Never Insult a Killer Zucchini
Written by Elana Ezose and Brandon Amancio
Illustrated by David Clark
The setting is a science fair and the participants are exceptional. Each and every project is unusual, advanced, and possibly impossible. There are twenty-six projects in total, one for each letter of the alphabet. But each project also represents a basic concept in physics, concepts that explained in detail in the last pages of this fun book. Some of the projects are not only possible but currently in use in some form. From Antimatter and the Bionic Limb to the Youth Serum and Zero Gravity, Mr. Farnsworth must judge them all. The Killer Zucchini comes in at “K,” where Mr. Farnsworth threatens to put ranch dressing on it. AT “D,” the student is eager to demonstrate his Doomsday Device. At “M,” the Mind Control project receives a promise from Mr. Farnsworth for first prize.
The cartoon-style illustrations are wonderful and detailed. They help to make this a delightful experience.
Second graders can read the main text with a little help and can learn a little physics along the way, especially with the help of the explanations. Older students can use this as an introduction to many of the concepts presented. All in all, a fantastic way to spur interest in science.
Title: Never Insult a Killer Zucchini- Author: Elana Ezose and Brandon Amancio
- Illustrator: David Clark
- Published: Charlesbridge, February 9, 2016
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
- Grade Level: 2 to 4
- Genre: Early reader, Science, Humor
- ISBN: 978-1-58089-618-4
