Tank & Fizz: The Case of the Slime Stampede

Gr 3–5—When the cleaning slimes escape and proceed to demolish the schoolyard at Gravelmuck Elementary, Fizz Marlowe is on the case. Fizz considers himself a talented detective and he is determined to help the school janitor, Mr. Snag, escape punishment. Along with his best friend, mechanically inclined, high ponytail-wearing Tank, these two junior detectives proceed to gather clues and try to evade the eight legs of the spider school principal and her network of baby spider spies. The mystery grows when Fizz and Tank discover something sinister going on with the new cleaning company the school hires. Something slimy is running amok in Rockfall Mountains, and it isn't the cleaning slimes. This chapter book brims with reader appeal. Fizz's snappy personality and loyal nature make him a fun protagonist. He steals the show, eclipsing the slightly less-developed Tank. Thankfully, Tank's love of mechanics and engineering make her a unique and refreshing addition and her excitement jumps off the pages, helped by Deas's artwork. The world of Rockfall Mountains and its characters (gremlins, goblins, slimes, and monsters) is reminiscent of Pixar's famous "Monsters Inc." film series and may hold appeal for children who have grown up with those characters. While the artwork sometimes feels superfluous to the text, only adding minor dialogue scenes, it definitely brings the inhabitants of Rockfall Mountains to life. Though this first book in a new series is not a runaway success, there is still plenty of action, adventure, and imagination to make it a strong addition to library collections.—Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN