Gr 2-4-In the fifth entry in this popular series, Ricky Ricotta celebrates his birthday by battling General Jackrabbit, evil ruler of Jupiter, who has traveled to Earth to clone mutant dinosaur-jackrabbits. Along with his Mighty Robot, Ricky and his cousin Lucy outwit the Jurassic Jackrabbits, capture the villain, and still have time for birthday cake and ice cream. Special features include instructions on how to draw the characters as well as several "flip-o-rama" chapters that let readers animate the action. Large black-and-white cartoons appear on every page. This slight bit of silly fun will appeal to beginning chapter-book readers.-Doris Losey, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Tampa, FL Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

When General Jackrabbit arrives from Jupiter and clones some vicious monsters by mixing cells from dinosaurs and rabbits, it's up to a mouse and his robot to save the world (again). Although the plot is a bit more inventive and humorous than in previous Ricky Ricotta volumes, the cartoonlike drawings still overwhelm the slight story. Flip-book action and instructions for drawing the main characters are included.