Nana Takes the Reins!

Gr 2—4—In this fast-paced sequel to Nana Cracks the Case! (Chronicle, 2009), the unlikeliest grandmother around hears that the rodeo is coming to town. Elated, she gets into her 1948 Dusty Drifter and rides off into the sunset—until she wrecks her car. At Al's Brake Shop, the woman comes face-to-face with Tuff, not only the meanest guy in Lettuceberg, but also a man who is rumored to eat pets. Nana, having already applied for jobs such as circus performer and deep sea fisherman in the previous book, now applies for the vacant mechanic position at Al's, and many twists and turns ensue. The humor in this book is utterly over-the-top, in a way that will appeal to children. Will Nana and her grandchildren Eufala and Bog make it to the rodeo? The story is all about the journey, not the destination. Comical black-and-white illustrations, some full page, are exaggerated and witty and will help ensure that readers keep turning the pages. Nineteen short chapters and the hilarity of the plot make this worth considering, although the wordiness may prove a challenge for kids who are reading below grade level. Buy for fans of the previous book, and where kids can't get enough of silly, antic-driven stories.—Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL