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Wedgie & Gizmo #2
Wedgie & Gizmo vs. the Toof
Fans of Stick Dog and My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish will LOL over Suzanne Selfors's hilarious illustrated series about the growing pains of blended families and the secret rivalry of pets.
"A delightfully fun read that will leave you in stitches!"--Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat
Wedgie LOVES the new micro-pig next door. And she LOVES him! They both like to go for walks and roll in smelly things. They are going to be in the school pet parade together. They are best friends.
But Gizmo knows the truth. The pig is Wedgie's new sidekick. Super Wedgie and the Toof have teamed up to stop Gizmo from taking over the world.
But they will not win! Gizmo is an evil genius. He is smarter than most comic book villains. And more powerful than even Darth Vader! He ordered a flying machine online and he will use it to set free all the guinea pigs at the pet parade.
Then they will crush both dog and pig and make all humans feel their wrath. Muh-ha-ha!!
"A delightfully fun read that will leave you in stitches!"--Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat
Wedgie LOVES the new micro-pig next door. And she LOVES him! They both like to go for walks and roll in smelly things. They are going to be in the school pet parade together. They are best friends.
But Gizmo knows the truth. The pig is Wedgie's new sidekick. Super Wedgie and the Toof have teamed up to stop Gizmo from taking over the world.
But they will not win! Gizmo is an evil genius. He is smarter than most comic book villains. And more powerful than even Darth Vader! He ordered a flying machine online and he will use it to set free all the guinea pigs at the pet parade.
Then they will crush both dog and pig and make all humans feel their wrath. Muh-ha-ha!!
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 17, 2018
85 people are currently reading
1017 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Selfors
67 books844 followersSuzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 28, 2025
Great MG series. Wedgie and Gizmo are so much fun. 4 stars
March 31, 2020
When the elementary school announces a pet parade contest, Jasmine is eager to enter with Wedgie and win a trophy. But this puts her at odds against her new neighbor and friend, Emily, and her pet...pig? While Wedgie can’t figure out what Jasmine wants him to do, Gizmo thinks this is his chance to defeat Thorgy and take over the world. Will the mastermind cavy finally succeed at his evil plan?
Recommended for grades 3rd - 5th. Lexile Level: 480
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Recommended for grades 3rd - 5th. Lexile Level: 480
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
July 7, 2019
My son loves these books about a Corgi named Wedgie and an “Evil Genius” guinea pig named Gizmo. This is the one about the new girl next door who has a pet pig and the Most Talented Pet Contest. Cute series.
September 14, 2019
This was another great edition. Maybe better than the first, as the realism of the children's problems are more true to everyday life. Humor is the joy within the pages of this book.
November 25, 2019
Cute story! My kids & I laughed out loud!
March 30, 2024
This installment was just as cute as the first one!
And honestly? I'm now invested in whatever is going on with Abuela; she's up to something and I'm here for it.
I also fully endorse Gizmo's naps schedule.
And honestly? I'm now invested in whatever is going on with Abuela; she's up to something and I'm here for it.
I also fully endorse Gizmo's naps schedule.
October 21, 2017
Energetic, Fast-Paced, and Slyly Funny
I'm fine with goofy talking pets, and I liked and agree with this book's favorable comparison to the Stick Dog series. Both feature characters that have a sly sense of humor and some deadpan dignity. The really good news, though, is that this book series in particular has some additional positive things going for it.
First, though, of course, are the two lead characters. Wedgie the dog is hyper-happy and super enthused about everything. The pets take turns narrating the story, and Wedgie's chapters consist mostly of high energy nutsiness. Gizmo is the evil genius guinea pig. Lots of books involve some sort of evil genius pet, but it turns out that's a lot harder to pull off than you might think. It's the old Goldilocks problem, where you can get too evil or too cutesy. Gizmo, though, falls nicely in the just right range. His evilosity is amusing without being psychotic and his gripes are dry and ironic rather than smarmy or too vinegary. The result is that while Wedgie and Gizmo make nice foils for each other, and their alternating narrative chapters break the book up nicely, neither character gets on adult readers' nerves.
The book also has both pets including big chunks of dialogue from the kids and parents in the household. That might sound a bit odd, but these segments, strung together, make up a separate storyline in its own right. (This book involves the girl having friend and competition problems, and the boy having sibling problems, and so on.) So, even if Wedgie never has any idea what's really going on he ends up unintentionally telling a story about his owner and about newly blended families. That multi-level storyline kept the book interesting and elevated it beyond just a silly animal story.
The illustrations enhance and help carry the story. They are amusing in their own right, but are also clear enough and pointed enough to help a little listener, (or new reader), follow the story and get what's going on. In a book for youngsters I'm not sure what more you could possibly hope for in terms of illustrations.
And you know, even though this is primarily about silly talking pets it struck me as a great learning experience. Because Wedgie is nutz and Gizmo is delusional a kid listener/reader gets to identify when Wedgie is wrong about something, (barking does not make the door open), and when Gizmo is headed for a bridge too far, (forming a guinea pig robot army). Getting to both laugh and to recognize what's real and what's silly or foolish is a wonderful skill, and books done as well as this one strike me as a fun first step on the path to that skill. (Wedgie also eats guinea pig poop, so don't get the idea this is all Zen wisdom.)
So, bottom line, this is fun and funny, and slyly well crafted. It struck me as a wonderful addition to the family shelf. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I'm fine with goofy talking pets, and I liked and agree with this book's favorable comparison to the Stick Dog series. Both feature characters that have a sly sense of humor and some deadpan dignity. The really good news, though, is that this book series in particular has some additional positive things going for it.
First, though, of course, are the two lead characters. Wedgie the dog is hyper-happy and super enthused about everything. The pets take turns narrating the story, and Wedgie's chapters consist mostly of high energy nutsiness. Gizmo is the evil genius guinea pig. Lots of books involve some sort of evil genius pet, but it turns out that's a lot harder to pull off than you might think. It's the old Goldilocks problem, where you can get too evil or too cutesy. Gizmo, though, falls nicely in the just right range. His evilosity is amusing without being psychotic and his gripes are dry and ironic rather than smarmy or too vinegary. The result is that while Wedgie and Gizmo make nice foils for each other, and their alternating narrative chapters break the book up nicely, neither character gets on adult readers' nerves.
The book also has both pets including big chunks of dialogue from the kids and parents in the household. That might sound a bit odd, but these segments, strung together, make up a separate storyline in its own right. (This book involves the girl having friend and competition problems, and the boy having sibling problems, and so on.) So, even if Wedgie never has any idea what's really going on he ends up unintentionally telling a story about his owner and about newly blended families. That multi-level storyline kept the book interesting and elevated it beyond just a silly animal story.
The illustrations enhance and help carry the story. They are amusing in their own right, but are also clear enough and pointed enough to help a little listener, (or new reader), follow the story and get what's going on. In a book for youngsters I'm not sure what more you could possibly hope for in terms of illustrations.
And you know, even though this is primarily about silly talking pets it struck me as a great learning experience. Because Wedgie is nutz and Gizmo is delusional a kid listener/reader gets to identify when Wedgie is wrong about something, (barking does not make the door open), and when Gizmo is headed for a bridge too far, (forming a guinea pig robot army). Getting to both laugh and to recognize what's real and what's silly or foolish is a wonderful skill, and books done as well as this one strike me as a fun first step on the path to that skill. (Wedgie also eats guinea pig poop, so don't get the idea this is all Zen wisdom.)
So, bottom line, this is fun and funny, and slyly well crafted. It struck me as a wonderful addition to the family shelf. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
January 7, 2019
Gizmo, the cavy, called a guinea pig by humans, is still plotting to take over the world. But first he must recruit other cavies to his cause. He creates a flyer designed to do that very thing. He also orders a drone to assist in his plans. Meanwhile, Wedgie is meeting the new neighbor, Emily and her pet pig. At first the two seem to get along, and then Pinkie (called the Toof by young Jackson) seems to be getting all the petting and attention and Wedgie resents it. Turns out that Wedgie's young mistress, Jasmine and Emily are determined to win a trophy from the upcoming pet show, but Pinkie is succeeding in her training and Wedgie is failing. Everyone's plans, human and animal, come to a head at the pet show. Selfors has once again written an amusing tale of animal ambition and behavior. Fisinger's illustrations provide a lot of the humor, providing the perfect complement to Selfor's funny story. Bound to be popular with young readers with it's easy to read text and hilarious illustrations.
November 5, 2019
I will fully admit that I listened to this book on audio, even though I am an adult. My family listened to the first book of Wedgie and Gizmo on a family car trip, and I found it to be quite entertaining. As a result, I ended up listening to this second book in the car too! I am not sure if I would like the book as much if I read it myself, but listening to the story was fun. The voices and mannerisms of the characters are amusing, and it was fun to listen to something light and funny. As a pet owner, it made me wonder if my pets think the same things, and I could just imagine the things they would say. A good, light-hearted story for middle grade readers, but it can also be enjoyed by the whole family.
May 1, 2018
Gizmo and Wedgie are back and this time they encounter a new animal (a pet pig) who has moved in across the street. Naturally, Wedgie makes a new friend and Gizmo sees a new archenemy. Gizmo's plans for world domination move forward when he orders a drone to use when he spreads his plans to the other guinea pigs.
The humans are caught up in meeting a new friend and the upcoming Pet Parade at their elementary school. Needless to say, Gizmo causes quite a display with his new drone and Wedgie saves the day - though it doesn't look that way at first.
The humor will appeal to a broad segment of middle age readers.
The humans are caught up in meeting a new friend and the upcoming Pet Parade at their elementary school. Needless to say, Gizmo causes quite a display with his new drone and Wedgie saves the day - though it doesn't look that way at first.
The humor will appeal to a broad segment of middle age readers.
February 4, 2022
This series is my favorite read aloud series ever!! This is the third book in the series I've read out loud to Liam and it is just SO much fun to read aloud. The story alternates between a dog (think Doug the dog from Up) and a guinea pig (think the Brain from Animaniacs). The chapters are just written so well you don't even have to try to do the voices, they do themselves. The dog chapters are full of short sentences and he LOVES everything. The guinea pig (he's actually a cavy) chapters are full of long sentences, bigger words, and evil genius plans.
February 8, 2018
Hilarious! Author Suzanne Selfors has perfectly captured the voice of an Evil Genius cavy (as humans call him guinea pig) and his arch nemesis a delightfully clueless but loving corgi who thinks he's a super hero and thwarts plans for world domination without even realizing it. I laughed out loud at this middle grade read. Will definitely be adding to my 2 elementary school libraries. Can't wait to do a read aloud. Muh-ha-ha-ha
January 21, 2019
Gizmo the cavy is an Evil Genius. Wedgie, a Corgie, is his archnemesis. When the Toof (a pig named Pinkie) moves next door, Wedgie quickly becomes friends with her. Gizmo hatches a plan to recruit a cavy hoard and decides that Wedgie and Pinkie are out to thwart it. Meanwhile, Wedgie and Pinkie's owners become friends and have their own falling out. Will friendships be mended by the Pet Parade?
Book is cute and funny.
Book is cute and funny.
April 19, 2019
This is a great second book for the Wedgie and Gizmo series, I actually liked this one a little better than the first, and I look forward to reading the next one. The cute little pig adds a fun element to the book, with Wedgie referring to her as “Funny Dog,” and Gizmo believing she is the dogs sidekick also out to defeat him the “Evil Genius.” I highly recommend this book to kids 6+, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it as well!
May 29, 2018
Staff Pick
Heather
Wedgie & Gizmo are back! Gizmo is determined to build his cavy army, so he can rise up and rule the world. Wedgie is curious about the new creature who has moved into the neighborhood. Their people are focused on the pet parade at school.
When everything collides, hilarity ensues. Read it today!
Heather
Wedgie & Gizmo are back! Gizmo is determined to build his cavy army, so he can rise up and rule the world. Wedgie is curious about the new creature who has moved into the neighborhood. Their people are focused on the pet parade at school.
When everything collides, hilarity ensues. Read it today!
November 9, 2018
178 pages. Second book in the series is just as much fun as the first. I loved the dialogue and crazy plans of Gizmo throughout the book. Who knew a little pink pig could make Wedgie so happy? It is loads of fun. I think boys and girls will love this one equally. It has lots of humor, funny illustrations and real life drama anyone can relate to. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.
December 24, 2019
Another excellent adventure into Wedgie and Gizmo's world! This time our two main characters venture into the neighborhood and local school and interact with other "pets", a word that Gizmo refuses to believe he is, after all, he is an evil genius and will soon take over the world. The neighbor across the street has a pet pig who baffles Wedgie. Thank you Suzanne Selfors for a great story!
October 3, 2024
I read this book in order to better guide my child through her book project. It’s entertaining enough for a kid’s book. It was easy to read, while still managing to introduce a few words that might be unfamiliar for younger readers. The tone was also light all the way through despite managing to incorporate a valuable lesson for the main characters.
May 7, 2018
I liked this book! It was a really quick, fun, and easy read! I liked the first book more, but this one was still cute and silly haha. It was such a nice break from what I've been reading! Can't wait to read Wedgie & Gizmo vs. The Great Outdoors!
May 28, 2018
The fun continues with Wedgie, my favorite! The character who steals the show, so to speak, for me is Abuela! Love pretty much anything Selfours writes, can’t wait til W&G take on the great outdoors in September. I know a bunch of second graders who also can’t wait!
September 1, 2018
What's not to love about an Evil Genius Guinea Pig plotting to take over the world and a Super Hero Corgi attempting to protect his herd?
Told in alternating points of view, these books are both obvious and subtle enough to make middle grade readers laugh.
Told in alternating points of view, these books are both obvious and subtle enough to make middle grade readers laugh.
November 8, 2018
There is a new neighbor and a new pet in town. Will they get along with Wedgie, Gizmo and their owners or cause them pain? Cute addition to the series and I like the parallel between the neighbors and the pets. Early elementary and up
May 23, 2020
I absolutely adored this book for middle-grade audiences. It's hilarious from beginning to end. I love the storytelling structure from dog to guinea pig, and to see the world through their eyes was very refreshing! I was totally immersed! Excellent for a read-aloud with children.
October 30, 2023
We really liked this book. We thought when gizmo was in the drone was the funniest. Gizmo is so funny. Wedgie is also funny and we love his motto “ day and night and night and day I will protect my pack come what may!!!”
June 13, 2025
I love the hamster in these books! And the reader has a great voice. I don’t think Jax and Ryo quite understand the humor why it is funny, but they really enjoyed it!! Only three stars because I had high hopes after the first one. I had higher expectations.
March 16, 2018
Adorable and funny! I adore these two characters. This book begs to be read out loud. Highly recommend this series.
June 20, 2018
Just as funny as book 1!
September 15, 2018
I will never call guinea pigs anything other than furry potato from now on.
September 25, 2018
So. Much. Snark. And. Sass.
I love this series!!!
I love this series!!!
October 16, 2018
4.5- This book is hilarious! Gizmo tries to take over the world, and actually makes more progress than I expected! Wedgie is, well, Wedgie. Delightful. Such a fun series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews