The Clan of the Scorpion

December 24, 2012
Originally published in the U.K., this first book in the Ninja Meerkats series introduces Jet Flashfeet, Chuck Cobracrusher, Donnie Dragonjab, and Bruce Willowhammer, four wisecracking meerkats trained in the martial arts. Comparisons to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are both obvious and apt—this crew also has a tendency toward making pun-centric bad jokes, and they have both a Splinteresque sensei and an archrival in the form of the Ringmaster and his two bumbling henchmen. Finlayson’s clean cartoon spot illustrations add to the carnival atmosphere (literally), as the meerkats attempt to recover a rare stolen tiger. Equal parts silliness and action. Available simultaneously: The Eye of the Monkey. Ages 7–9.

December 1, 2012
A fuzzy version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. British author Jones brings furry new heroes up from the depths of the Red Desert. The Clan of the Scorpion is a secret ninja organization made up of meerkats. Boastful Jet Flashfeet, inventor/genius Donnie Dragonjab and muscle Bruce Willowhammer are led by the pun-as-proverb-spouting Chuck Cobracrusher. When Ming the tiger goes missing, the meerkats know something foul is afoot, as Ming possesses a rare and secret ability, the Roar of Victory, which is used for mind control. They know her disappearance could only be the work of their nefarious, circus-themed archnemesis, the Ringmaster. He plans on using Ming to brainwash the entire world. To solve the mystery of the missing Ming, the Clan of the Scorpion must travel to Hong Kong and battle their way through the Ringmaster's henchmen, all while keeping themselves secret and disguised from normal humans. The fight scenes are comical--at one point, the heroes incapacitate enemies by tying their shoelaces together. The meerkat ninja team combats evil clowns and even a trained circus poodle. Illustrations amp up the humor, taking advantage of comedic visuals. The jokes fly just as fast as Jet's fists. Straightforward and humorous throughout, the story is ideal for reluctant readers. Fast, funny and charming. (character profiles) (Adventure. 7-10)

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