The cast is colorful and buzzing with kid-friendly jokes, including a larger-than-life share of the potty humor that, while not to many grownups’ taste, may keep young readers engaged. The invading alien species, headed by Lord Fartron, hail from Planet Cheeksqueak (courtesy of the Turdalert Galaxy), and their attitude problem stems from being made fun of due to their unusual shapes: they look just like “big floating butts.” Aptly nicknamed the “Buttastrophe,” the invasion has one objective: to pool their super forces and create a stinkbomb called The Megapoot, a superweapon that will destroy anyone who’s ever teased them before. But thanks to Norma, the plan backfires: her fondness for inventing new gadgets serves her and Superton well, and she masterminds her own secret weapon that saves the day.
Younger readers will revel in Svartz’s oddball humor and cartoonish illustrations, including diagrams that explain Norma’s inventions and fun extras, like a chart detailing all the things kids shouldn’t do (including hiding vegetables in napkins and puddle-jumping). The epiphany that Superton’s residents lose their special abilities just as Norma’s are needed makes an impression, and fart jokes aside, the story comes with a hefty message that “sometimes normal can be pretty super.”
Takeaway: A rollicking misadventure that highlights the power of being yourself.
Comparable Titles: Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants, Jo Nesbo’s Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
