In her first graphic novel, Rusch (Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World) introduces middle-school student Max Dredge, who discovers that coming into contact with mud gives him superstrength, invisibility, an enhanced intellect, and other abilities. But the more he indulges in this mucky miracle, the more the mud refuses to let him go. Max-s -neat freak- parents, who have forbidden him from getting muddy for this very reason, begin to sense that something is wrong when his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Meanwhile, Max grows suspicious of what his parents aren-t telling him and traces various clues to a swamp outside town. Despite the potential for a superhero comic built around mud (as evidenced by Paul Grist-s somewhat similar Mudman series), elements of the plot strain an already contrived premise (such as Max-s friend-s implausible technological capabilities, as well as the book-s resolution). Colored in appropriately dull browns and grays, Lawrence-s sequential art tries to play up the story-s goofy sensibility and tone, though the mud itself can read more like watery chocolate than viscous muck. Ages 7-12. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Aug.)-

Gr 2-6 Despite living in a marsh, Max's parents are obsessed with cleanliness. Only when he is pushed into mud by a bully and discovers that mud gives him superpowers does he understand his soil scientist parents' reasoning. As he learns to use his new abilities, he has some predictable but fun adventures: saving a school bus full of his classmates, defeating a bully, and winning a soccer game. What shines in this engaging graphic novel is the relationships, especially the development of Max's family relationships. The full-color artwork is laid out in a traditional style with a variety of sized panels and page layouts. Similarly, the art itself is not groundbreaking, but very well done and appealing for an elementary school audience. An afterword further elaborates on some of the science of mud and encourages children to try their own experiments. The mix of adventure, humor, likable characters, and strong family dynamics will resonate with kids. Readers will be happy to see the obvious setup for a sequel. Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK