Fizzopolis: The Trouble with Fuzzwonker Fizz

Ten-year-old Harold Fuzzwonker gets a crash course in the underground world of Fizzopolis, populated by furry/goopy creatures called Fizzies that were accidentally created by Harold’s father, an absentminded inventor responsible for a soda that “makes the longest burps in the history of ever.” This is the print debut for animator/director/producer Sheesley, and it’s a successful pairing: Carman’s story has the rapid pace and joke-dense writing of a Nickelodeon cartoon, which is precisely the vibe conjured by Sheesley’s frenzied b&w artwork. Burp jokes and slapstick abound as Harold brings an unpredictable Fizzy named Floyd to school, all building to a somewhat abrupt ending that suggests that corporate shenanigans await in the next book. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Susan Schulman, Susan Schulman Literary Agency. (Mar.)