Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000 (Frankie Pickle #2)

Frankie is really down on his luck in this second installment of the Frankie Pickle series. He's convinced he'll remain a Pygmy instead of advancing to Shrew in Possum Scouts as everyone else in his scout pack has advanced except for him. When his dad reminds him of the Pine Run 3000, a special race where scouts can compete regionally using hand-crafted model cars, Frankie believe his luck just might change. Through trial and error in designing the perfect car and using his imaginative day dreaming shown in short easy chapters mixed with comics Frankie realizes he may not have what it takes to produce the perfect race car. Simple black and white line art keeps the momentum of adventure moving forward and readers entertained. Ages 4-8. "(Feb.)"

Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 2-4 Frankie Pickle is back in the series that began with "Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom" (S & S, 2009). He wants to become a Shrew Scout with the rest of his Possum Troop but can't because he lacks the points. However, an opportunity arises with the Pine Run 3000, the "greatest game ever invented." If Frankie's model car wins, he can advance up the scouting ladder. This meld of graphic novel and chapter book is a sure bet for reluctant readers. The black-and-white illustrations make the text "woooosh" along just like the fast-paced race scenes toward the end of the book. Readers get glimpses of the protagonist's inner thoughts; once he even pictures himself working on a David-like sculpture as he creates his model car. Despite obstacles to winning, Frankie stays wide-eyed and optimistic until the end." Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.