Danger Guys

When an ``adventure store'' opens in the neighborhood mall, best friends Noodle and Zeek are among the first to check it out. The shop is ``set up like a jungle outpost. Tents and canteens. Flashlights and climbing ropes. Binoculars and boots.'' Also in evidence are two gruff, suspicious-looking men. After wandering into what appears to be a small room but is actually the back of a truck, the boys are launched on a wild escapade that lands them in a dark cave, where thieves (yes, the bad guys from the store) have abducted a husband-and-wife explorer team and are looting an ancient temple. But--relying on smooth moves and witty verbal exchanges--the resourceful duo manages to outsmart the thieves, rescue the couple and summon the police. Readers will happily overlook the sheer implausibility of it all--or Abbott's good-natured parody of the likes of Indiana Jones films (at one point a huge stone chases the boys through the temple). With its large type and brisk pace, this blithe caper is sure to snare youngsters who, like these heroes, are generally more inclined to search for adventure in the great outdoors than between the covers of a book. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 7-10. (May)