The swift pace, quirky humor, and general steampunkery should hold the interest of readers—especially the mechanically and...
In series opener The Mesmer Menace (2014), the Kennewickett clan foiled the world-conquering plans of the evil pigeon Iron Claw and mesmerizing magician Madini, but recent acts of sabotage at the Automated Inn suggest the dastardly duo have returned to commit more mayhem.
At risk are Nikola Tesla, who plans to use alternating current to free automatons from spending their nights in charging closets, and young Wally, who’s making progress toward achieving manned flight (by kite, but still). Offering their skills and component parts to end the sabotage permanently are the automatons, led by Gizmo, who shares recipes (and feelings of more than ordinary friendship) with Mr. Jones, the train engineer. This sequel grants the automatons, especially the singing Dust Bunnies, more page time, which they must share with a plethora of human characters and fairly detailed accounts of electrical current discoveries. Narrating the proceedings, Noodles, Wally’s dachshund, interrupts the storytelling with canine asides and offers dictionary definitions of words like “pseudo-cephalothorax” and “inveigle.” Expressive and vigorous, the art brings the characters to life (the evildoers with handlebar mustaches are a treat). Although much of the story never leaves the inn, the complicated plot and setup require close attention.
The swift pace, quirky humor, and general steampunkery should hold the interest of readers—especially the mechanically and electronically inclined. (Steampunk. 9-12)Pub Date: July 7, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-544-22502-2
Page Count: 176
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: March 24, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Dragon-slaying is the perfect medieval con, until it turns out dragons aren’t so imaginary after all. Ten-year-old Ansel, mute since his mother’s death, has been sold off to Brock; Ansel’s father wanted gold, and Brock wanted a servant who couldn’t betray his scam (find a gullible village, ride into the hills, return with sheep guts draped over the crocodile head he secretly carries, collect reward, ride on, repeat). When they find an actual dragon in the snowy mountains, death seems certain; instead, new beginnings and hope (plus some new schemes) emerge. Reeve’s humor may amuse the adults who might read this aloud more than the listeners (Brock’s womanizing and an indulgence-selling defrocked priest whom the dragon eats are standouts), but the chills and Ansel’s recognition of the dragon’s piercing loneliness make for compelling, sometimes pulse-pounding action, and Ansel’s growth provides a heart beneath the adventure. A gem, much like those rumored to rest in a dragon’s hoard. (Fantasy. 9-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-545-22224-2
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2010
The expected blend of boogers, barbarian battles and beanballs may hold some appeal for young boys seeking hijinks over...
A lackluster graphic-novel offering for the young-male reading set, full of gross-outs, slapstick humor and out-of-this world adventures.
In the far-away world of Skullbania, fledgling barbarian Fangbone has to suffer the injustices of being little: He gets no respect, no one listens to him and the elders mock him with humiliating requests (“Pick the spider eggs out of my armpit!”). When he volunteers to guard the Big Toe of the detested overlord Drool, he is sent with it to the safety of our world by a powerful Skullbanian sorcerer. Fangbone ends up in class 3G, an unfortunate and uncoordinated motley crew who desperately needs help to win their upcoming beanball tournament (it's “like dodgeball, but the balls are smaller and you throw harder”). Fangbone—who has a wickedly advantageous barbarian throwing arm—needs an army, and the two groups find each other to be extremely beneficial. The illustrations are done in a drab yellow and gray palette and wind their jaundiced way through this predictable plot distinguished by expected formulaic silliness. This series opener offers little novelty—readers will have seen similar tropes explored in Captain Underpants or Jarrett Krosoczka’s Lunch Lady series.
The expected blend of boogers, barbarian battles and beanballs may hold some appeal for young boys seeking hijinks over highbrow literature. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-399-25521-2
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Dec. 4, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2011
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