We Give a Squid a Wedgie

Gr 3–6—The Navel twins are once again reluctantly forced from their couch and television and drawn into a crazy adventure. This time they are off to find their mother and Plato's map to Atlantis in their perpetual (un)quest to find the lost library of Alexandria. Celia and Oliver are dragged into the search by their enthusiastic explorer father and their movie-star best friend. During the journey they meet one of the last ocean-dwelling peoples, are captured by pirates (several times), and are nearly crushed by a Kraken. The juxtaposition of the unwilling, television-watching children and the parents intentionally putting their children in danger provides some humor, and moments of this book shine with witty dialogue and page-turning escapades. Unfortunately, these moments fall between some extraordinarily flat characterizations and unnatural conversations. Readers begin to get sucked in, but then are quickly lost to stale jokes and stereotypical arguments. Occasionally, the clear comedic illustrations help bring them back to the goings-on. The uncomplicated characters and familiar comedic double act make this a good choice for young readers looking for an action-driven plot and not quite ready for Pseudonymous Bosch's "Secret" series (Little, Brown), a more developed action tale involving ancient secret societies, a flawed hero and heroine, and lots of adventure.—Devin Burritt, Wells Public Library, ME