Show and Smell (Marshmallow Martians #1)

This inaugural story in a pleasant graphic novel chapter book series by collaborators Kent and Hooson (the Glam Prix Racers series) chronicles the misadventures of teal Fuzz and yellow Snug, cylindrical, antennae-festooned inhabitants of the ringed marshmallow planet Moop. Long curious about Earth, Snug--the self-proclaimed "mayor of Curious-ville! Queen of Curious-town!"--accompanied by Fuzz, embarks on an exploratory trip there with their talking space cat and dog, and their robot assistant. When deciding which Earthly oddities would be most exciting to take back to show their friends and families, a computer glitch points them in the direction of the most wow-worthy Earth smells. Equipped with "high tech smell suckers," they land at an amusement park to capture "some of the SMELLIEST SMELLS," which include "shoe-stench" from footwear left outside a ball pit, onions from a food truck, human burps next to a bubbly drink stand, and skunk spray. Snippets of edutainment, such as an explanation of where burps originate, pepper this good-humored space adventure populated by protagonists whose bright-eyed eagerness and boundless, bouncing energy are reminiscent of SpongeBob Squarepants. For emerging readers looking for a little goofiness, it will pass the sniff test. Ages 5-8. Agent: Gemma Cooper, Bent Agency. (Apr.)

Gr 1-3--Emerging readers will giggle and learn in this early reader comic. A group of Marshmallow Martians from the planet Moop have a portal that allows them to travel to Earth. But first, they must choose a mission. And so, they choose Earth smells. The Martian foursome head to an amusement park, and each captures a smell to bring back to their planet. There are plenty of jokes and a bit of learning. Perfect for early readers who want to read a comic and explore some scientific fun. There isn't a cohesive "lesson" in this book, just many interesting and random tidbits. The soft pastel colors, bouncy artwork, and large panels work together to create a fine comic for kids. VERDICT This title has the potential to appeal to young kids everywhere.--Esther Keller