THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK

A bit of literary gossamer if ever there was one, the latest of the Worst-Case Scenario Handbooks offers perfunctory advice for readers unfortunate enough to be kidnapped by aliens, attacked by mummies, ghosts, vampires or zombies (“Don’t get cornered”), transported to ancient Rome or prehistoric times and like predicaments. Occasional tiny particles of actual folklore float amid the chaff and—except when they’re wrong (no, rats don’t carry plague, fleas do)—at least add traces of substance. The level of humor is relentlessly fourth grade, from “Werewolf! There wolf” to “If your friend’s bunk bed has a lid, avoid a sleepover at all costs!” Endowed with a lavender color scheme for the page borders and small cartoons that clash nicely with the chartreuse cover, this will catch the eye and likely draw a few yuks from susceptible young readers before drifting from view. (Semi-informational recreation. 8-10)