NOODLEHEADS FIND SOMETHING FISHY

The macaroni noodle duo returns for their third adventure—fishing!

Upon finding a discarded “fish stick” (aka fishing pole), noodleheads Mac and Mac decide to bring it home. Unfortunately, the “stick” can’t fit between two trees on either side of the path when carried horizontally, so one of the siblings breaks it in two. The pair’s bright outlook leads them to think they can now catch twice as many fish, but, clearly, they have much to learn about fishing. So the next day, the pasta pals head to water to try out the sport. After the duplicitous Meatball tricks the two out of their lunches (and one of their coins), the noodleheads doze off, wake from their nap to find a boat, and board it. But the boat doesn’t move very far because the anchor line is too short. And, alas, the “biggest fish ever, ever, ever” takes their bait and swims away. As with other titles in the series, the two don’t quite achieve their goal, but they do come away with some valuable lessons. Readers will come away with plenty of laughs. The introduction and three short chapters are filled with brightly colored comics panels in Arnold’s signature art style, inviting in newly emergent readers and fans of Fly Guy alike. As always, the authors’ notes explain the origins behind each folktale-inspired scenario.

Fans won’t want to miss the boat on this one.