Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot

May 1, 2014

Gr 1-3-Ricky Ricotta is a little guy who is always picked on. That is, until Dr. Stinky McNasty's plot to destroy the city by a giant, evil robot goes awry. The evil robot would rather be Ricky's friend than cause mass destruction. This reboot of the original title of the same name (Scholastic, 2000) includes all-new, full-color illustrations by Santat. Paired with Pilkey's minimal text, these images offer a new generation of readers a fun introduction to chapter books. The story includes Flip-O-Ramas (two-page flip book-style animations) that will make the story truly come alive. There are also several graphic novel-style pages that will attract hesitant readers. Newly independent readers and Pilkey fans alike will not be disappointed by this humorous ride.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2014
Grades K-3 Poor little Ricky Ricottajust a nerdy, bespectacled mouse with no friends. But when his dad says, Someday something BIG will happen and you will find a friend, he is right. One day, a giant robot, controlled by evil Dr. Stinky, attacks the city, but the robot has a change of heart when he sees the terrified townsmice. When Dr. Stinky punishes the robot for his disobedience, Ricky is the one to save him, and their friendship is cemented. Pilkey first published this series in 2000, but in preparation for new installments, Scholastic is rereleasing the stories with brand-new full-color illustrations on glossy pages from prolific artist Santat (Crankenstein, 2013). Aimed at a younger audience than the wildly popular Captain Underpants books, this series opener has all the classic Pilkey hallmarks: comic book panels, superhero action, and flip-o-rama, which here depicts the battle between Mighty Robot and the supersize class lizard infected with Hate Potion #9 to enact Dr. Stinky's revenge. Brace yourselves, there's more on the way. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Pilkey's publisher is pulling out all the stops for this series. Expect to see Ricky Ricotta TV spots any day now.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)