PLANTZILLA GOES TO CAMP

This epistolary follow-up to Plantzilla (2002) sends nerdy young Mortimer to Camp Wannaleaveee, where the customary encounters with bugs and a bully occasion the expected plea for parental rescue. Unfortunately, the parents are off on a “free” trip to an island resort—so into the breach steps Mortimer’s overgrown, beloved (and carnivorous) tropical plant which, rather thinly disguised in Groucho glasses, soon undulates off the bus to become a camp counselor extraordinaire. Catrow goes all out in the art, crafting wildly busy outdoor scenes through which Plantzilla’s huge prehensile fronds, and sinuous stalks capped by the odd mouth or eye, weave menacingly as children obliviously frolic and the bully gets gentle, but firm, correction. In the end, Mortimer and his tamed nemesis part as best of buddies, while Plantzilla stays happily behind. Fans of Allan Sherman’s classic ditty “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah,” recently recast into print (2004, illustrated by Jack E. Davis), will camp out around this cousin. (Picture book. 6-8)