Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco!

Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco is the first title in a new graphic novel series about a group of pets who mistakenly consume some contaminated food which gives them superpowers. These pets relish their new abilities, creating costumes and new names: Dash is the dachshund with superspeed; Electrocatic is the cat who can strike lightening bolts; and Mind Fish is a goldfish who can move things with their mind, including riding their bowl on a skateboard. Together they become the Mighty Mega Pets. Desperate to join them is their fellow pet, Arthur the tortoise, who never got chance to eat the food.

The heroes set out to save the world against the Ruffians, led by the evil mastermind Guinea Big the guinea pig who aims to get his 'super substance' to all the animals in town, but along the way, they must overcome Enormouse and Spaghetti Bunny, two victims of Guinea Big's evil plan.

Filled with puns, hyperbole, and alliteration galore, this comic strip novel is a definite for fans of series like Dog Man, Bunny vs Monkey, and the Mega Pets' creator's own Julius Zebra. With humour, adventure, action, bright and vivid cartoon illustrations, danger and dastardly deeds and endearing heroes, (my personal favourite is Arthur, the tortoise, who despite being sidelined is vitally important to the success of the whole mission), this is a series which will capture readers’ imaginations and hearts.

224 pages / Reviewed by Natalie J McChrystal Plimmer

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco! is a lively, humorous graphic novel that is ideal for engaging younger readers, particularly those who may feel less confident with longer texts.

For teachers, this is an easy recommendation: the fast-paced plot, vibrant illustrations and accessible text help to build reading stamina and confidence, making it especially effective for reluctant readers. Pupils are more likely to read independently and for pleasure.

In the classroom, the book offers strong opportunities to develop comprehension through visual inference, sequencing and discussion of character reactions. It can also be used as a model for pupils’ own comic or narrative writing, supporting creativity while reinforcing key literacy skills.

224 pages / Reviewed by Rebecca Green, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Wowsers! Meet the Mighty Mega Pets! On an ordinary Wednesday morning Daisy the Dog, Ginger the cat, Bubbles the Fish and Arthur the Tortoise are eating their breakfast as usual when, 'FOOM!' - they suddenly gain freaky superpowers. At least, they all do except Arthur, who hasn't yet made it as far as his bowl. It must be something to do with the pet food . . .  But they aren't the only pets who have changed. Some have turned evil. Yikes! A giant rabbit with spaghetti arms is on the rampage in the middle of town and Guinea Big has become a super-baddy. It's up to the Mighty Mega Pets to run up some superhero costumes and save the day.

This zanily comic graphic novel parodies classic superhero stories with exaggerated slapstick, a classic megalomaniac villain and over the top showdowns - all inventively visualised through the cartoon illustrations. The script is clever too. It uses a sophisticated range of vocabulary but, as it's nestled within the familiar framework of illustrations and cartoon speech, it is easily accessible.

While the whole story is laugh-out-loud silly, it doesn't feel patronising or dumbed down. The first in a new series of super-fun stories, for super-fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Julius Zebra and Gary's comic strips in the Phoenix and the Beano.

224 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+