Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot (Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot #1): Volume 1

We love Dave Pilkey - and this is a kinder and gentler series of book compared to Capt. Underpants. If Capt Underpants was just a bit too "potty humor" for you, or the reading level was a tad above your child - then Ricky Ricotta is right up your alley. The stories are not so "potty" oriented, and thus a bit more wholesome. The word selection is a bit easier and the chapters a bit shorter than Capt Underpants, so it is a good choice for the early chapter book reader. The stories are not exactly fascinating to me, but they are funny enough, and with enough "action" to keep the interest of my 7 year old son. I think this is most appropriate for 1st-2nd grade. The next step up in difficulty would be Capt. Underpants.

Dav Pilkey has my son hooked! After thoroughly enjoying Pilkey's series of Dragon books, we went in search of more of his works. My son (6) loved the Dragon Tales so much I was concerned that nothing could beat it. I was wrong, Ricky Rocotta and his Mighty Robot make bedtime an adventure. We have finished the series, but I'm sure once my son becomes an independent reader he'll enjoy them all over again!

This is a great set of books for children who are past the "easy" reading books and need to move on, but not at chapter book level. My son loves this series. He couldn't put it down and laughed through them. I wish there were more Ricky Ricotta's books written. Highly recommended!

At age 7, my son had mastered the basics of reading and refused to touch those step into reading books anymore because he thought they were boring. This book is great for readers who are in the transition of stepping up to chapter books. It is an easy,and interesting enough a book that my son can, and wants to, read it by himself in bed. While he loved Captain Underpants, he found many of the words and concepts (like "reverse psychology") a little difficult to grasp alone so that book needed adult help. Ricky Ricotta gave him confidence because he could easily read it ,and yet it wasn't a "baby" book. I also find that most early chapter books are written with the female reader in mind. This one isn't.

Thank you, Dav, for providing us with a new series of books to look forward to. When my children were little, I made it a habit to read all books prior to giving them to my children to read, to make sure they were appropriate. I do the same for my grandchildren now. I fell in love with Captain Underpants and the Dumb Bunnies, and now I have Ricky Ricotta and his giant robot to look forward to. My 5-year old grandchild, who will start school this September, loves this new book. He was absolutely fascinated with the illustrations, and has spent many hours copying the pictures of Ricky and the robot. He says that when he starts school if someone starts to bully him, he will remember how Ricky handled it and not be afraid. Keep up the good work, Mr. Pilkey and Mr. Ontiveros. Kids today need these kinds of heroes.