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Synopsis
Meet Scab McNally, a fourth grader with a mission. Part inventor, part daredevil, Scab is determined to let nothing get in the way of convincing his parents to let him buy a dog — especially his "smart times ten" twin sister, Isabelle.
When his newest invention, a sister-repellent spray (aka Isabelle's smell) becomes a hit with the guys, Scab hatches a plan. He'll earn enough selling Isabelle's smell to buy a dog, and then his parents will have to say yes, right? But one broken bottle of the megastinky concoction brings major disaster, not to mention a hazmat crew. Will Scab be able to set things right?
Children's Literature
In the first book of the "Secrets of a Lab Rat" series, fourth grader and budding inventor Scab McNally will do anything to persuade his parents to get him a dog. Unfortunately, Scab's irresponsibility and constant knack for getting into trouble are not winning him any points with his parents. When Scab perfects his latest invention, Isabelle's Smell, a sister-repellent spray named for his twin sister, all the boys at school want a bottle. Scab realizes that by selling Isabelle's Smell he will earn enough money to buy a dog on his own. When money starts rolling in and Scab is only a few sales away from having enough money to buy his dog, disaster strikes, hurting not only the entire school's nostrils but also his best friend and his sister. Despite Scab's bad behavior or perhaps because of it, readers will truly appreciate and enjoy his story. Filled with humorous illustrations and special tips from Scab to the reader, this story is guaranteed to entertain. This is a perfect book for reluctant readers, especially those who always seem to find themselves in trouble. Reviewer: Melissa Joy Adams