  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2016 PreS-Gr 3—At the fair, two snakes can't wait to take a ride on the Rattler Roller Coaster. When they slither up to the entrance, Harold falls short of the height requirement. Frank comes to his pal's aid with some inventive disguises, including a trench coat built for two, horned-rim glasses, and a phony mustache, but the pot-bellied pig carnival barker shrewdly sees through their ruses and denies them admittance. Frank also tries to stretch and pull Harold taller, all no avail. Weinberg's digitally enhanced watercolor and pencil cartoon illustrations are full of energy and movement. Readers turn the pages vertically to see how Harold measures up after each kooky scheme. Disappointment isn't all the sneaky snakes swallow, and they find a way to ride the roller coaster of their dreams. VERDICT An irreverent punch line adds surprise and a last belly laugh.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/15/2016 Who doesn’t chafe at being told they are too little, too young, or too short? That’s the situation snakes Frank and Harold encounter when they line up to ride the Rattler, an awesome roller coaster. The height requirement is not an issue for long, slinky Frank, but Harold is considerably stubbier. The rather officious pig ticket collector is not about to relax the rules, so the friends try a series of unconvincing disguises and painful contortions. Nothing works until Frank comes up with an innovative idea: he swallows the pig whole. The friends hop aboard and have a wonderfully thrilling ride, and then Frank regurgitates the ticket taker. This exuberant romp includes joyous, over-the-top illustrations. The roller coaster loops and swoops, mimicking serpentine coils, and the pages alternate between horizontal and vertical views. Frank and Harold’s creative problem-solving makes the pig-swallowing gambit more icky than frightening, perfectly in sync with the theme of best buddies having a wonderful time at the fair. This tale of friendship will make for a rambunctious read-aloud. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
 |