World-famous cupcake maker Gustavo Mustachio hasn't been seen in two weeks, and Mango and Brash, two alligators—wearing V.E.S.T. (Very Exciting Spy Technology) for their work with S.U.I.T. (Special Undercover Investigation Teams)—are dispatched to Gustavo's bakery, Batter Down, to find out more. Brash is level-headed, buoyant Mango can't resist puns and wordplay ("We're alligators. SNAPPY is what we do best!"), and both dive into toilets and travel through city sewers in service of the case. As the head scientist at the Science Factory across town prepares to announce a great discovery, a mysterious customer delivers a giant birthday cake from Batter Down, leading to the Science Factory's explosion and adding another facet to the mystery. Helicopters, many-armed gadgets, and wild schemes proliferate this graphic novel series opener as origin stories explain characters' behavior (and occasionally slow the story's frenetic pace). In high-intensity colors, straightforward panel artwork by Green (Hippopot­a­mister) offers plenty of slapstick gags to Brash and Mango's tale. Fast-paced fun for the bad pun and dorky joke crowd: "Now let's flush ourselves down the nearest toilet and GATER DONE!" Ages 7–10. (Feb.)

Gr 2–5—In the first installment of what promises to be a wildly successful graphic novel series, Green ("Kitten Construction Company") once again shows off his knack for pun-filled animal tales. Alligators Mango and Brash are friends and secret agents for S.U.I.T. (Special Undercover Investigator Teams), tasked with solving their first case: finding Chef Mustachio, who went missing just before he was about to unveil his latest concoction. These masters of disguise are off and running. But when there's an explosion at the Science Factory, the duo are asked to look into that mystery, too. No matter where they go, Mango and Brash blend in seamlessly with humans who somehow never notice that they are interacting with alligators who sport vests outfitted with gadgets. Jokes, especially visual puns ("Badges?" "We're not badgers, we're alligators!") and toilet humor, come fast and furious, and the clean, simple cartoon art and paneled layout are easy to follow. Kids who are tickled by Green's irreverent humor will appreciate the drawing tips that conclude the book. VERDICT Like the heroes of Dav Pilkey's "Dog Man" or "Captain Underpants," the Investigators are bound to resonate with kids.—Nancy McKay, Byron Public Library, IL