January 1, 2010
Grades 3-5 The depraved nemesis of middle-school superhero Dave (aka the Gecko), Damien Black kidnaps a science teacher, disguises himself as a substitute, and takes charge of the class in hopes of uncovering Dave's identity. Dave and Sticky, his smart-mouthed but trusty gecko sidekick, strike back by invading Blacks dangerous domain and causing havoc. Reaching a frenetic level of energy and comedy as the storys tension builds, Van Draanens droll narrative is consistently entertaining. Gilpins cartoon-style drawings add their own eclectic charm, and his cover illustration of the demented villain should draw even more readers to the Gecko & Sticky series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2010
In Substitute, Dave's least-favorite teacher disappears mysteriously--only to be replaced by the ominously familiar Dr. Schwarz. Potion finds Dave and pet gecko Sticky tasked with delivering a package to dangerous Damien Black. The series continues to blend broad school-based humor with outlandish fantasy plots in winning, if a bit frantic, adventures.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)