July 15, 2021
The Strathmore Building's pets and other residents, human or otherwise, are literally suckered into investigating rumors of a poltergeist in vacant 5B. Sodden towels and other signs of intrusion in 5B may reduce the landlady to hysterics, but the multispecies team members assembled in Ecton's TheGreat Pet Heist (2020) are made of sterner stuff (mostly) and are ready for new exploits. The discovery that the culprit is not in fact a ghost but a celebrity on the lam--to wit, the local zoo's camouflage artist and popular performer, Jerome ("Mr. Wiggles" to use his stage name)--leads to a series of challenges ranging from persuading the arrogant octopod to slither back to his adoring public to foiling a slimy pair of scam artist ghostbusters. Though the animal cast is unusually diverse (Jerome isn't even the only octopus hanging out in the Strathmore's plumbing, as readers of the opener will know), the human one, a Black police officer aside, presents White. Still, in Mottram's lamentably infrequent illustrations everyone glows with character, and closing views of one octopus offering a thumbs up and another in the midst of a gleeful cannonball end the romp on high notes. Silly business galore, with more than a few sly tentacular twists. (Paranormal. 8-12)
COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
September 3, 2021
Gr 3-7-Ecton's sequel to The Great Pet Heist pits pets against the paranormal. Butterbean, Mario, Walt, and the rats become ghostbusters as they investigate the strange happenings in a vacant apartment. But while putting their ghostbusting skills to work, they uncover a scam that endangers Mrs. Third Floor's livelihood. Mottram's black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout; they are realistic and complement the humorous tone of the plot. Despite the length of the book, the narration style keeps the action moving; this would be an excellent choice as a read-aloud in schools. Kids new to the series can enjoy this sequel without reading the first, while those already familiar with the group of oddball friends can find a few new reasons to enjoy, one being in the form of an octopus. VERDICT This funny animal adventure caters to a wide audience, and will look appealing on a Halloween display.-Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake P.L., Alta.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.