(3) 4-6 Welcome to Wonderland series. Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy. The success of the movie filmed at the Wonderland in Beach Party Surf Monkey turned the previously failing motel into a tourist destination, even drawing royal guests in this third book. When Lady Pettybone's tiara disappears during the Sandapalooza contest, motel-owners' kid P.T. investigates with his friend Gloria. The breezy mystery includes red herrings and misdirected suspicions; black-and-white drawings capture quirky characters and the kitschy beach motel.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Welcome to Wonderland series. Illustrated by Brooke Allen. Middle schooler P.T. Wilkie lives with his mother and eccentric, ne'er-do-well grandfather in the family's Florida motel. In these first books, P.T. and new friend Gloria save Wonderland from foreclosure (Home), then pitch Wonderland as a film set to Hollywood bigwigs (Beach). Over-the-top goofiness, crazy schemes, and improbable action abound against a backdrop of the 1970s-kitschy motel. Comics-style art plays up the silliness. Review covers these Welcome to Wonderland titles: Home Sweet Motel and Beach Party Surf Monkey.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Welcome to Wonderland series. Illustrated by Brooke Allen. Middle schooler P.T. Wilkie lives with his mother and eccentric, ne'er-do-well grandfather in the family's Florida motel. In these first books, P.T. and new friend Gloria save Wonderland from foreclosure (Home), then pitch Wonderland as a film set to Hollywood bigwigs (Beach). Over-the-top goofiness, crazy schemes, and improbable action abound against a backdrop of the 1970s-kitschy motel. Comics-style art plays up the silliness. Review covers these Welcome to Wonderland titles: Home Sweet Motel and Beach Party Surf Monkey.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges