Gizmo, an "Evil Genius" guinea pig, and his blissfully ignorant cohabitant/nemesis, corgi Wedgie, return in a standalone adventure centered on the school pet parade, the neighbor's pet pig, and (of course) Gizmo's plan to take over the world. Alternating chapters highlight the distinct and hilarious voices of the two pets. Scriptlike human dialogue and slapstick-filled spot illustrations add to the funny plot.

Wedgie, a slow-witted, exuberantly enthusiastic dog, and Gizmo, a conniving, Evil Genius guinea pig, share their newly blended household with Jasmine and Jackson, and their stepsib, Elliot.Wedgie, generating a little good-natured bathroom humor, lives in the moment, savoring Gizmo poop just as much as a stolen muffin. Gizmo is a schemer in this, their second adventure, as he finds a way to acquire a drone he can ride by simply ordering it on the internet. In another plotline, Jasmine is jealous of Elliot's trophies and is determined to get one of her own by winning a school pet contest with Wedgie. Pinkie, a pig that's just moved in, presents some competition, especially since Wedgie isn't much of a thinker and Pinkie knows plenty of tricks. Although Gizmo's thwarted in his scheme to shrink Wedgie and Pinkie in the dryer, the arrival of his drone offers new opportunities. Only Abuela, Jasmine and Jackson's elderly grandmother from Peru, is on to Gizmo's schemes, and she proves to be an enabler, bringing the drone to the pet contest so that Gizmo can create the havoc he aspires to, with Wedgie saving the day. The brief text is liberally sprinkled with Fisinger's lively illustrations, which depict this blended family as an interracial one.A silly and fast-paced adventure that's sure to appeal to pet lovers. (Fantasy. 7-10)

Gr 2-4Spunky corgi Wedgie and Gizmo, the genius guinea pig, are back for more entertaining exploits with their fun-loving blended family. The kids want to put their rambunctious dog in the school pet parade but Mom and Dad aren't totally on board. Wedgie's always rolling in stinky stuff and he's got quite the reputation for running amok in social situations. Plus, the neighbor's adorable, crown-wearing, itty-bitty pig, who may also be in the parade, is a major distraction for their goofy pooch. Then there's Gizmo, a computer-savvy cavy who is possibly trying to take over the world with his online shopping. Hopefully Abuela, the only family member who seems to understand the little critter, will keep an eye on him. VERDICT This fast-paced chapter book, with its delightfully amusing illustrations, is an inviting read for elementary kids who appreciate zany animal stories.Mary Jennings, Camano Island Lib., WA