Frankenslime

Taking cues from classic fright films, Keller introduces “slime scientist” Victoria Frankenstein, who is Black. Bored with her past successes, STEM-inclined Victoria and her trusty pup sidekick, Igor, concoct never-seen formulations that local kids line up for, including rainbow cloud slime and a glow-in-the-dark zombie slime. But when inspiration—and lightning—both strike one night in Victoria’s attic lab, she and Igor have to flee their latest oozing creation, yelling “IT’S ALIVE!” Luckily, the new monster, more helpful than hellish, joins Victoria’s experiment team. Belote fills scenes with humorous details, including beaker labels and lists that appear on Victoria’s blackboard wall. Horror movie–flavored suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and young scientists will appreciate the slime recipes included in the back matter. Ages 4–7. (July)