Ever since this second-grade superhero's debut in Captain Awesome to the Rescue!, we can't get enough of him. The holidays and their winter plays are fast approaching, and this latest adventure combines a hint of mystery with cut-throat competition, elementary-style. Can Captain Awesome and his superhero pal, Nacho Cheese Man, keep The Winter Wonderland from melting into chaos?
Eugene McGillicudy (aka Captain Awesome) loves to play the triangle in Mrs. Randle's music class. Charlie Thomas Jones (Nacho Cheese Man) prefers the maracas ("I don't know what's inside, but I hope it's dried bugs," Charlie says). When Mrs. Randle announces a musical called The Winter Wonderland, Eugene and Charlie can't wait to play in the Snowflake Symphony ("My Triangle of Justice shall ring loud this day!" shouts Eugene). Perfectly pink Meredith Mooney volunteers to star, but when she gets cast as the Icy Icicle in the Frozen Chorus, watch out! Add to that Jake Story, who complains about how loudly Eugene plays his triangle and earns the nickname "the Whiny Whimperer," for his evil deed in keeping the duo apart. When the play's star gets sick, and Eugene steps into the role, someone tries to sabotage him. Could it be My! Me! Mine! Mere-DITH? The Whiny Whimperer? Or are they in cahoots? George O'Connor (KAPOW!) once again sweeps readers along with comics-style artwork that adds punch to the proceedings.
Readers just embarking on chapter books will embrace these two superheroes, who save the day--in more ways than one.- -Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness