Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale
By: Chris Grabenstein
Genre: Young Readers
Summary:
The famous Mr. Lemoncello has decided to make plans for handing over the reigns of his vast empire. And in true Lemoncello fashion, the only way to find the successor is through a contest. The winner will be the one who will take over for Lemoncello. Let the games (and silliness) begin!!
Since his was 13 years old, Mr. Luigi Lemoncello has made his fortune in the games business. However, it grew to libraries, factories, a soon-to-be amusement park- just to name a few. But the day has come when he's decided to pass the baton. So, he holds a contest. 13 kids can get a Titanium Ticket. Of those 13, one will be the winner of it all! However, the contest isn't without it's bumps along the way.
Fans of the series will get a chance to visit with the beloved characters they've come to know (Kyle). They'll also get an unpleasant visit from the series least likeable character (We're looking at you, Charles). Not to mention get to meet some new kids to add to the mix.
Our 13 Titanium Ticket holders partake in scavenger hunts, brainstorming game ideas, challenges & math riddles. All the while, whittling the number down as they move through the contest. The stakes all change when they get the yet to be open to the public amusement park, Lemoncelloland. As each kiddo is given an individualized mission, they navigate the different lands and rides. All to be met with news that brings the contest to a screeching halt. Said news forces the remaining players to shift their focus.
Readers of this beloved and fun series will enjoy it's finale. It was entertaining to see each character reveal their true selves through the different games of the contest. Some players you were happy to see go, while others chose to live out their dreams in other areas. The teamwork you have come to love in the previous series installments is in this one, as well. Charles Chiltington is still up to his usual tricks- just as he's been throughout the series. But seeing the way they play out in this book was fun.
I loved meeting most of the new characters. There were some I wasn't sad to see not make it. As the characters navigate the challenges, you could really see who was a good fit and held the same spirit that Mr. Lemoncello himself had.
The ending wasn't all that unexpected for me, but it was still great. I felt it was the right call and spoke of Lemoncello's vision for his company, but his loyal customers. I'm sad to see the series end. It's always been one of my favorites just for how fun and creative they are. However, I look forward to seeing what Chris Grabenstein comes up with next.
