FRANK EINSTEIN AND THE BRAINTURBO

Can kid genius Frank Einstein improve on the human body?

After investigating matter and energy and myriad related topics and scientists along the way, Frank has come to a question concerning anatomy. Can friend Janegoodall’s natural pitching skills be augmented somehow in order to win her a spot on the Midville Mud Hens’ roster? With the help of candy-loving sidekick Watson, Janegoodall herself, and self-assembled robots Klink (the smart one) and Klank (the…um, cuddly one), Frank works through the various systems of the body, one by one. From an exploration of the senses, he decides that boosting the brain is the best way to boost the body. However, rival genius (term used loosely) T. Edison and his signing sidekick Mr. Chimp try to take control and take credit. How can the good guys win when mind control comes into play? Scieszka’s third joke-filled Frank Einstein adventure jam-packed with sneaky science lessons is perfect for young scientists who may prefer fact to fiction. Biggs’ ample tricolor (orange, black, and white in this outing) illustrations extend both the story and the science. Aftermatter broadens the fun with additional science facts, puzzles, and even baseball tips.

Halfway through the series, the science and the sly (and slapstick) laughs are still going strong.