Scieszka (the Spaceheadz series) pulls in an array of scientific, cultural, and historical allusions and references-Einstein and Frankenstein, sure, but also James Bond, Edison vs. Tesla, the CERN particle collider, and more-in this first book in the Frank Einstein series, loosely based around the subject of matter. Not unlike Shelley-s Frankenstein, science whiz Frank is trying to animate a robot he-s built in his garage lab. Frank doesn-t succeed, but in one of the happy accidents that pepper scientific history (ahem, penicillin), Frank inadvertently lays the groundwork for the creation of two -self-assembled artificial-life- entities named Klink and Klank, fashioned from Shop-Vacs, Casio keyboards, and other mechanical detritus. The antimatter motor Frank whips up next for the science fair leads to a confrontation with his nemesis. Biggs-s (the Everything Goes books) two-color cartoons and diagrams run the gamut from silly to scientific, and the same holds true of Scieszka-s story. In refusing to take itself too seriously, it proves that science can be as fun as it is important and useful. Ages 8-12. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

Gr 3-5 Scieszka's latest novel centers on kid genius and inventor Frank Einstein and his two self-assembled robots, Klink and Klank. When Frank designs an antimatter motor flying bike to submit for Midville's Science Prize, his idea is stolenalong with Klink and Klankby his rival, T. Edison, and Edison's sidekick, Mr. Chimp, an actual chimp who communicates through sign language. But, with a bit of ingenuity, and a little help from his Grampa Al and his friend Watson, Frank is able to thwart Edison's plans and rescue the two robots. Sciezka writes in the present tense, creating a fast-paced read, and offers plenty of science facts for children. Biggs's cartoon drawings cleverly add to the story, particularly his illustrations of Mr. Chimp's sign language, which are seamlessly interspersed as dialogue throughout the text. Although not entirely original as a character, Frank is likable and resourceful, while Edison makes for a diabolical but predictable villain. However, children will enjoy the matter-of-fact Klink, affable Klank, and droll Mr. Chimp, all of whom provide the majority of the laughs in the book and inject some novelty into an otherwise standard story. With humor, straightforward writing, tons of illustrations, and a touch of action at the end, this book is accessible and easy to read, making it an appealing choice for reluctant readers. A solid start to the series. Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

Starred Review In this start to a new series, young Frank Einstein and his trusted pal Watson foil the dastardly plans of archnemesis T. Edison and his financial advisor, Mr. Chimp. Along the way, they rely on the material assistance of Frank's genius robot Klink and not-so-genius-but-affectionate robot Klank and the abiding support of Frank's Grampa Al. The high jinks begin at a school science prize competition and continue after Edison steals Frank's antimatter technology, ultimately leaving the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Scieszka soaks the narrative in real science, from a narrative structure built on the principles of scientific inquiry to throwaway jokes about apes and teeth. Literary allusions abound, including a principled invocation of Isaac Asimov's three laws of robotics as articulated in I, Robot. The busy book design features imagery on almost every spread; Biggs' full-page comic illustrations alternate with spot drawings, numbered scientific figures, diagrams, and blueprints. The clever use of typefaces adds to the visual appeal, with distinctive fonts for the two robots' dialogue and pictographic ASL hand letters for Mr. Chimp (with a key in the back). In the final analysis, this buoyant, tongue-in-cheek celebration of the impulse to "keep asking questions and finding your own answers" fires on all cylinders.

After a freak electrical storm, boy genius Frank Einstein wakes up to find two robots--Klink (a "self-assembled artificial-intelligence entity") and Klank (a "mostly self-assembled artificial almost [intelligent]" being)--in his lab. He hopes they'll help him win a science prize and save his grandfather's repair-shop business. The book features kid-friendly humor in spades, and an impressive amount of scientific know-how.