Glam Prix racers

The Glam Prix Racers--peach-skinned, red-haired mermaid Mio; bright green monster truck Mudwick; and their specialist teammates--are turbocharged and ready for the racing season to start on Glittergear Island. In this trilogy starter, which represents the first of three competitions for the Glam Prix Cup, the team competes against two other crews in various island realms. When the Vroombots hatch an evil plan to get ahead--stealing the Sparklecharge that gives the motor vehicles life and keeping it from the other teams--the racers must work together to conquer obstacles in creative ways. With ample nods to video games, including character cards filled with stats, an anthropomorphic cast, and the occasional hidden power-up, the plot zooms as easily as a supersonic "turbo-toot." Kent's quirky dialogue provides laughs while Hooson's cartoon artwork bursts with energy; together, the previous collaborators (the Snazzy Cat Capers series) blend the colorful, high-octane world of race car driving with a candy-coated lesson in friendship and perseverance. Ages 7--10. Agent (for author and illustrator): Gemma Cooper, the Bent Agency. (May)

Gr 2--5--On Glittergear Island, the Glam Prix racers face off against the Vroombots and the Cyclops Camper Crew, hoping to win the sparkling Glam Prix Cup. Each team must earn enough Sparklecharge to power their race cars, and the Vroombots make it clear that they have not come to play nicely. The three teams confront obstacles including aggressive bees, ogres, angry fairies, and more. Throughout the first race, the Glam Prix team struggles to stay gassed up with Sparklecharge, but they work together to make it across the finish line. Hooson's vibrant cartoons bring life to this graphic novel. Kent carefully crafts a team of racers to emphasize the importance of celebrating differences and working together. The team highlights skills such as speed, engineering, energy, tricks, and creativity, and each member proves to be critical to their success. Animated illustrations will appeal to a range of young readers who will find a character to relate to. Some characters are animals or robots; the humans are racially diverse. Each Glam Prix racer demonstrates the importance of adaptability, risk-taking, and perseverance as they face challenges along the way. VERDICT Perfect for fans of fantasy graphic novels.--Angie Jameson, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schs., OH