Hugo Sprouts and the strange case of the beans

The end justifies the beans in this rollicking rhyming tale of giant ambition. Child genius Hugo Sprout has an invention for every possible need, whether it's an invisible tricycle or a canine translation device. However, when it comes to movies, roller coasters, and getting picked for kickball, Hugo is consistently deemed too small. No matter. After his father extols the virtues of beans, the boy creates a legume-infused growth potion that has the ability to expand Hugo to monstrous proportions. Unfortunately, the larger he grows, the worse his behavior. Will he see how his poor choices are the only thing truly big about him? Although the occasional squishy rhyme makes its way onto the page, Loren's ear for cadence is utterly divine (few would have the wherewithal to rhyme "flapjack-o-matic" with "remote-control haddock"). With the book blessedly free of fart jokes in spite of the proliferation of beans on the page, it's the art that really pops off the page. The illustrations are packed with hundreds of tiny details that will appeal to kids and adults alike. Fans of classic Looney Tunes may see many visual callbacks while the plot and rhymes harken back to old-school Dr. Seuss. Hugo and his family present as White; their community is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Fast, furious, and funny, this book is one to grow on. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.