In this, her second early-chapter-book adventure (Roxie and the Hooligans, rev. 3/06), Roxie accompanies her best friend Norman and world-traveling Uncle Dangerfoot on what she thinks will be a beach vacation. Theres barely time for tea and crumpets before the complications start to accumulate. First, it turns out that Roxies former enemies, the four hooligans, have stowed away in Uncle Dangerfoots trailer. Then, at Windswept House, theres a mysterious widow in a veil with an equally mysterious baby; there are strange clanking noises in the night. It starts to make sense when the children discover the Blasto-Sonic-Liftomatic, a jet pack that Dangerfoot has invented and is testing while trying to keep it secret from Alfred Applejack III, the bad guy. The shenanigans ramp up, culminating in a kidnapping. When the action starts to spin out of control, Mrs. Tumbledry, the housekeeper, brings things back to earth (Whats the good of it, I ask you?A harness that pops up in the air is about as useful as a back pocket on a shirt). In pace and sensibility this is an old-fashioned Saturday morning cartoon: bouncy, jokey, good-natured, and mildly anarchistic. Pencil drawings capture the mood perfectly and add to a package that invites the newly independent reader to jump in with both feet. sarah ellis (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 2-4-Roxie Warble has had her fair share of trouble with a gang of bullies known as the hooligans. But ever since they joined forces and captured some ruthless bank robbers in Roxie and the Hooligans, a sort of detente has existed between them. Still, Roxie would much rather keep her distance from these irrepressible miscreants and is thrilled when her dashing uncle Dangerfoot invites her along on vacation. Her enthusiasm quickly fades when she discovers that the entire gang has managed to come along despite not being invited. It takes no time for the children to realize things are not as they seem at Buzzard's Roost; there is a creepy and secretive widow living at their vacation home, and they spy mysterious lights coming from a supposedly vacant house. Could any of this be related to Uncle Dangerfoot's new invention, the Blasto-Sonic-Liftomatic? Once again, Roxie and the ragtag group will be relied upon to save the day. VERDICT Master storyteller -Naylor (Shiloh) has delivered a charming sequel that is also a fine standalone.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In this sequel to Roxie and the Hooligans (2006), nine-year-old Roxie, best-friend Norman, and the hooligans Helvetia, Simon, Freddy, and Smoky Jo are now celebrities in their village of Chin-in-Hand after having thwarted bank robbers in the first book. But Roxie's ready for a break from the attention, and when her intrepid, world-explorer uncle Dangerfoot offers her and Norman a vacation at seaside Buzzard's Roost, she gladly accepts. But from the start, the house isn't the getaway they hoped for first, the Hooligans have invited themselves (and their havoc) along; then there's the unexplained noises and inscrutable owner of the house. Progressively, Roxie and her cohorts discover things and people aren't as they seem and learn her uncle is working on a secret invention that a dastardly and relentless competitor wants to pilfer. As events and mysteries unfold, dangers increase, culminating when a kidnapping requires a daring rescue, ingenuity, and some old-­fashioned cooperation for a satisfying resolution. Though most likely to resonate with series fans, the peppy characters, droll humor, and quirky atmosphere make for an undeniably enjoyable read.--Rosenfeld, Shelle Copyright 2018 Booklist