Attack of the Growling Eyeballs

November 1, 2008
Gr 3-6-As the only boy in a household of femalesMom, three know-it-all sisters, New Age-y Grandma Lola, and Great Granny Nanny (who has tattoos and a motor scooter)Daniel is tired of being outnumbered. Amazingly, and at a most inopportune moment, he finds himself shrinking down to toe-size and is saved from drowning in the toilet bowl by his very tiny twin brother. Born hidden inside Daniel's ear and discovered and raised in secret by Granny Nanny, the inch-high Pablo is just the ally Daniel needs. Since no one knows he exists, Pablo gets away with all kinds of clandestine monkey business. Daniel is happy to join in, but he never knows when he will unexpectedly revert to normal sizeincluding right in the middle of their scheme to crash the girls' chic "pre-pre-pre-pre-prom" party. While the plot logic is shaky at times, the miniaturized mischief is amusing and the growing bond between the brothers feels warm and real. Black-and-white anime-influenced illustrations portray the perils of life at floor level. This genial fantasy has fast action, mild body humor, and snappy, quip-filled dialogue. It will have strong appeal for fans of Oliver's "Hank Zipzer" series (Grosset & Dunlap), coauthored with Henry Winkler, as well as reluctant readers."Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL"

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