Review by Booklist Review
Who doesn't chafe at being told they are too little, too young, or too short? That's the situation snakes Frank and Harold encounter when they line up to ride the Rattler, an awesome roller coaster. The height requirement is not an issue for long, slinky Frank, but Harold is considerably stubbier. The rather officious pig ticket collector is not about to relax the rules, so the friends try a series of unconvincing disguises and painful contortions. Nothing works until Frank comes up with an innovative idea: he swallows the pig whole. The friends hop aboard and have a wonderfully thrilling ride, and then Frank regurgitates the ticket taker. This exuberant romp includes joyous, over-the-top illustrations. The roller coaster loops and swoops, mimicking serpentine coils, and the pages alternate between horizontal and vertical views. Frank and Harold's creative problem-solving makes the pig-swallowing gambit more icky than frightening, perfectly in sync with the theme of best buddies having a wonderful time at the fair. This tale of friendship will make for a rambunctious read-aloud.--McBroom, Kathleen Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-At the fair, two snakes can't wait to take a ride on the Rattler Roller Coaster. When they slither up to the entrance, Harold falls short of the height requirement. Frank comes to his pal's aid with some inventive disguises, including a trench coat built for two, horned-rim glasses, and a phony mustache, but the pot-bellied pig carnival barker shrewdly sees through their ruses and denies them admittance. Frank also tries to stretch and pull Harold taller, all no avail. Weinberg's digitally enhanced watercolor and pencil cartoon illustrations are full of energy and movement. Readers turn the pages vertically to see how Harold measures up after each kooky scheme. Disappointment isn't all the sneaky snakes swallow, and they find a way to ride the roller coaster of their dreams. VERDICT An irreverent punch line adds surprise and a last belly laugh.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Tongue-in-cheek humor explores that age-old conundrum facing every child who is too short to ride some exciting attraction. Frank and Harold are best buddies enjoying a day at the fair. They are "slammin'! Ridin'! Spinnin'! Bouncin'!" But this fun cannot compare to that to be had on the Rattler, a big, twisty roller coaster that lights up their eyes and sets their hearts to racing. But to ride, they have to get past the pig in the bow tie and top hat with the measuring stick. Frank, a long, skinny, striped snake, has height to spare, but Harold, a short rattlesnake, does not. Suddenly the fair is not so much fun. But Frank won't give up on the dream of riding the Rattler together. While his first two plans faila disguise and stretching on the flying trapezehe still has one trick up his sleeveor is that down his gullet? (And it doesn't involve platform shoes.) Bright candy-colored watercolor, pencil, and digital illustrations capture the flavor of a fair, spots and double-page spreads used to great effect, and readers must rotate the book 90 degrees every time Harold tries to measure up next to an increasingly angry pig. Unfortunately, Weinberg never addresses the need for height requirements on amusement rides, even in an author's note, leaving readers feeling that the rule is arbitrary and can be circumvented. Humorously speaks to kids' frustrations but doesn't support rule-following. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
