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A family of five gray Smurf-like creatures take a trip across fictional international borders in this read-aloud chapter book.
Back after their debut adventure in The Grod Family’s Christmas Lights (2022), the Grods are ready to go on a road trip. Their destination? The Land of the UltraSuper KiddyKarnival (USKK). From their home in the Far-Off Territory of the North, Mama and Papa Grod, Little Gordie, Sister, and Tommie take 6 days to reach their destination in their truck camper, Ol’ Big Bluester. They see all manner of wildlife as they travel southward and stop at the famous McNeil’s Eatery & Munchery chain before crossing over the border to the USKK: “Each morning after breakfast, the Grods would walk over to the USKK, little Gordie Grod in his stroller, and they would see the sights.” They spend their days going on rides and swimming at the motel pool before it’s time to journey back home. Their return voyage takes them through places like FlowerPowerTown, where they meet other creatures of their Unarainian heritage, and to meetings with big personalities like hitchhiker Martin de l’Heôtel. Yakimow’s meandering tale is a lively jaunt that’s light on plot. The comedic cast of characters work together to create a cohesive vision of a silly but heartfelt world that will still sometimes challenge readers’ suspension of disbelief when the veil grows thin between the “USKK” and the United States (complete with a Donald Trump–faced space creature), the “Far-Off Territory of the North” and Canada, and even “Unarainia” and Ukraine. Schultz’s artwork for this short chapter book is reminiscent of the Smurfs in terms of its indeterminate creatures, bright colors, and comic details. A short and amusing travel-themed chapter book for young readers looking for pure entertainment. - Kirkus Reviews |
