Unsubtle but lighthearted charm.
Freddy von Frankenstein is destabilized when his family configuration suddenly changes.
Freddy, an inventor like his father (Victor von Frankenstein), has a built-in best friend in his older brother, F.M. (Frankenstein’s Monster, whom Victor created nine years ago). Freddy’s all set to be his family’s focus for his eighth birthday when a strange girl shows up at the Nepalese palace where they live. Riya has no friends or family, so Freddy’s parents take her in. Wanting things to go back to normal, Freddy tries to poke holes in Riya’s story. When a strangely human-seeming tiger appears in their home as Riya disappears, readers may put together that Riya is a werecat before skeptical superscientist Freddy does. When Riya’s secret is revealed, she, Freddy, and F.M. learn that a magical signal from their palace has also attracted a yeti. As the three work together to distract the hungry yeti with food—and save the campers the yeti has been menacing—Lane offers both action (in the form of Riya’s tiger diversionary tactics) and slapstick, food fight–flavored humor (a grilled-cheese-sandwich cannon saves the day), though the story’s moral is a touch heavy-handed (“Just because something is different doesn’t mean I should be scared of it,” Freddy muses). Riya is from northern India; Freddy is biracial, with a European father and a Chinese mother; cultural backgrounds are made clear through text and lively black-and-white cartoon illustrations. A wordless (except for onomatopoeia) comic book–style segment at the end adds a final laugh.
Unsubtle but lighthearted charm. (Fantasy. 6-8)Pub Date: July 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4998-1292-3
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.
Bash is back for another session of Scare School.
This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.
A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922128
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
Approachable and comfortably predictable.
A young ghost arrives at Scare School.
Unlike big sister Bella, late bloomer Bash has never been good at “all the GHOST STUFF.” Dad’s sure that Scare School is just what Bash needs. Bash isn’t so certain; he’s intimidated by his classmates and teachers. But he perks up when he meets his roommate, Itsy, a smart, welcoming spider, though he vows to steer clear of mean-spirited Vlad and Vicky. Still, the dreaded Creature Aptitude Test worries Bash. To pass, he must pass through solid objects and turn himself invisible—skills he struggles with. Bash doesn’t want to be kicked out of school, so he’ll have to buckle down. With Itsy’s help and encouragement from his classmates, Bash realizes he’s more capable than he thought. Written in first person from endearingly anxious Bash’s point of view, the book has a diarylike feel. The text is presented in a handwritten font, while grayscale cartoon illustrations are peppered throughout. The supportive, sincere friendship between Bash and Itsy is the most compelling part of the story. Letters between Bash and Bella shed further light on Bash’s personality and their relationship. Though the book’s takeaway—believe in yourself, and you can do anything—is a familiar one, it’s just what many children need…and who better to deliver the message than an adorably nervous ghost?
Approachable and comfortably predictable. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 9781665922098
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2024
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