LAKE OF SLIME

Oh noes, evil Dr. Slimepeople is threatening to replace the water in the Big City’s lake with slime! Time to call on the Super Roomies!

With the evident intent of keeping emergent readers giggling over the stripped-down art and narrative, Lerner sends cohabiting crimefighters Abby Astro, Blix Blaster, Captain Kooky Pants, and Wanda Weather—sporting an array of different ’dos, hues, and superpowers—flying from their high-rise apartment to save the lake for the swimmers of the Big City. Will they track down the sinister scientist in time to stop him from carrying out his slimy scheme? Will the Captain get a chance to demonstrate just what his unusual pants can do? Will the quarreling quartet’s ongoing argument about who put the empty milk carton back in the refrigerator turn out to be one distraction too many? Although, the author allows, “in stories like this, superheroes usually save the day,” they are all people, “just like you and me,” and sometimes bad things happen. Still, whether it requires an exhausting environmental cleanup or apologies and a hasty trip to the grocery store, taking responsibility for messing up is really the super thing to do. Reflective young audiences will catch that unstated message—once they catch their breaths.

Super silly.