Remy Sneakers vs. the Robo-Rats

March 1, 2017
When an evil toymaker threatens to release a fleet of robot pigeon spy drones, it's up to urban raccoon Remy to organize and lead the resistance.A series of break-ins by a masked bandit that looks just like him (even down to the recycled sneakers) prompts Remington Raccoon to recruit a Critter Crew of mice and rats (the pigeons refuse to cooperate) to help clear his name. But his investigation soon turns up a larger threat, as human gadgeteer Walter Fry has concocted not just a robotic raccoon thief, but an army of other robo-rodents--and, worse yet, flights of titanium-plated pigeon spy drones. Will Fry succeed in his ostensibly altruistic but ominous scheme to put the entire city under surveillance? Not so fast! Thanks to late but timely help from the pigeons, a "perfect storm of rodent rage" in the streets leads to ultimate victory for the furry and feathered defenders of the right to privacy. Sherry creates his headlong kickoff with page-filling, monochrome ink-and-wash cartoons with dialogue and narrative in several big, hand-lettered-style types. Led by tough-looking mayor Sheila Spike, human figures all appear to be white but are also rare in the multispecies cast. Throughout, Remy shows a gift for oratory ("We may all be different, but when we work together, there is nothing we can't do!") that may serve him well should he go into politics. First, though, he has a new problem, as the episode ends with the shocking discovery that the entirety of his precious trash collection has mysteriously disappeared. Stay tuned. A madcap series opener with a wink or two at some topical themes. (Graphic/fantasy hybrid. 6-8)

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January 1, 2018
Like all raccoons, Remington (Remy) is a collector--but he's no thief. When a newspaper implicates Remy in a museum robbery, the record must be set straight. He travels to Mouseville, Rat City, and Pigeon Plaza, declaring "all the city critters must unite!" to find the real thief. This illustrated chapter book relies on age-appropriate visual comedy to enliven an otherwise insipid plot.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)