Calvin Coconut #9: Extra Famous
A lot of boys can easily identify with Calvin Coconut, a low-key kid with divorced parents, a younger sister, and a posse of neighborhood friends to hang with. His neighborhood, though, happens to be in Hawaii, and one of his friends has a movie director uncle who is looking for undead extras to appear in the zombie movie he is filming on a local beach. Lots of fun ensues, but in the end, though Hollywood has come briefly calling, Calvin is just a regular boy who spends the money he has earned on a new bike. Dependable and clearly written, the series gains great appeal from Rogers’ charming and expressive spot illustrations. Grades 3-5. --Karen Cruze