The fourth book in this exciting new chapter-book series from the bestselling creator of Captain Underpants! Ricky Ricotta and his best friend, an amazing, giant flying robot, save the world from an invasion of massive mutant mosquitoes from Mercury. Grade 2-4-In their fourth adventure, young mouse Ricky and his super-robot friend battle the evil Martian villain Major Monkey. After decoying the Mighty Robot to Mars with a fake distress call, the simian fiend plans to take over Earth with the aid of his giant metallic Mecha-Monkeys. It's up to Ricky to travel to the red planet and release the robot in time to save the world once more. Pilkey's special brand of deadpan humor highlights the off-the-wall plot. The brief, easy-to-read text and Ontiveros's black-and-white cartoon illustrations strike just the right note of mock heroism. The "Flip-O-Rama" activity pages add to the comic-book effect. This science-fiction romp should have strong appeal to reluctant readers as well as those just making the transition to chapter books. Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. Praise for the Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot series: "An adventure story with great appeal . . . With barely more text than a long easy-reader, this title will be a heaven-sent choice for kids with reading difficulties." - School Library Journal "It's easy to see how Pilkey's high-action, easy-reading chapter novel with a comic book feel would appeal to younger readers . . . Silly good fun." - Kirkus "Newly independent readers and Pilkey fans alike will not be disappointed by this humorous ride." - School Library Journal "Aimed at a younger audience than the wildly popular Captain Underpants books, this series opener has all the classic Pilkey hallmarks..." - Booklist "Considered one of the most popular contemporary authors for readers in elementary school, (Dav Pilkey) is also regarded as a talented artist and inventive humorist as well as a subtle moralist. ...He underscores his works--even at their most outrageous--with a philosophy that emphasizes friendship, tolerance, and generosity and celebrates the triumph of the good-hearted." -The Educational Book & Media Association Dav Pilkey is the Caldecott Honor Award-winning creator of more than 40 books for children.