Danger down the Nile

Determined to rescue their kidnapped mother and find their missing father, the four Kidd siblings escape from their New York boarding school and travel to Africa. Mysterious clues, an encrypted message, and treasure maps send the intrepid kids traveling across the continent as they attempt to throw their cartoonlike enemies off the trail before homing in on their secret destination. Bick Kidd narrates the story, while his twin sister, Beck, contributes the many childlike illustrations. The second volume in the accessible Treasure Hunters series offers the same likable heroes, high-octane adventures, and pun-rich humor as the first. Literary popcorn and fun for young readers.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Determined to find their missing father and to secure the release of their kidnapped mother, the four Kidd kids travel to Africa seeking King Solomon's Mines and any clues that might help reunite their family. Alas, chances for success seem slim in spite of Tommy's optimism, Storm's photographic memory, and Beck and Bick's bravery in the face of danger. Adversaries seeking to thwart the four young explorers abound. Even some of their allies turn out to be their greatest opponents. Thankfully, a coded video message arrives from their mother at just the right time. In spite of losing their beloved boat, the Kidds are back in business with new contacts, new gadgets and, unfortunately, new villains. Short chapters, copious illustrations, and a rollicking, nonstop plot will keep readers eager to find out what the next twist might be. But it is the fiercely loyal Kidds and a healthy dose of humor that make this fun-filled adventure series stand out. The forthcoming third volume in the Kidd's adventure is set in China, and it promises to be filled with more danger, more espionage, more plot twists and of course more snack cakes. It's hard to imagine the adventure-loving reader who wouldn't be hooked by this series. (Adventure. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.