids to look forward, they look forward to the future because they understand the delight of ownership in the future.
Q. How did Andy Case’s music inspire you in writing this book?
This book takes us to the music scene of Noodleham. The most popular group is Swifty Swoodle and the DooWopadoodles. They go on this gazillion dollar world tour that even Cloodle the Grand Roodle hears about. He wants to come to Earth and do his own world tour with his band that is aptly called “Cloodles and the Grand Roodles”. But he is terrible and the tour gets cancelled. Cloodle the Grand Roodle gets furious, and the craziness ensues.
Q. Talk to us about your future project such as “Escape from Snoodletraz”.
Andy released an album in November 2023 title “Leap of Faith.” There is not a bad track on the album. There are two songs on the album that just put the story in my head. One is titled “Lost Souls in the Dark” that has a guitar sound that made me think of Snoodles flying through space to once again save the day, and “Break Free” that starts with a guitar sound like a Snoodle landing on an asteroid, and the freeing of the gang is right there when he sings “Just want to Break Free!” I heard that and the story started to get written in my head.
Pen or Keyboard? – Keyboard
Early bird or Night Owl? – Early Bird
Food you can’t resist – Pastrami Sandwich or Sushi
Favorite genre to read? – Political Thrillers
Favorite childhood memory? – My first rock concert – Paul McCartney & Wings – Wings Over America Tour
Favorite way to relax? – A long run along The Hudson early in the morning
Favorite color? – Mets Blue and Orange
Sunrise or Sunset? – Sunrise
Adventure travel or relaxing vacation? – Adventure
Digital books or paperbacks? – Digital
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