Prime Evil

February 1, 2011

Gr 4-6-As punishment for foiling Dr. Gristle's evil plans in Cyberia (2008) and Monkey See, Monkey Don't (2009, both Scholastic), Zane is now being sent to "camp."..outside! In a world full of technology, it has become unthinkable to actually go outdoors. Zane, however, sees the opportunity as an adventure-until he arrives and finds himself living in a barn with hostile animal roommates. Able to communicate with them, he tries to reason them into a better mood, but this is an impossible task since Dr. Gristle's brother, Bucky, and his wife are purposely riling the creatures into a frenzy. As Zane learns more about the angry animals' conditions on the ranch, he discovers Dr. Gristle's newest plot to use "CattleLivid Converters" as an energy source. With the help of new friend, Edmund, Zane hopes to thwart the evil doctor's plans once and for all. Lynch finishes the trilogy with another fun science-fiction adventure. Full of slapstick humor and an interesting plot, this is a sure winner for fans of the first two books.-Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2011
Grades 5-8 After having foiled the evil Dr. Gristle in Cyberia (2008) and Monkey See, Monkey Dont (2009), Zanethe boy who can communicate with animals via an inserted chipis in a whole new kind of trouble. In an attempt to rehabilitate the young malcontent, his parents send him to Primeval Ranch, where he will be given tough love by Bucky Gristle (brother of you-know-who). Even worse, the animals there seem to hate Zane. What gives? Lynch continues to serve up intelligent yuks, never relying too heavily upon the tech stuff and never, ever giving in to easy sentimentality. Keep em coming.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)