{Review} Night Buddies and The Pineapple Cheesecake Scare

When pineapple cheesecakes start disappearing from the world's only Pineapple Cheesecake Factory across town, Crosley, a zany red crocodile, enlists the help of young John Degraffenreidt to straighten things out. In this adventure-fantasy, the unlikely pair sneaks out of John's house by becoming invisible, thanks to the I-ain't-here doodad Crosley uses from the bunch of whatchamacallits hanging on his belt.

On the way to the subway they get better acquainted, and John finds out the wacky reason Crosley is red, and also what happens if he gets any water on him. They get on the Night Folks Limited train and ride all the way to the Cheesecake Factory where they meet the giant manager, Big Foot Mae.

There is danger ahead, but the Night Buddies must stay with their "Program" (the Night Buddies word for Adventure) if the world's supply of pineapple cheesecakes counts for anything. And it surely does, especially to Crosley who is totally goofy about the things and never seems to get his fill.

Have you ever wanted a tool to make you invisible? Have you wanted a tool belt filled with wonderful whatchamacallits, to get you out of most situations? Have a reader who is just amazed that a book is filled with such tools? Then I want to share with you, Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheese Scare, by Sands Hetherington! This book was a great read, and held the attention of both my 3 and 5 year old, as we read the book each night at story time. A great journey and mission awaits your reading pleasure with a bright red crocodile and a young boy named John. I loved that my kids laughed and were fascinated by Crosley's belt of wonders. Who wouldn't want a "I-ain't-here-doodad?" My son told me all of the ways he would use the tool, and then explained that I wouldn't know that he was using it, as it would make him invisible! My boys couldn't wait to settle down in their pajamas, and see what would happen next in this adventure about pineapple cheesecakes disappearing!

As an adult I found the book entertaining, and at a level that I found humor right along with my kids. The book was an easy read, and the kids loved the main character John, who does not have a middle name! Each night we would read a few pages of the 128 page book, and made it a family event that each of us could enjoy as a family. The illustrations were fitting of the story, and help to imagine what John and Crosley looked like. I found that the "Crocodile Language," was slightly over the head of my two young boys, but it would be perfect for a young grade school reader. With fun expressions like "Excelsior" and "Yerk, Yerk," I couldn't help but giggle when both boys started using the phrases in their creative play. I highly recommend this book to readers young and old; as it was a great mystery, made use of colorful dialect, and explores what a friendship might be like with a crocodile.

Available wherever books are sold and online. For more information visit www.nightbuddiesadventures.com

*I was sent one copy of the book for my review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.