Clarence: Chicken Phantom

Gr 3–5—Clarence, the titular star of a Cartoon Network show, goes away to camp with friends and fellow Chicken Scouts Jeff and Sumo. By the end of camp, they hope to earn enough merit badges to go from Eggs to Chicken Hawks. During a camping trip in the woods, the kids find out about a hidden treasure and learn of the dangers of the Chicken Phantom, a vengeful, immortal chicken. A parody of sleepaway camps and scout programs, this title is full of absurd and slapstick humor, much of which derives from the interaction among Clarence, Jeff, and Sumo. Written and illustrated by the Adventure Time creators, this title lacks some of that series's sophisticated subversion. All three of the main characters are characterized by simplistic stereotypes: Sumo is skinny and conniving; Jeff is tall and athletic and a sanctimonious stickler; and Clarence is overweight, greedy, and naive. The cartoon illustrations have a flat style similar to that of The Simpsons and Family Guy but lose some appeal and expression when they aren't animated.