Burton and the Giggle Machine: Burton and the Giggle Machine - Softcover

Haas, Irene

9780671798970: Burton and the Giggle Machine: Burton and the Giggle Machine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0671798979 ISBN 13: 9780671798970

Publisher: Aladdin, 1996

When his "growl multiplier" invention fails to cheer up his friends, who are burdened with such problems as a skateboarding traffic ticket and an irrepressible puppy, Burton invents the ultimate picker-upper. Reprint.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-- In this charming sequel to Burton's Zoom Zoom Va-ROOM Machin e (Bradbury, 1990), the young hero wants to invent something to cheer up his three depressed friends. Tish fears that her parents will send her mischievous puppy away; Jonathan has repeated mishaps at school; Kevin is sent to juvenile traffic court for speeding on his skateboard. Thus, Burton Knockwurst creates a wacky ``giggle machine'' that causes uncontrollable laughter in anyone who steps into it. In the meantime, the unscrupulous Professor Savvy breaks into Burton's workshop; his dishonorable intentions are spoiled when he becomes helpless with the giggles and temporarily reforms. All ends happily as Burton's friends are able to work out their problems. Haas's characters are appealing in their eccentricity. The entire Knockwurst family marches to the beat of a different drummer--even their meals are humorously offbeat. Burton provides a strong example of initiative, creativity, and empathy. The plot is fast-moving and the ending satisfying, subtly imparting the message that while friendship is important, all must ultimately face their own problems. However, the book's biggest strength is the dry humor that permeates almost every page. Bobak's clever line drawings are fine complements to the text. --Jacqueline Rose, Southeast Regional Library, NC
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Professor Savvy has barely finished writing his promise--not to take anyone's invention ever again--100 times (Burton's Zoom Zoom Va-ROOM Machine, 1990) when he's back spying on Burton and his rocket-propelled skateboard. But though Burton can create clever gadgets to protect his family's inventions, he watches helplessly as friends Tish, Jonathan, and Kevin get bogged down in troubles arising from their own amusing pranks. Finally, the giggle machine emerges to cheer up the trio; but, meanwhile, the professor enrolls wily Merrill Frobusher in yet another plan. In the end, the giggle machine works brilliantly, both on Burton's friends and, to his humiliation, on Professor Savvy. At the end, Burton drifts off to sleep wondering what ideas a new day will bring, a welcome hint of further episodes. Haas's witty wordplay and robust sense of fun mingle with wise observations in this lighthearted adventure. The impressively industrious characters pursue ideas and feel the thrill of discovery, sending a powerful message that problem solving is hard work that can be both liberating and gratifying. (Fiction. 10-13) -- Copyright �1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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