Kirkus Reviews QR Code
THE SNEAKIEST IN THE WORLD! by Ben Clanton

THE SNEAKIEST IN THE WORLD!

From the Tater Tales series, volume 3

by Ben Clanton ; illustrated by Ben Clanton

Pub Date: Oct. 28th, 2025
ISBN: 9781665964302
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Can Rot Poe Tater scare the snot out of Snot, his irritating big brother? Maybe with help from friends!

Tired of being the victim of his sib’s mischievous pranks, Rot, an anthropomorphic potato, is determined to turn the tables. Unfortunately, Snot seems to have eyes in the back of his head (no surprise, considering that he’s a potato), and even with a new pair of sneakers, Rot just can’t get the drop on him. Where can Rot learn to be even sneakier? Spy school, of course! Though Rot makes a hash out of lessons in keeping secrets and other spy skills, he finds classmates with complementary talents willing to help dish up a plan clever enough to startle the smirking older spud into a spectacularly gooey sneeze. And rather than mashing down his booger-blasted little bro, Snot gives him grudging props. Rot and pals rush to celebrate over a plate of only slightly slimed cupcakes (yum!), and the tale closes with a roguish final twist. The art, peeled down to the essentials and made with a mix of earth-toned paints, digital effects, and potato prints, adds to the episode’s air of mildly decayed charm.

Will draw more eyes than ever to the antics of this tuberous twosome.

(nature facts, pranking guidelines, drawing lesson) (Graphic fiction. 6-8)