Quinnelope and the cookie king catastrophe

Gr 2--4--Quinnelope has a hankering for some cookies, but when the Cookie King goes missing, it's up to her and her friends to save the king and bring the cookies back. But what starts out as a simple, "by the numbers" concept quickly turns into an epic adventure that's refreshing and downright hilarious. Although Brownfield and Coombs throw in the occasional corny reference or potty humor, most of the book feels original and genuinely funny, which will certainly help it stand out with kids. A light tone and high energy stay consistent throughout, and while the focus is Quinnelope, all the characters are given a moment to shine while also allowing the antagonists time to redeem themselves and resolve conflict in earned ways. The art style blends kawaii anime energy with the folky simplicity of Adventure Time's character and environment creation. The large frames and blown-up pictures pair well with the font, making this a great resource for struggling or reluctant readers. VERDICT A series to watch develop, for sure.--Peter Blenski