Popcorn Bob

In the Netherlands, nine-year-old popcorn lover Ellis has a talent: popping each kernel of microwave popcorn—“every single one.” When her school undertakes an eating campaign banning unhealthy food, though, her fathers place the family microwave in the shed, which she quickly claims for her “secret popcorn paradise.” Surprised at the appearance of a single large unpopped kernel and intent on her nosh, Ellis defies a key packaging rule—“Never put a kernel in the microwave twice”—sticking it in for a reheat. There, it sprouts limbs and a face, making a round of laughably absurd expressions on the rotating microwave turntable before donning a cowboy hat and boots, introducing itself as Popcorn Bob, and, to Ellis’s surprise and annoyance, demanding increasing amounts of food. Comedic hijinks and unlikely friendship ensue, punctuated by Popcorn Bob’s habit of exploding when angry. Ellis’s straightforward narration (“People who call me Ellis-the-Bellis don’t get any popcorn,” Rinck writes) pairs well with speech bubbles and Linden’s scratchy b&w art to create an amusing series starter that’s just right for young fans of the absurd. Ages 7–12. (Apr.)