Leo Geo and the Cosmic Crisis/Matt Data and the Cosmic Crisis

Gr 2–5—Leo Geo is back in another science-based adventure, joined by his brother, Matt Data, in a nifty flip-over format. Leo learns that a large comet is on a collision course with Matt's orbital science facility and blasts off to save his astronomer brother. When Fizzcom, his supercomputer, malfunctions, Leo must survive a black hole, space pirates, and a crash landing before he can stop the comet and be reunited with his sibling. On the flip-side of the book, Matt finds out that Leo's computer has a bug and sets off with his genius dog, Maff, to reboot it. Matt and Maff share information about satellites, comets, and other astronomical bodies they pass on their way to the remote broadcast station. When Maff is kidnapped by space pirates, Matt uses his scientific knowledge to get her back and to finally find Leo. Science, adventure, and comics are perfectly blended in this kid-friendly story. The bright, detailed, full-page panels are covered with strange creatures and planetary objects that will catch and hold young readers' attention, and the scientific information is simply presented and well-integrated into the dialogue. The varied layout of the pages, vertical and horizontal, and the "search engine," a hunt for specific objects throughout the book, encourage engagement with the story. This is a great offering for graphic-novel enthusiasts or kids looking for a fun read.—Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT