The Carbon-Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable Enviroteens by Andrew Martlew

Allen & Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760526122.
(Age: 10-13) Cover indicates the author as: First Dog on the Moon. This is a nonsensical adventure that is a cross between a cartoon spoof adventure and a 'wimpy kid' exploration of climate change. At no stage is it a serious attempt to address a grave issue, rather it is sheer nonsense with 'heroes' that variously use baked goods to inspire their super-powers, are animals with quirks that defy description and have skills that enable them to create machines with impossible qualities. One might almost imagine that the author was having his own environmental meltdown when he wrote this weird and whacky cartoon story. With language that has been comedically created, villains that are almost insane, and illustrations that are naive and silly, there are moments when this book is almost cleverly absurd and other moments when it is just inane. Young readers may find some joyous humour amidst the chapters, despite the fact that Chapter 3 goes missing and must reappear later in the book in a cameo appearance.
Although there is some vocabulary that will challenge some young readers, mostly this is just a written cartoon with word play woven around an important theme. Some of the humour is actually quite clever and will fly over the heads of a young reader, but older discerning readers will recognise the ironic amidst the idiocy.
Readers aged 10-13 may find this spoof appealing. Themes: Climate Change; Comedy.
Carolyn Hull