Mutant Bunny Island by Obert Skye (review)

Percy and his uncle Zeke share a love of the comic Ocean Blasterzoids; when Perry receives a package from Zeke with an SOS message written in Cephalopodian, the language of the strip's hero, he knows he's got to find his way to Bunny Island (the resort island where Zeke lives). A quick flight booked by his dad (who is thrilled just to see homebody Perry out of his bedroom) and a bag packed full of junk food (Bunny Island is vegan only) later, and Perry is off to save Zeke from what he believes must be trenchcoat-wearing newts, the bad guys in Ocean Blasterzoids. Zeke is indeed missing, as are several other residents of Bunny Island, but Perry's quest for clues points him more towards furry victims than slimy villains. Perry's narration is an oddly successful blend of naïveté and self-awareness, and he is fully accepting of his quirks regardless of anyone else's thoughts. The plot's careful balance between real and fantastical (it turns out souped-up carrot juice is transforming human residents into adorable rabbits) keeps the tension present but still light hearted, and the comically exaggerated take on tourist culture provides a bit of satire as well. Readers who like their mysteries wacky and weird will find Perry's jaunt to Bunny Island just the ticket. Final illustrations not seen. KQG