Cold Cereal

Mythology and magic collide with breakfast cereal in this dry-humored adventure from Rex (Fat Vampire), first in a planned trilogy. When sixth-grader Scottish Play Doe—who understandably prefers to be called Scott—moves to the small town of Goodborough, N.J., a community dominated by the Goodco Cereal Company, he starts seeing imaginary creatures. One of them, a world-weary “clurichaun” (akin to a leprechaun) named Mick, claims sanctuary with him, explaining that he’s trying to escape Goodco, which stole his magic. Teaming up with his new friends—superintelligent Emily and practical Erno—Scott investigates the mystery that is Goodco, soon learning the awful and bizarre truth behind the company’s origins and success. With talking rabbit-men, Bigfoot, riddles, and clever riffs on cereal company advertising, it all makes for an intriguing if convoluted tale. Rex takes his magically delicious premise seriously, though, finding the thin line between absurdity and comedy, while giving this story more gravitas and depth than might be expected. The inherent oddities are further played up in Rex’s frequent illustrations, not all seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Writers House. (Feb.)