64. Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000

Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000 by Eric Wight (US) - (Canada)
Frankie Pickle, Book 2

Pages: 87 pages
Ages: 7-10
Finished: Apr. 7, 2010
First Published: Feb. 9, 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: children, humour, graphic novel hybrid
Rating: 4/5

First sentence:

Preeeesenting...The Prince of Peril...The Sultan of Suspense...The Duke of Danger...The Amazing Piccolini!!

Acquired: Received a review copy from Simon & Schuster Canada.

Reason for Reading: Next in the series, read aloud to my son.

Summary: Frankie Pickle is the only member of his Possum Scout group who didn't earn enough points to move up to the next level so he decides to participate in the annual model car derby. If he can win he will earn enough points to move up with everyone else.

Comments: My son is really enjoying Frankie Pickle! Being a cub scout himself and participating each year in the cub car rally, he knew exactly what Frankie was facing. He laughed out loud when he saw the race tracks they had to run and found plenty of other moments to laugh as well. This book is a combination of text with graphic panels interwoven throughout. Frankie's imagination often runs away with him and in these instances the format will turn into a graphic novel as he becomes a magician, superhero, artist, race car driver, etc.

The story is a lot of fun from a kid's point of view but what I also like as a parent is the family dynamics of the Piccolini's. Frankie's parents are a vital part of the story, especially the dad this time, and Frankie is a respectful kid with no backtalk or whining. Frankie learns a lesson in the end about asking for help and being a good sportsman. This is a great follow up to Closet of Doom and we look forward to book 3 due out later this year, The Mathematical Menace.