The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy [Paperback]

Casey and Lacey Nicefolk return for their second adventure. We first met them in "Adventures of Vin Fiz" (2006). It's refreshing to see a writer of Cussler's stature extend the excitement of his adult novels to the preteen set. What a great way for parents to encourage their children to read. While mom and dad are poring over one of Juan Cabrillo's tales, their kids can be reading the same author right along with them. Brilliant!

After flying through the air in the Vin Fiz, Casey and Lacey Nicefolk are back for another adventure. Thanks to the help of Mr. Sucoh Sucop (hocus pocus spelled backward), the non-identical twins still have the magic box that transforms small toys or figurines into life-size objects. Although they had their hands full in their last adventure flying a replica of the Wright Brothers' Flyer, school is almost out and summer seems like just the perfect time for Casey and Lacey to have more fun!

A poster highlighting an upcoming boat race makes its way into Casey's hands, and he knows exactly what he and Lacey should do. The Gold Cup National Race is a powerboat endurance race up the Sacramento River to the state capital of California and then back down to the San Francisco Bay. Lacey is skeptical, but when Casey shows her a model replica of a famous powerboat, the Hotsy Totsy, Lacey agrees to the thrilling boat race. The Nicefolks' dog, Floopy, also thinks it's a great idea. He just loves wearing goggles and the feeling of fresh air blowing in his face.

After pushing the magic lever and wishing with all their might,Casey and Lacey magically create a life-size Hotsy Totsy and are ready to win a boat race! The twins decide the only way to enter the race is by sneaking in the night before. Their plan hits a snag, however, when they encounter the last person they ever wanted to see again: the Boss. Casey and Lacey managed to put the Boss and his henchman behind bars last time, but the Boss is out for revenge and he captures the twins and locks them in a cell on Alcatraz Island. The Boss has recently robbed a bank, and he and his henchman plan to escape with the money and leave Casey and Lacey behind.

The magical Hotsy Totsy, though, knows just what to do, and Floopy helps as the Hotsy Totsy sets out to rescue the Nicefolk twins. Casey and Lacey manage to escape thanks to Floopy and return in time to enter the boat race. The Boss may have let the twins slip through his fingers again --- but he isn't finished with them just yet!

Casey and Lacey enter the race at the last minute and soon find themselves in the midst of a high-speed adventure. The Hotsy Totsy passes one boat, then another, and eventually finds itself gaining on the leaders. The officials aren't too happy with a pair of kids and their dog participating in the race, but after the nation becomes captivated with the Nicefolk siblings, Casey and Lacey are allowed to continue. The Hotsy Totsy seems to have a mind of its own as it navigates the rough waters and builds speed to pass the other powerboats. Just when it seems like the Hotsy Totsy has a real shot at winning, the Boss shows up again; this time he's looking to get rid of Casey and Lacey --- for good!

Clive Cussler has built a huge following with his adult books, but younger kids will enjoy this latest installment in his children's book series. THE ADVENTURES OF HOTSY TOTSY combines Cussler's love of action, adventure, and magnificent boat workmanship. Although there are moments when the reader will need to suspend the realm of belief --- it's not too often 10-year-olds could get away entering a boat race --- the best moments come in the action sequences that thrive under the expertise of Cussler.

I am a fan of Clive Cussler and was surprised to see that he had written a children's book. So of course I had to read it. I was pleasantly surprised. He had all of the suspense of his adult books but at a child's level. The story line was easy to follow and very interesting. I would recommend this book to anybody with children or grandchildren. If they are able to read it themselves, I would let them. If not, I would read it to them. It could be read at one sitting but I think it would be better if done as a good night story. There isn't any monsters or real scary stuff in it. I now want to get his other children book, The Adventures of Vin Fiz. So get this book as soon as possible and enjoy a light hearted story for children that an adult can enjoy also.

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