Alvin opens his third book with a list of things that could kill him. It includes karate chops, pork chops, chopsticks, and, of course, the kiss of death — which is why he has to carry around a PDK (Personal Disaster Kit) wherever he goes. We soon learn that the timid hero also has “allergies” to shopping, hospitals, and finger sandwiches. But the perpetually afraid and paralyzingly shy Alvin always seems to survive the disasters that are thrown his way, whether it’s a field trip to a cemetery or a girl’s birthday party. In the process of surviving, he not only charms the reader with hilariously clever similes ("Pinky's handwriting looks like hair floating in the ocean") and casually wise observations (“If there’s anything I’ve learned from my dad, it’s this: Duck tape is the most useful thing in the house.”); he also learns that he has a lot more courage and know-how than he thought.

Alvin Ho books will appeal to readers who like Greg Heffley but whose parents don't much care for the wimpy kid's attitude. ( )

Ehhhh, not happy with Alvin's obsession with obtaining a "Deluxe Indian Chief" outfit in this book.

Otherwise, his other antics including meeting Lousia May Alcott clones and experimenting with lemons for invisibility were entertaining as usual. ( )

Alvin's fears reach outside of his neighborhood, and classroom. He takes his fears onto the school bus and gets in a whole host of trouble. Intermixed in it is Calvin's need to come up with a science project and Alvin wanting to go to birthday party. Funny and hilarious. I love Lenore Looks' imagination. ( )

Funny, realistic school fiction. ( )

Another installment in the paranoid adventures of Alvin Ho, terrified second grader. This has the same humor and appealing illustrations as the previous books. Each book can standalone and this will please fans of the series. Hand these books to kids who like books about funny kids getting into scrapes (Ramona and Clementine come to mind...). ( )