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Nick and Tesla #5
Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular: A Mystery with Animatronics, Alien Makeup, Camera Gear, and Other Movie Magic You Can Make Yourself!
What do a pair of kid inventors with a knack for science and electronics do when Hollywood comes to town? Why save the day, of course!
In Nick and Tesla’s Special Effects Spectacular , 11-year-old siblings Nick and Tesla Holt find themselves on the set of a big-budget superhero movie. But someone’s sabotaging the onscreen debut of their favorite comic book hero, so the brother and sister sleuths must crack the case with the help of a fresh assortment of homemade special-effects gadgets. This cinematic saga features instructions for all-new movie magic projects that kids can build themselves, such as camera gear, stunt dummies, make-up magic, and more. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!
“How do you connect students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) with fiction reading? Look for science adventures. Get started with the Nick and Tesla series. Each book contains an engaging adventure revolving around a ‘build-it-yourself’ science project.”— Teacher Librarian
“Real project blueprints are included along with this tale of 11-year-old siblings who create outrageous contraptions and top-secret gadgets.”— Los Angeles Times
In Nick and Tesla’s Special Effects Spectacular , 11-year-old siblings Nick and Tesla Holt find themselves on the set of a big-budget superhero movie. But someone’s sabotaging the onscreen debut of their favorite comic book hero, so the brother and sister sleuths must crack the case with the help of a fresh assortment of homemade special-effects gadgets. This cinematic saga features instructions for all-new movie magic projects that kids can build themselves, such as camera gear, stunt dummies, make-up magic, and more. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!
“How do you connect students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) with fiction reading? Look for science adventures. Get started with the Nick and Tesla series. Each book contains an engaging adventure revolving around a ‘build-it-yourself’ science project.”— Teacher Librarian
“Real project blueprints are included along with this tale of 11-year-old siblings who create outrageous contraptions and top-secret gadgets.”— Los Angeles Times
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
16 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Bob Pflugfelder
11 books31 followersScience Bob is an award winning teacher and television personality with a mission to share the amazing world of science. Through his website, television appearances, and now a series of books coauthored with Steve Hockensmith, Bob shows that science is fun, accessible, and inspiring. Bob has shared his love for science as a regular on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live With Kelly & Michael, and the Dr. Oz Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 4, 2015
The latest Metalman superhero film is being filmed in Half Moon Bay, and DeMarco’s aunt is a producer. However, the set visit she arranges for Nick, Tesla, DeMarco, and Silas leads the four friends to believe someone is trying to sabotage the film. Can they figure out who?
This is a fun mystery with great clues and red herrings. The characters could be a tad better, but the middle grade audience certainly won’t care. I didn’t at that age. There are also instructions for projects to build later, including zombie make up. What more could kids want?
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a fun mystery with great clues and red herrings. The characters could be a tad better, but the middle grade audience certainly won’t care. I didn’t at that age. There are also instructions for projects to build later, including zombie make up. What more could kids want?
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 19, 2015
I hadn't realized I hadn't written a review! Well, at least I caught that. First, my thanks to Quirk Publishers for sending me an ARC to read. That had no influence on my opinions here. I do enjoy this series. It is fun to see science used as the basis of dealing with their adventures, and it is also great to see a girl as scientifically knowledgeable, or more so, than her brother. This being an ARC, the illustrations were left out which would have been helpful to see. That might have moved my rating up a bit, but I doubt it. The story was a little weak. This is clearly gearing up for the twins to start investigating in a big way what is going on with the absence of their parents so was rather serious in a way that others have not been. I rather wished we had seen a bit more of the kooky uncle in this book, but oh well. Maybe in the next one. There was nothing specifically wrong with this book. The mystery was the weak part of the story. The main characters doing the detecting were as fun as ever. I'm looking forward to the next book! This one comes out May 5th so I do recommend reading it at that time!
April 26, 2015
I have read every book in this series. Originally I got the first book for my nephews thinking this might be a book they would like. Well it ends up that I have fallen in love with this series just as much as them. I have grown very close to Nick, Tesla, their Uncle Newt, and their friends. Each of the mysteries that they find themselves solving is crazy fun. Nick and Tesla have solved several mysteries now so they are really getting better at solving them quickly.
However for some reason I could not get into this story as much as I have the other ones. While I did like the different setting. The mystery this time did not pull me in. It felt like the story either was fast paced by this I mean (glossed over with details off the antics) or not enough detail was spent on the mystery. Although I still enjoyed seeing how Nick, Tesla and their friends solved the mystery. There are some cool gadgets to build in this book. I do look forward to reading the next book in this series.
However for some reason I could not get into this story as much as I have the other ones. While I did like the different setting. The mystery this time did not pull me in. It felt like the story either was fast paced by this I mean (glossed over with details off the antics) or not enough detail was spent on the mystery. Although I still enjoyed seeing how Nick, Tesla and their friends solved the mystery. There are some cool gadgets to build in this book. I do look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 2, 2015
I'm really not a fan of character ensemble stories, and prefer the author choose one character (or two at the most) through whose eyes the story unfolds. Flitting back and forth between characters hinders character development, and distances the reader from any emotional connection. It was difficult keeping the different characters straight, and their voices all sounded similar. It's obvious the author was more concerned with incorporating STEM into his narrative than producing a compelling story. The projects scattered through the book could be cool, although most of them require adult supervision and/or assistance. I'd rather see projects that a kid could make on his/her own.
June 16, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is indeed a good book for kids who love film making with special effects. Absolutely adored the DIY projects that parents should do with their kids. Great story, great projects, great characters and an excellent story.
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April 5, 2015Probably my least favorite in the series :(
July 15, 2015
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August 25, 2018
Twins Nick and Tesla Holt get involved with a mystery on the set of a movie their friend’s aunt is producing. Lots of fun and action as we follow the kids and learn about filmmaking as well as their zany intentions. The book includes instructions for Super-Stable Camera-Steady Rig, Amazingly Astonishing Animatronic Reachy-Grabby Robo-Arm, Nearly Human Homemade Stunt Dummy, Horrifyingly Horrible Alien Zomboid Makeup, Superheroic Grappling Hook and Wrist Launcher. With 15 chapters and 250 pages (and the 5 projects), the book would have benefitted from a Table of Contents.
July 22, 2021
My older boys enjoyed this series when they were little, but we never finished it with them. Now boy #3 has been reading them and he's enjoyed them all. It's definitely meant for younger readers and it can feel a little slow, but they are cute and imaginative in their bringing technology into a form readers can love and vice versa. #3 loves looking over the plans to make each gadget Nick and Tesla use.
June 15, 2018
After reading this book, I finished the Nick And Tesla series. I did go completely out of order though. I did manage to figure the story out. I really did enjoy this series, and recommend it a lot.
November 15, 2017
In this book, Nick and Tesla try to stop a vandal who is ruining a movie that their friends like and want to see. Can they find the vandal? Could it be someone who is helping?
March 5, 2021
Jak i poprzednie części, książka pełna ciekawych konstrukcji dla dziecka z zagadką do rozwiązania. Czyta się to przyjemnie i czeka na kolejną część.
September 3, 2015
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
Nick and Tesla are a brother sister duo who have a knack for science, electronics, and solving mysteries. When a Hollywood production rolls into town helmed by their friend DeMarco's aunt, the kids are giving a behind-the-stage pass to visit. However, someone appears to be sabotaging the film and it is up to Nick, Tesla, DeMarco, and movie-obsessed Silas to find out who.
Starting a series on book five has some serious pitfalls. For example, by this point in the story the characters have been established, which means that although there was a tad bit of backstory, there were times when I was confused as to who was who. Add to that some references to previous books, missing parents, and an absentee Uncle, and I felt like I was definitely starting at a deficit. Seriously, what is going on with the parents? And side note, I absolutely hate these kid's names. It's like naming your twins Marco and Polo or Edgar and Allen. ugh.
This story had a lot of great examples of how movies are actually made. There is a ton of lingo, information about special effects, steadicams, makeup, and even how movie contracts work. Within the book are five different projects that readers can work on that are directly correlated to the stories plot. There is also a lot of emphasis tied to science and technology and a great deal of care in making this book relateable to both girls and boys.
I did think the mystery was a bit weak, but it was a fun adventure so there was that. As a geek, I was a bit annoyed with the portrayal of the comic book store geeks who were protesting the movie shoot as they were the usual cast of stereotypes. Of course, our plucky heroes weren't like those geeks at all, even though they have their own obsessions going on. Like Silas, their filmmaking obsessed friend who seems to know everything about special effects and B-grade movies.
All in all, a fun little adventure for those who love filmmaking or project building, or both.
Nick and Tesla are a brother sister duo who have a knack for science, electronics, and solving mysteries. When a Hollywood production rolls into town helmed by their friend DeMarco's aunt, the kids are giving a behind-the-stage pass to visit. However, someone appears to be sabotaging the film and it is up to Nick, Tesla, DeMarco, and movie-obsessed Silas to find out who.
Starting a series on book five has some serious pitfalls. For example, by this point in the story the characters have been established, which means that although there was a tad bit of backstory, there were times when I was confused as to who was who. Add to that some references to previous books, missing parents, and an absentee Uncle, and I felt like I was definitely starting at a deficit. Seriously, what is going on with the parents? And side note, I absolutely hate these kid's names. It's like naming your twins Marco and Polo or Edgar and Allen. ugh.
This story had a lot of great examples of how movies are actually made. There is a ton of lingo, information about special effects, steadicams, makeup, and even how movie contracts work. Within the book are five different projects that readers can work on that are directly correlated to the stories plot. There is also a lot of emphasis tied to science and technology and a great deal of care in making this book relateable to both girls and boys.
I did think the mystery was a bit weak, but it was a fun adventure so there was that. As a geek, I was a bit annoyed with the portrayal of the comic book store geeks who were protesting the movie shoot as they were the usual cast of stereotypes. Of course, our plucky heroes weren't like those geeks at all, even though they have their own obsessions going on. Like Silas, their filmmaking obsessed friend who seems to know everything about special effects and B-grade movies.
All in all, a fun little adventure for those who love filmmaking or project building, or both.
February 22, 2015
Nick and Tesla are still staying with their Uncle Newt while their parents are off on a trip. The twins worry that their parents are actually involved in something dangerous, but don't know what to do about it. Nick distracts himself by researching wireless power transmission. Tesla throws herself into solving any mysteries or problems that come along. She and Nick have been helping their new friends, Silas and DeMarco, with the superhero movie they are filming, "Bald Eagle: The Legend Takes Flight." The brother and sister have already created a robo-arm, a stunt dummy, and a grappling hook for the movie, but now Silas needs something to keep the camera from jiggling during shots. Tesla has the idea to create a homemade Steadicam rig. While they are watching Silas use their latest invention, DeMarco's Aunt Zoe comes by and takes all the kids to the movie set where she is a producer. Aunt Zoe is working on an actual superhero movie, "The Stupefying MetalMan." Things are not going well on the set. There have been scenes leaked on the Internet; the lead actor seems to have forgotten how to act; someone is pulling pranks that are ruining scenes...it seems like the whole thing is jinxed. Can the kids figure out what is really going on and save the movie - and Aunt Zoe's job?
The story actually shows a lot about how movies are made, all the people who work on them, and the problems with security during filming. It also includes all the instructions for creating your own grappling hook and wristlauncher, Steadicam rig, alien zomboid makeup, or robo-arm. This series is great for readers who enjoy making inventions or solving mysteries. If I had read them as a kid, I know I would have bugged my parents to help me gather up all the supplies and make each one of the gadgets. :-)
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The story actually shows a lot about how movies are made, all the people who work on them, and the problems with security during filming. It also includes all the instructions for creating your own grappling hook and wristlauncher, Steadicam rig, alien zomboid makeup, or robo-arm. This series is great for readers who enjoy making inventions or solving mysteries. If I had read them as a kid, I know I would have bugged my parents to help me gather up all the supplies and make each one of the gadgets. :-)
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 16, 2015
My thoughts on the series:
This is a lot of fun. I am way out of the target age range, but I enjoyed the stories. Middle-grade detectives, crazy scientist uncle, and international intrigue all converge. The projects are the type that kids in the target group will enjoy—my (bright) third-grader can’t wait to try some out. The illustrations could be clearer for the technically inept such as myself. However, there are videos available, as well as other cool information, at http://www.nickandtesla.com . It’s an entertaining website—fun even if you don’t have the books. Overall, though, the instructions are fairly clear and the parts needed are not too exotic. The earlier books give Radio Shack part numbers—alas, Radio Shack is no more.
The characters themselves range in believability. Nick and Tesla interact like real children. Other characters are more stereotypical, stock characters. However, the intended audience is not generally looking for sophisticated literary material. The characters, overall, are entertaining. There could be more female characters—beyond Tesla, the female characters tended to be minor. There are characters of color.
Possible objectionable material:
Squeaky clean, no cursing. Some perilous situations, kids sneaking out at night, and somewhat oblivious adults.
Who would like these books:
Kids with an interest in science and inventing, and their adult helpers. Fans of mysteries, adventure, and spy stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance reader e-books.
Details on the series at my blog: www.bibliouquacious.com
This is a lot of fun. I am way out of the target age range, but I enjoyed the stories. Middle-grade detectives, crazy scientist uncle, and international intrigue all converge. The projects are the type that kids in the target group will enjoy—my (bright) third-grader can’t wait to try some out. The illustrations could be clearer for the technically inept such as myself. However, there are videos available, as well as other cool information, at http://www.nickandtesla.com . It’s an entertaining website—fun even if you don’t have the books. Overall, though, the instructions are fairly clear and the parts needed are not too exotic. The earlier books give Radio Shack part numbers—alas, Radio Shack is no more.
The characters themselves range in believability. Nick and Tesla interact like real children. Other characters are more stereotypical, stock characters. However, the intended audience is not generally looking for sophisticated literary material. The characters, overall, are entertaining. There could be more female characters—beyond Tesla, the female characters tended to be minor. There are characters of color.
Possible objectionable material:
Squeaky clean, no cursing. Some perilous situations, kids sneaking out at night, and somewhat oblivious adults.
Who would like these books:
Kids with an interest in science and inventing, and their adult helpers. Fans of mysteries, adventure, and spy stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance reader e-books.
Details on the series at my blog: www.bibliouquacious.com
May 6, 2016
This was a great continuation of the Nick and Tesla series. I enjoy the humor and mystery in these books as well as how creative Nick and Tesla are.
Some of the projects/experiments in this book are more approachable than in previous books. While there are a couple more complicated experiments; there are others that would be quick and fun to do and require minimal parental assistance. However, keep in mind most of these projects do require a parent to help.
The main story in this book is wrapped up nicely, however the over arcing story doesn’t make much progress. There are some tidbits about Nick and Tesla’s missing parents at the beginning and then at the end of the book. This has kind of become the norm for this series and it’s getting a bit frustrating. I would really like to see the main story make some good progress on the whole missing parents issue.
I did enjoy the movie production setting for this story. It was a neat (if pretty light) look at movie production and ways kids can get into that on their own.
Overall this was a great continuation of this series. It’s a fun mystery read with some science, some humor, cute illustrations throughout, and some neat experiments/projects. I would recommend to middle grade readers who like mystery and science.
Some of the projects/experiments in this book are more approachable than in previous books. While there are a couple more complicated experiments; there are others that would be quick and fun to do and require minimal parental assistance. However, keep in mind most of these projects do require a parent to help.
The main story in this book is wrapped up nicely, however the over arcing story doesn’t make much progress. There are some tidbits about Nick and Tesla’s missing parents at the beginning and then at the end of the book. This has kind of become the norm for this series and it’s getting a bit frustrating. I would really like to see the main story make some good progress on the whole missing parents issue.
I did enjoy the movie production setting for this story. It was a neat (if pretty light) look at movie production and ways kids can get into that on their own.
Overall this was a great continuation of this series. It’s a fun mystery read with some science, some humor, cute illustrations throughout, and some neat experiments/projects. I would recommend to middle grade readers who like mystery and science.
December 18, 2018
I have been binge reading the Nick and Tesla series, and greatly enjoying it. It brings something new to the middle grade genre. I recently decided to continue my binge read with the fifth book in the series, Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular. I greatly enjoyed this book, which doesn't surprise me.
Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular really brought something new to the series. Not only did the reader get to meet new characters that I really enjoyed; we also got to see all of the kids grow into their roles, and mature. Now, they are more confident in their decisions and mystery solving. Even Silas has matured quite a bit from the first book, although he still has his moments. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that the inventions felt less intricate. It felt very simplified, almost like a step down from the last couple of books.
I am so happy that I finally decided to pick up this series this year. I'd owned it for so long, and am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I love the series, but I especially loved this book in the series. I can't wait to read the last book, Nick and Tesla's Solar Powered Showdown, and see how things resolve. I especially want to learn what happens with the big mystery surrounding their parents, and to see if my theory is right.
Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular really brought something new to the series. Not only did the reader get to meet new characters that I really enjoyed; we also got to see all of the kids grow into their roles, and mature. Now, they are more confident in their decisions and mystery solving. Even Silas has matured quite a bit from the first book, although he still has his moments. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that the inventions felt less intricate. It felt very simplified, almost like a step down from the last couple of books.
I am so happy that I finally decided to pick up this series this year. I'd owned it for so long, and am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I love the series, but I especially loved this book in the series. I can't wait to read the last book, Nick and Tesla's Solar Powered Showdown, and see how things resolve. I especially want to learn what happens with the big mystery surrounding their parents, and to see if my theory is right.
April 13, 2015
Nick and Tesla are staying with their Uncle Newt while their parents are off on a trip. The twins worry that they haven't heard from their parents and that maybe they are involved in something dangerous. They have been helping their new friends, Silas and DeMarco, with the superhero movie they are filming. The brother and sister created a robo-arm, a stunt dummy, and a grappling hook, and a homemade Steadicam rig. The book includes instructions for making each of these yourself. While they are with Silas filming, DeMarco's Aunt Zoe comes by and takes all the kids to the movie set where she is a producer. Aunt Zoe is working on an actual superhero movie, "The Stupefying MetalMan." Things are not going well on the set. There have been scenes leaked on the Internet, the lead actor seems to have forgotten how to act, someone is pulling pranks that are ruining scenes, and there are protesters just off the set. Can the kids figure out what is really going on and save the movie and Aunt Zoe's job? Fun read all the way through.
I received a copy though GoodReads First Reads.
I received a copy though GoodReads First Reads.
March 8, 2015
Another winner in Science Bob's mystery/adventure/science series for intermediate readers. It continues the educational, but exciting and funny adventures of Nick and Tesla. This book focuses a lot on movies and kids will be clamoring to make the projects in it. My 9-year-old son loved it and was excited to read the next in the series. When asked, he didn't say anything really about the parent portion of the plot moving along at all. I will have to finish reading it myself to see for sure, but I hope that the parents don't stay off on a mission halfway across the globe without any answers too much longer! It would probably move the series along well to get the spy ring (or whatever) into the story. The ARC copy I received from NetGalley was poorly formatted for a Kindle book, hopefully, all those kinks will be worked out by the time it's released in May. It was confusing at times to have footnotes not at the foot and chapters start midpage, etc., but that doesn't affect the story really. Overall, another winner in this great series!
June 6, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads. This is a story about Nick & Telsa, siblings that have lots of imagination and a minimum of supervision. They get invited to watch their aunt working on a movie set where mysterious things are happening. They decide, along with some of their friends to sneak back onto the set and help crack the case. They have tons of homemade gadgets that they use to track down the truth. This is fast paced, and really a fun read. The book also includes instruction for projects that kids can make for themselves thanks to Science Bob Pflugfelder that look like they could be a lot of fun and not very expensive to make. All in all I really enjoyed reading this book and will be passing it along to some of my young friends who I hope will enjoy this series as much as I have.
July 19, 2015
Nick and Tesla's Special Effects Spectacular is a mystery for kids that is set primarily on the set for a superhero movie that is being filmed in the town where they live. Meanwhile, the kids are filming their own movie, complete with their own homemade special effects (directions included). With the help of these gadgets along with a couple of human friends, kid inventors Nick and Tesla investigate who is sabotaging the big screen production.
I found the book entertaining. I also liked that the kids were keeping themselves entertained, without spending all their time in front of a computer, and that they had a certain about of independence to entertain themselves.
This review was written by an adult, albeit one who has been known to read books written for kids. I received a free copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads.
I found the book entertaining. I also liked that the kids were keeping themselves entertained, without spending all their time in front of a computer, and that they had a certain about of independence to entertain themselves.
This review was written by an adult, albeit one who has been known to read books written for kids. I received a free copy of the book through Goodreads First Reads.
May 12, 2015
Our local bookstore owner got an ARC of this one (since she'd seen how we've been gobbling up the first four). We hadn't finished #4 when we got #5, so didn't get to read it as early as we had it... but we read it as soon as we could. We purchased the final edition when we had about 3 chapters left, and we actually spent our first nightly story-time after getting the final copy just going back and looking at the pictures and projects we had missed.
This also has the distinction of being the first Nick and Tesla book that we tried one of the projects -- I helped our kids make a couple of the grappling hooks. It was pretty fun.
The instant we finished reading, since it has the teaser/cliffhanger for the next book, my son asked, "So are they going to make another?" I replied that they were planning on it, but that we'd have to actually wait for the next to be published.
This also has the distinction of being the first Nick and Tesla book that we tried one of the projects -- I helped our kids make a couple of the grappling hooks. It was pretty fun.
The instant we finished reading, since it has the teaser/cliffhanger for the next book, my son asked, "So are they going to make another?" I replied that they were planning on it, but that we'd have to actually wait for the next to be published.
August 30, 2015
Science Bob takes a short break from robotics to appeal to young directors and producers in his latest book in the Nick and Tesla series. Things like homemade steady cams and extended arm grabbers are things that are not just valuable to middle grade producers, but would have also been a great help to me in my high school theater days.
In this book we're still wondering where Nick and Tesla's parents are, and if they're okay. What I love about this series is that the experiments make it educational, but the story keeps you waiting for the next book to come out. I received an e-arc of this book from the publishers, so any formatting issues I know will be fixed in the finished version. Definitely a series I would buy for my daughter as well as my friend's kids.
In this book we're still wondering where Nick and Tesla's parents are, and if they're okay. What I love about this series is that the experiments make it educational, but the story keeps you waiting for the next book to come out. I received an e-arc of this book from the publishers, so any formatting issues I know will be fixed in the finished version. Definitely a series I would buy for my daughter as well as my friend's kids.
April 4, 2015
This is the most recent of the series (currently 5) and the 2nd I have read. The Nick and Tesla's series is a really fun read so far. Even though I have read them out of publication date order, I don't feel as though I am lost as far as plots or characters. This 5th installment is all about movie magic such as alien makeup and animatronics. There are, again, some do it yourself activities in the book as well. I would definitely encourage kids 4th grade and up to read these, especially if they are interested in science or adventure.
****This Advance Reader's copy was received from a Booklikes Giveaway given by Quirk Books.****
****This Advance Reader's copy was received from a Booklikes Giveaway given by Quirk Books.****
April 8, 2015
Won this interesting children's book from Goodreads.com Thank you.
The publisher - QUIRK BOOKS - now that should give the reader a clue as to where this book is heading. Yep, a bit Quirky.To quote from the publisher " This time a Hollywood movie is being filmed in town, but the real drama happens when the cameras are turned off." Throw in some very young amateur movie, want to be, producing kids and be on the big-time production set - well, wild crazy things happen.
This book also contains a few illustrated projects that can be built with some adult supervision.
Yes, a worthwhile read for the young reader. AND adults too.
The publisher - QUIRK BOOKS - now that should give the reader a clue as to where this book is heading. Yep, a bit Quirky.To quote from the publisher " This time a Hollywood movie is being filmed in town, but the real drama happens when the cameras are turned off." Throw in some very young amateur movie, want to be, producing kids and be on the big-time production set - well, wild crazy things happen.
This book also contains a few illustrated projects that can be built with some adult supervision.
Yes, a worthwhile read for the young reader. AND adults too.
October 15, 2015
In this adventure of Nick and Tesla, they try and help out a friend making movie and end up on the sound set of a real movie. Only the actor is very bad and trying to get the movie that DeMarco's aunt is the producer of canned.
How do Nick, Tesla, and their friends prove what is going on behind the scenes? I love Science Bob Pflugfelder's experiments in each book. The zombie makeup was great. In fact all the experiments look fun as usual. However, this time I think the mystery fell short. The real mystery was why the adults couldn't figure out what was wrong.
I love the idea of making a book fun to read while showing science projects, but somehow this book fell short of the others.
How do Nick, Tesla, and their friends prove what is going on behind the scenes? I love Science Bob Pflugfelder's experiments in each book. The zombie makeup was great. In fact all the experiments look fun as usual. However, this time I think the mystery fell short. The real mystery was why the adults couldn't figure out what was wrong.
I love the idea of making a book fun to read while showing science projects, but somehow this book fell short of the others.
April 23, 2015
I got this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
My kids liked the book very much. A good mixture of mystery and science. The instructions for the gadgets were detailed and easy to understand. And there was also a lot of humor in the book. After starting reading my kids were giggling and laughing out loud numerous times.
The only con they expressed: They wished that it would be more colorful.
My kids liked the book very much. A good mixture of mystery and science. The instructions for the gadgets were detailed and easy to understand. And there was also a lot of humor in the book. After starting reading my kids were giggling and laughing out loud numerous times.
The only con they expressed: They wished that it would be more colorful.
June 7, 2015
Nick and Tesla books never disappoint. My 11-year old was excited when this new one came out and her read it first and really liked it. Then I read it and loved it too. Nick and Tesla and their friends always seem to find trouble but they are always the ones to solve the trouble. I hope the next book shows us a little more about their parents. The ending really makes me want to read the next one. I could use a little more Uncle Newt in the next one.
January 21, 2016
Gosh, I absolutely love this book series! Nick, Tesla, and their friends are entertaining while managing to get involved in some pretty extraordinary adventures. I had thought that this was the last book in the series- so when I finished I was disappointed that the mystery of Nick and Tesla's parents wasn't solved- but then I realized that this would mean that there will be more books in the series and now I just can't wait to see what happens next.
April 4, 2016
Wow, it's a plot that begins in the beginning and goes on to the end! And there is home movie making, by one of the other kids! Ok, so the plot's a little thin, but at least it's not quite as random as some of the plots in this series.
Also, instructions for zombie makeup that foams and 'melts' if you spritz it with vinegar.. for the win.
The animatronic hand isn't bad either.
Also, instructions for zombie makeup that foams and 'melts' if you spritz it with vinegar.. for the win.
The animatronic hand isn't bad either.
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