Soup's Uncle

This new entry in the long-running, popular Soup series is fast-moving but forced. Although all the previous stories featuring Robert Newton and his friend Soup were firmly grounded in place and time (Vermont in the '40s), this one telescopes the '40s, '50s and '80s into one unpleasant, mean-spirited satire. Where there was once a sense of mischief and fun, there is now double entendre and adult humor. The plot is far from childlike: Uncle Virus Burdock (a gross Harley-riding biker in search of moonshine) finds love with female biker ``Tacky.'' They marry in a bizarre ceremony presided over by her fellow Leatherette ``Gutterball.'' Particularly disturbing is Soup and Robert's taste of moonshine and visit to ``Swill's Hole'' (an illegal bar) with Virus. This is a real disappointment from a usually funny, accomplished author. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 9-12. (Nov.)