Under the Sea with Googol and Googolplex

Carol L. MacKay is a children’s librarian living in Bawlf, Alberta.

Googol and Googolplex, inquisitive alien robots from outer space, are
back on Earth once again to continue on with their scavenger hunt. With
the help of their young human friends, Pippa and Troy, the robots manage
to complete their search for a tutu, two peacock feathers, and four sand
dollars, even with slight interference by Martin Kelly, Troy and
Pippa’s troublemaking neighbour.

Author/illustrator Nelly Kazenbroot has set up a storyline that has
great potential for a series of early chapter books. In each book, the
robots must find items from the scavenger hunt list in order to learn
more about Earth. But, unfortunately, there is very little tension or
suspense to carry the reader through the pages, as there is in other
chapter-book series like The Magic Tree House or Bailey School Kids.

Kazenbroot’s full-page pencil sketch illustrations break up the text
with visual interest and add detail to the characters. Laura Watson’s
colourful cover art is appealing and inviting. Interesting characters
like Googol and Googolplex, Martin, and Madame Myfanwy make Under the
Sea a pleasant read, but due to its lack of dramatic plotting it won’t
be devoured with the same urgency as some of the more successful early
chapter books. Recommended with reservations.