Tater Invaders! (Carlton Crumple Creature Catcher #2)

This tater is half-baked.

Gr 3-5--Carlton Crumple Creature Catcher is back on the case! Following the events of the first book, Carlton is resting on his laurels as the official Creature Catcher of Shady Plains. One day, while off duty and taking a well-deserved snack break, he notices that the tater tot he is about to consume is both alive and evil. Who could be behind this dastardly scheme of world domination? Only Carlton the Creature Catcher, along with his pals Lulu, Iggy (a little green creature), and Poof-Poof (a poodle), can get to the bottom of this mystery and avert calamity. The graphic novel format is used to great effect here to tell a rollicking tale. Illustrations with bright colors and distinct black outlines provide visual clarity, while well-placed speech bubbles and abundant sound effects help guide readers along. As in the first installment, Carlton brings a bunch of clever new inventions along to help save the day. New additions include some snazzy catchphrases and an old prospector type named French Fry Thunderknuckle, whose potato proficiency helps the gang in their battle against the Tater Invaders. Carlton and Lulu appear to be white. VERDICT The simple story and zany humor make this a fun and accessible comic adventure for even the most reluctant readers.--Laken Hottle, Providence Community Lib.