Spy Toys by Mark Powers (review)

Dan, a Snugaliffic Cuddlestar teddy bear, was "born" in the factory of Snaztacular Ultrafun, the world's largest toy manufacturer, but he has a unique defect—a faulty snuggle chip that makes his hugs deadly. When his disassembly becomes the only fiscally appropriate option for the megacorporation, Dan finds himself on the run, along with a rag doll with a bit of a mean streak and a policebot disguised as a rabbit. In a world filled with sci-fi charm and humor, the author sets these three unlikely rogues on an adventure to protect the young son of Senator Spinks from the Army of Mascots, a criminal organization of genetically engineered former corporate mascots led by half-elephant, half-human Rusty Flumptrunk. While the plot has the familiar illogic of slapstick sci-fi (would sentient but malfunctioning toys really be the best option to protect the son of a senator, and is Dan a hero or just furry muscle?), the writing is clever and the action-packed pacing makes for swift page turning. Zippy black and white line drawings add visual comedy and carry much of the storytelling weight. An alternative take on the logic of Toy Story, this is a toys-come-alive story with a satirical twist and an entertaining edge. WJ