Big Star Otto

December 1, 2014
Otto's in Hollywood, but he doesn't care about stardom; he wants his best friend, Georgie.Otto the peanut-allergic elephant has traversed Africa and North America looking for his childhood friend Georgie the chimp with the help of Crackers the parrot. Animal talent agent Rupert Galloway has brought Otto and Crackers to California with the assurance that he will help them find their lost friend. What he actually does is try to get Otto a job making commercials. But Galloway's agency isn't the only animal agency in town; though he hasn't been totally honest with naive Otto, Galloway is nowhere near as bad as the competition. Nefarious forces at rival agency Furry Paws are set on kidnapping Otto and any other elephant they can find. Enter the Elephant Liberation Front; when E.L.F. springs Otto from a commercial shoot, it mostly serves to confuse him and delay his hunt for Georgie, who is in town. Will his simian search end in satisfaction? The visual high jinks and slapstick in Otto's third adventure (Big Top Otto, 2013, etc.) are still enjoyable, but this tale's a bit convoluted. Jokes about Hannibal Lecter, Graceland and jumping on Oprah's couch, among others, will zoom over nearly all young readers. However, the conclusion of Otto's devoted search for his friend will please his fans. For devotees of Asterix and perhaps Tintin, but not for everyone. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

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March 1, 2015

Gr 3-6-Otto the Elephant continues his trek to find his best pal Georgie in this final installment of the "Elephants Never Forget" series (Kids Can). This time, Otto makes his way to the Colossus Acting Agency in Hollywood, where he meets many animals who have been struggling in the acting business. Along with the help of his parrot sidekick, Crackers, Otto learns that Georgie has become quite a famous actor who is a little on the demanding side. Through some unfortunate circumstances, Otto and several other elephant pals find themselves in a less than suitable acting situation, and Otto calls upon his peanut allergy to save the day. Slavin once again brings his knack for storytelling into this graphic novel. Kids will enjoy the fast-moving plot full of humor, animals, and villains. A few moments of potty humor will have young readers giggling. There are a few humorous lines and scenes that will most likely be disregarded by children, but families enjoying the book together will all find something to laugh about. The illustrations are rendered in typical comic book-style and offer eye-catching colors that readers will enjoy. VERDICT A humorous conclusion to this zany graphic novel series for elementary-age students.-Andy Plemmons, David C. Barrow Elementary, Athens, GA

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