Rise of the Balloon Goons: A Branches Book (The Notebook of Doom #1)

Monsters + Humor + Fun = THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches. Aimed at 5- to 7-year-olds, this line of books is for children who are just starting to read independently. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons--unique and twisted arm-waving balloon men! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illlustrations, and of course . . . monsters!

Troy Cummings has been drawing since he was a little kid. His illustrations have appeared in newspapers and magazines, on websites, on frozen-fish-stick packages, and in hospital waiting rooms. He has published two picture books so far: THE EENSY WEENSY SPIDER FREAKS OUT! and MORE BEARS! His third picture book, GIDDY-UP, DADDY! is due out in April 2013. THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM is his first early chapter book series. He lives in Indiana with his cat and family.