DANNY GO'S VOLCANO ADVENTURE!

YouTube star Danny Go! invites readers to help him escape a series of thrilling threats.

Pale-skinned Danny sets out to secure “magical ice gems” inside an active volcano. Readers are asked to assist him by tracing a route “over the safest rocks” with their fingers, but then lava begins to fall. “HOLD ON TIGHT!” Luckily a lava river leads right into the volcano’s heart—where we must go. Danny hops aboard a small boat; readers must move the book left and right to steer the vessel clear of hulking rocks. Up ahead—a small island with a locked chest containing the ice gems! Tracing the lock opens the chest. Uh-oh…a rumble announces the advent of a “VOLCANIC SLUG!” that unfortunately has the ability to throw “flaming-hot FIREBALLS.” Readers must breathe on them to cool them down. Another wave of lava means youngsters must help steer again as the giant stalk-eyed slug closes in. But readers must tap the ice gem quickly so it will burst, deflecting both lava and gastropod. Hooray! We have the gems, and a chance to get “BLASTED out of the volcano!” As the book closes, Danny exclaims gratefully, “I couldn’t have done it without you!” Filled with capitalized words and exclamation marks, the fast-paced narrative will keep youngsters engaged. Zolotic’s dramatic, semi-realistic illustrations exploit intense colors and varied perspectives to maximize the sense of active reader participation (an appended see-and-find activity ensures repeat readings are likely).

Exhilarating, interactive amusement.