EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN

In this graphic charmer, an evil penguin, his octopus sidekick, and a cuddly minion take on a diabolical feline.

Nestled in a remote hideaway in Antarctica, the red-caped, “spaghetti ring”–loving Evil Emperor Penguin works tirelessly on his plans for world domination. Aided by his monocled octopus sidekick, Number 8, and his adorably red-cheeked and fuzzy-enough-to-cuddle “top minion,” Eugene, he invents doomsday devices that never quite deliver. EEP soon meets his ultimate adversary, Evil Cat, a feline with a handlebar mustache, a tiny top hat, and a nefarious agenda. EEP, staying true to his evil persona, doesn’t treat Eugene kindly, and after a comic mishap, Eugene decides to serve Evil Cat. Will the Evil Penguin get his minion back from under Evil Cat’s claws? With its sprightly tone and unfaltering cheerfulness, Anderson’s graphic offering seamlessly moves from rainbows and unicorns to the occasional well-timed fart joke. Shown through a cinematic lens and possessing an animated sensibility, her animal cast will instantly captivate readers. Between the book’s look and its goofily offbeat sense of humor, it should be difficult for many young readers to get through without dissolving into a fit of giggles. With a tried-and-true formula of a not-quite-too-evil leader and lovably bumbling minion, this will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the Despicable Me franchise.

A fantastically fun cartoon romp.