Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2015 Gr 2–5—A steampunk adventure series for younger middle grade readers. In this second installment, the band of evil magicians called the Mesmers are still working on a plan for world domination. The Kennewicketts family, including boy genius Will Wally and his dachshund, Noodles, travel via air ship to Europe in order to stop the dastardly Mesmers and their minions. Black-and-white illustrations throughout combined with short chapters and an energetic pace make this series ideal for chapter book readers looking for a challenge or middle graders who want something short and fun. - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/15/2015 When last seen, Wally and his loyal dachshund, Noodles, chased off evil magician Madini and his hypnotic pigeon, Iron Claw. But all is not well. A mole has infiltrated the Amazing Automated Inn, stealing research and sabotaging the experiments of the Kennewicketts and visiting inventor Nikola Tesla. Following clues, the family travels to Italy to save Wally’s uncle and aunt from the Mesmers. Though the action in book two feels a bit disjointed, and Noodles’ sometimes verbose prose makes for an occasionally ponderous read, middle-grade readers who appreciate that narrative style will be pleased. For larger collections where the series has a solid following. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
|