(4) 4-6 Gadgets and Gears series. Illustrated by James Hamilton. Walter and his faithful dog, Noodles (the narrator), enter London's underbelly to help new friends find the master criminal Tick Tock. Playful spot illustrations and interesting secondary characters (such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) draw readers in, but frequent definitions of terms, while educational, drag the pace of this third installment. Unexpected acts of kindness allow for a warm conclusion.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) 4-6 Gadgets and Gears series. Illustrated by James Hamilton. Seeking revenge after boy-genius Wally Kennewickett thwarted their previous plans (The Mesmer Menace), the evil Mesmers begin sabotaging the Kennewicketts' experiments. To put an end to the danger, the Kennewicketts, their staff of automatons, Nikola Tesla, and Noodles--the family dachshund and the book's narrator--board an airship for Europe to confront Iron Claw and Madini. A fast-paced steampunk adventure with humorous illustrations.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) 4-6 Gadgets and Gears series. Illustrated by James Hamilton. It's the early twentieth century, and Wally Kennewickett's genius parents are called away to stop the evil hypnotist Mesmers from controlling the minds of those in power. While they're away, the Mesmers infiltrate the Kennewickett inn/lab, and it's up to Wally, his dachshund Noodles, and the house automatons to stop them. Narrated by Noodles, the illustrated story is a lively steampunk escapade.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay