This is the cutie-patootie sequel to one of my favorite books of last year, the first Alvin Ho book!
Again we get to follow scaredy cat Alvin Ho on everyday adventures. Is Alvin as good as Houdini? Can he set a proper trap when *gulp* he is the bait? And what is it like to own a real, true, specialer than special Batman ring? These things and more you will find out...
I have to say I liked the first one better. The fun was still there for me in this one, but I had a hard time swallowing one particular plot point. Parents can be oblivious, but when the "emergencies-only credit card" gets involved I have to roll my eyes. It's so. . . old hat. I expected more creative mischief from Alvin. And there is plenty of that, too. So it's still good.
It made me laugh out loud just like the first one did. I had to read bits to Jacob, again. Still loved the illustrations. One and a half thumbs up. (Just picture that old thumb trick where you take off the top.) Great for 1st grade on up.
Hmm. I really loved the first one, too (and I'm a fan of Pham). Credibility is always a fine line in kidlit, but perhaps kids are more willing to buy it than us grown-ups?
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one... is it out, or are you just teasing us with an ARC review??
ReplyDeleteSean, perhaps. I haven't read this one to kids. The kids I read the first one with loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa, it's out now! I'll be sure to let you know when I'm posting ARC reviews.