THE DANDELION CAPER

by Gene DeWeese ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 1986

The same sf sleuths featured in Black Suits from Outer Space are back again in this fast-paced (though somewhat implausible) sequel. Logical Calvin and clever sidekick Kathy return to the deserted Diefenbacher place just a week after their last encounter with an undercover tourist from another planet to discover new visitors--evil aliens in the form of lizards and a mysterious cat. They team up with the cat (a secret agent working for a galaxy-wide law enforcement agency) to capture the lizards. But their efforts go awry bemuse of equipment failures. The story abounds with fantastic devices, such as an invisibility gadget, restraining auras, and a magical spaceship that emerges from the cat's collar. The underlying premise is both clever and humorous: Calvin's family is prone to having mechanical devices fail--even digital watches don't work for them--causing the outer space equipment to break down. Unfortunately, the writing is awkward, never achieving a smooth integration between the action and the explanation of events and devices. The overall emphasis is on effect, not reason; ultimately, the frenetic pace falls unconvincingly flat.

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S