Carlton Crumple Creature Catcher 2

February 1, 2021

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.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2021
A young monster fighter faces off against a villainous vegetable. In this graphic-novel sequel to series opener Catch the Munchies (2020), creature-catcher Carlton Crumple and best friend Lulu are after one hot potato determined to overtake the world with his diabolical Tot Bots. While noshing at the Spuds on Wheels food truck at the local Cactus Fest, Carlton is shocked when one of his king-size Lots o' Tots sprouts arms and legs and bounds away. Intrepid Lulu catches the rogue tater, bringing him back to the Creature Cave for questioning. The pair teams up with the food truck's driver, French Fry Thunderknuckle, and they learn about a spiteful spud who not only wants long-simmered vengeance on Thunderknuckle, but also the entire planet. Fremont's sophomore effort is busy and bright and filled with more puns than fries in a supersized meal. His panels are outlined with heavy black borders that can barely contain their crowded contents and zippy, display-type onomatopoeia. While certainly high on pep, this overstuffed plot feels about as substantial as cotton candy, relying on harebrained gimmicks to move it along. Among a sea of similar titles, this offers little to help it rise above the glut, with yet another tale of a male main character supported by a female who seems more than capable without him. Carlton and Lulu are White; supporting human characters also present mostly White. This tater is half-baked. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.