Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back

Snoodles #2

by Steven Joseph, Andy Case (Illustrator)

In the award-winning book “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles,” Steven Joseph and Andy Case introduced us to a world where everyone was happy because of one man, Herbie Snoodleman, the inventor of the Snoodlemoblie, powered solely by noodles. It had replaced Sour Croodleman’s Krautmobile, which ran on sauerkraut and made everyone quite a bit cranky.

In this follow-up book, when the Zoodle Kidoodles from the planet Zoodle abduct Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles threaten to take all of Earth’s noodles— unless they perform the necessary brain operation on their grand leader, Cloodle the Grand Roodle, and fix their spaceship’s failing engines.

The one problem? Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle are simple bakers. Sour Croodleman’s Prickly Peppered Purple Propulsion Powered Pickle invention is their only hope, but will he unite with Herbie Snoodleman to save the planet?

The answer is here, in this Wackadoodle Tale from Outer Space!

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Humor

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2023

About the author

I am a lawyer, humorist, and cranky expert. I am the author of The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris, and A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method, and now Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles. I bog on all embracing crankiness at www.StevenJosephAuthor.com.

Reviews

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz is joyful chaos with structure underneath, the kind of book that looks wildly silly on the surface but is actually built with careful rhythm, linguistic play, and visual intelligence.

What makes this book work so well is its commitment to its own absurdity. It never winks at the reader or apologizes for being weird. It leans all the way in, into noodle-powered science, balloon animals as vehicles, musical trash-can cats, and villains who read revenge self-help, and by doing so, creates a world that feels coherent precisely because it is consistently ridiculous.

The language is playful without being sloppy. The invented words aren’t random, they follow sound patterns that feel natural to the ear, making them fun to say aloud and easy for children to remember. That musicality is what turns nonsense into delight. Kids don’t just read this book; they perform it.

The pacing is tight and energetic, with every page offering either a new joke, a visual surprise, or a plot beat. There’s no filler. There’s no dead air. The story moves like a cartoon in book form, fast, bright, and full of motion, but with enough narrative spine that the reader always knows what the characters want and what’s at stake.

Andy Case’s illustrations amplify the humor rather than just decorate it. The visuals feel like part of the storytelling engine, not an afterthought. They reinforce the tone, support the jokes, and give emotional texture to what could otherwise be pure silliness.

Underneath all the zaniness is something surprisingly warm: a story about friendship, loyalty, and helping each other when things go sideways. The book never preaches this, it simply lets it exist inside the fun.

Snoodles in Space succeeds because it respects its audience. It doesn’t talk down to children, and it gives adults permission to laugh without irony. It understands that joy is not shallow, and that playful imagination is not a lesser form of storytelling, it’s one of the most difficult to do well.

This is a book that doesn’t just entertain, it creates a shared experience. A read-aloud book. A giggle-together book. A “say that word again” book. And those are often the ones that last.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙕𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠!

Steven Joseph and Andy Case have created another wacky graphic novel space adventure that readers will devour. Joseph's wry humor is just as entertaining as ever, and Case's vivid illustrations are just as amusing. Kids who have enjoyed the first two books in this series will love this new book. However, because of the clever beginning, the book can be read as a stand alone.

The first two novels of the series are quickly recapped in the style of an old fashioned movie trailer. The story then continues with two rich kids who visited a famous candy factory. The scene that plays out is reminiscent of Willy Wonka, but the difference is that these kids got a lot of bad press about their behavior and now have reputations to live down. In the meantime , their father's business has gone downhill and he will do anything to recapture the market, including working with evil aliens! When the Zoodles return to Earth to wreak havoc, these two kids step in to help save the day. The wild plot and great graphics make this a fun graphic novel series.

𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑚𝑦 𝑜𝑤𝑛.

[N. Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wacky fun with Snoodles and Zoodles

EPISODE 2 is just as zany and fun as the first volume. I enjoyed it as an adult and kids will love the silly names for everything and the wacky story and adventure. The characters learn from mistakes and demonstrate positive qualities we want our children to develop. The artwork is fantastic.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into an entertaining cosmic escapade with Snoodles in Space by Steven Joseph. This captivating tale catapults us into a futuristic realm where brilliant inventors shine, introducing us to characters like Herbie Snoodleman, the mastermind behind the noodle-fueled Snoodlemobile, and Sour Croodleman, the imaginative force behind the zany Prickly Peppered Purple Propulsion Powered Pickle.

But even amidst the astonishing technological marvels, a hiccup arises in the form of the Zoodle Kidoodles, extraterrestrial visitors with an unusual request. Their leader, the illustrious Cloodle the Grand Roodle, requires a critical brain operation, and their spaceship's engines are in dire need of repair. A humorous twist of fate lands a pair of bakers in their clutches, setting the stage for a quirky adventure.

What truly captivated me about Snoodles in Space are the clever wordplay elements that infuse the story. Not only do they provide an entertaining puzzle for young readers, but they also foster smoother reading skills. Steven Joseph's narrative is brimming with wit, underscored by a wildly inventive storyline where the rules of a noodle-powered world bring about delightful surprises at every turn.

The journey commences on Earth, a vivid backdrop that sets an exuberant tone and establishes the characters in a playful palette of colors. This vibrant start seamlessly transitions into an interstellar odyssey, where the fantastical flourishes and takes on new dimensions. The book's visual allure is heightened by its vibrant illustrations, bringing to life the technological wonders and the story's unique charm.

With its comic-style format, Snoodles in Space is tailor-made for fledgling readers taking their first steps into the world of literature. However, the abundance of character and invention names might pose a challenge for some young minds. I recommend this gem to elementary school children who have embarked on their reading journey and gained some familiarity with it.

Snoodles in Space strikes a beautiful balance, making it an ideal tool to kindle a passion for reading. Its approachable text length offers comfort to young readers while the ongoing wordplay sustains their curiosity. This narrative adventure is enthralling and promises an enjoyable reading experience that young minds will treasure.

[Jennifer M · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son has ADHD and these books are keeping his attention and he's engaged in the book.

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! by Steven Joseph is another action-packed adventure centered around the people of Noodleham and their journey into the galaxy to rescue Droodle the Poodle and Schmoodle the Poodle from Zoodletraz, an inescapable place for pets deemed illegal on Zoodle.

This colorful graphic novel takes readers on an exciting and humorous adventure through the Noodle Zoodle-sphere and we meet new characters as well. A fun and relatable addition to the crew is Swifty Swoodle, a hit pop sensation, and the DooWopadoodles, a rock group made up of our familiar friends, Briana Brainy Broodle, Ricky Rockadoodle, Frimpy Frumpy Froodle, and Whimpy Whiny Woodle. The overwhelming success of Swifty and the DooWopadoodles reaches into the galaxy to planet Zoodle and Cloodle the Grand Roodle who decides he wants to make a go of it as a musician. Unfortunately, there is a problem with his plans—he’s not a good musician. The author does a great job of giving a history of the importance of music to the people of Noodleham.

Following Cloodle’s failed attempt at a music career, his master plan for revenge is focused on banning pets on Zoodle and imprisoning them to punish the residents of Noodleham. Inside Zoodletraz, we meet the pets already there, some stray cats who have formed a band called the Trash Can Cats. The poodles and the Trash Can Cats have a jam session in Zoodletraz and are biding their time while they wait to learn what is ahead for them. However, the people of Noodleham have a plan to rescue the pets!

Swifty Swoodle has a custom Cloakadoodle Swoodle car, which gets her and The DooWopadoodles in and out of stadiums safely and without being detected—and they realize they can use this to get the pets out of Zoodletraz.

Another surprise was about to happen. Swifty Swoodle walked in. She had arrived in her custom made Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car. The Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car was specifically developed to take the DooWopadoodles safely to and from stadium concerts. This was because they were mobbed everywhere they went. “I heard what happened. You can use the Swifty Swoodles to go to Zoodletraz. During our concert tour, Rick Rockadoodle and I developed these Twizolicious Invisolicous Licoricious Noodles. It will allow us to reach Zoodletraz completely undetected.”

Following the fast-paced take down of Cloodle the Grand Roodle and heroic rescue of all pets in Zoodletraz, the Noodleham and Zoodle crew make the best of what is left—finding purpose and community again centered in music. This fun adventure story, with its attention-grabbing illustrations, is enjoyable for families and readers of any age.

[Agnes Varona Oquendo, Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

A silly, imaginative and super fun read

Snoodles in Space by Steven Joseph is a silly, imaginative and super fun read that my grandchildren really enjoyed. They marveled at the idea of an entire family working together in time of crisis to save the world. They absolutely adored the humor throughout the storyline as well as the colorful and highly thought out characters. I must admit that they felt a strong connection with the characters Briana Brainy Noodle and her brother Ricky Rockadoodle.
Although laughing hard as we read was so much fun but for me, the science theme was a major plus. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Carole G. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Joseph’s amazing series continues with “Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! It is a fast paced action story that reminds me of a comic book full of imagination. The illustrations are great by Andy Case. Get ready for a great problem solving adventure that involves characters we have met and new characters. It really takes a lot of teamwork. And I so enjoy learning what has happen after the story with characters. I highly recommend this series.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
28th March 2023
TITLE: Snoodles in Space
AUTHOR: Steven Joseph, ill. by Andy Case
Star Rating: 5

‘Punchy, superbly illustrated and packed full of fun.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I must say, nobody can ever say this story is predictable. Okay, so this is the story of two kids who must find a way of making Uncle Snoodleman (who´s invented a rocket called a Snoodle Zoomadoodle) and Uncle Croodleman (who´s invented a way of powering the rocket) to work together. You see, mum and dad have been kidnapped by the crew of the spaceship Zoodle Kidoodle and, if the kids don´t get to them soon, the parents will be in BIG trouble.
I suspect this book will go down well with children aged 8 – 12, particularly boys; there´s a lot of boy humour! Not only is it very funny in parts, but the plot also has more twists than fusilli pasta! I would particularly recommend this story to reluctant boy readers. They´ll love the unexpected twists and, as it´s basically a comic, they´ll not get overwhelmed by the text. But, best of all – from a kid´s POV – it´s totally and utterly absurd, but in the best possible way.
Over the past few years, I have read a lot of children´s books (it´s my job) and many of them seem to have been written by authors who simply can´t remember what it is to be a child. It´s all message, message, message – don´t bully, be kind, etc. etc. – which is all well and good, but to a child reader it´s also boring with a capital B O R I N G! But this author knows only too well what children readers enjoy. There is a message in this book (work together) but it´s hidden under a fantastically fun story kids will love.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Joe Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

My six year old daughter, Rory, says, “I like this book but it’s kind of like a chapter book. There is pictures but there is lots of words on pages. But I like how you wrote this book.”

This seems like a fun book for kids that are either at a decent or about to be decent reading skill or have the patience for a longer book to be read to them. I don’t think my six year old daughter quite fit either category yet but she enjoyed the shenanigans while her attention was still kept. It certainly is wacky and I could see kids having a fun time repeating some of the lines in here while they play some made up space games with their friends. The 6-10 age range is probably accurate depending on the child - I’d guess most six year olds would lose interest after enjoying the first 10 pages. My daughter also seemed to get her attention back around page 20 when they go back to space until about page 29.

[Mrs. D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and unique read!
This book is filled with fun and adventures. It is tongue-twisting, cutting-edge, and fun-filled read that will amuse slightly older children. The artwork is a little complicated, but the wacky space rhyming storyline is entertaining regardless of its silliness, and the essential message is on point.

It is a little bit long and wordy, distracting, and complicated at times, but older children can handle the science theme without much effort.

Bottom line: it is a thrilling humorous read about space with challenges and important lessons.
The eccentric characters will not disappoint, but please remember this book is not for a very young reader. Too many scenes and characters could be difficult to follow and the crazy names are hard to remember. It is an offbeat and imaginative book.

[Marin . · Rating 3 out of 5]

The publication is a typical comic book and this type of book offers a plethora of learning benefits - it teaches critical thinking, language development, imagination, and creativity, therefore it is a great gateway to reading.
Although the book is not my cup of tea, I am sure the children will be attracted to the story - we know that kids love to read comics because THEY WANT TO.
In this case, the author gives them what young readers want - a wild plot, crazy illustrations, and a chance to read between the lines.
If Steven Joseph's publication is appealing to youngsters and attracts only one reader who has no interest in reading a traditional form of a book, it is definitely a winner.
I received a free copy of the book from the author.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next book in this series is here. Snoodles in Space is like a hilarious bout of creativity and discovery. It is all encased in the adventures where aliens have kidnapped the Noodles family to train them in brain surgery. Snoodles is one of the main aliens giving you a brief look into the life of those in space with their silly words to say. Kids will laugh their way through this fun book with such vibrant illustrations to enjoy and search. The author incorporates critical thinking, working together, problem-solving and imagination as you get to see so many differences, very important stuff. For a fun time with the kiddos pick up Snoodles in Space. I got this book from the author and enjoyed it.

[Kathy Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next book in this series is here. Snoodles in Space is like a hilarious bout of creativity and discovery. It is all encased in the adventures where aliens have kidnapped the Noodles family to train them in brain surgery. Snoodles is one of the main aliens giving you a brief look into the life of those in space with their silly words to say. Kids will laugh their way through this fun book with such vibrant illustrations to enjoy and search. The author incorporates critical thinking, working together, problem-solving and imagination as you get to see so many differences, very important stuff. For a fun time with the kiddos pick up Snoodles in Space. I got this book from the author and enjoyed it.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book your child will actually want to read, Snoodles in Space: A Snoodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle should be at the top of your list!

It is one of the best children's books I have ever come across and is an absolute blast to read, with oodles and oodles of entertaining rhymes! The wildly imaginative plot will enthral your child with its zany creativity while teaching valuable life lessons along the way such as problem-solving and how to be collaborative.

I will be recommending this wonderful, whimsical, whacky book to everyone I know! Steven Joseph is undeniably destined for worldwide domination!

[Melissa Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snoodles in Space is an adventure-filled, action-packed children's picture book that emphasizes friendship, social responsibility, and educational achievement. Written in a style that utilizes all the major literary elements (dialogue, humor, suspense) it will prove to be a book that keeps young readers entertained and excited to read more and build their literacy skills. Steven Joseph has stepped out onto a new frontier-- one that equips children with the gift of reading which will both inspire and accompany them into their future academic milestones. Much like the characters carefully developed and embedded within this book, Steven Joseph is a pioneer in the world of children's fiction.

[BethK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher.

Delightful, especially when read aloud. Has much of the same sort of rhyming feel of Dr Seuss, but it is also a fable of helping and getting along with others – from the family to the entire planet. The artwork is just as important to the story as the text, and is beautifully done.

Also, the author carefully credited all involved in creation of the book including the illustrator as well as his high school and family.

I would rate this 10-stars if I could!

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the Snoodles in Space book. I found it entertaining for both myself and my kids liked it too. I liked the premise of the future and how they have cars running on noodles. That would be awesome to save gas and also to eat:) I also love the characters of Brianna, Rocky, and their parents Sally and Norman. The who family is drawn well and they fit the look of each other well. I also 💕 the character sheet in the back of the book too and the game and technology list. That is cool to see it on the separate pages. Great story for all ages!

[Thomas Mitchem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I appreciated the precursor to this book I found this one to be too silly, overly complicated and slightly confusing. Having said that, this book touches on the important subject of family and how relationships among members can be complicated and slightly confusing. Also the tongue twisting verbiage is great for children for language development and of course the silly concepts are great for children's imagination. With it's comic book style I'm sure many 7-9 year old boys will get a kick out of this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Wade Bergner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful, Clever, & Fun Children's Book!
Snoodles in Space defines all odds by producing a 60 page children's picture book, one that will engage your child from beginning to end! It bridges the gap between graphic novel & picture book. Herbie Snoodleman's (main character) family tree leads the reader into countless storylines. Each one as hilarious as the next! Steven Joseph stories & Andy Case's illustrations are rich with laughter & fun! I'm pleased to have received a copy of this book from the author for free.

[Rella B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect the next Snoodle book to be so much fun and adventurous! There are many new characters added, and it introduces us to the brother of Herbie Snoodleman and Sour Croodleman, along with his family, who journey with them into space to save the earth noodles from being taken by the Zoodle Kidoodles. The story is a bit long for younger readers with lots of text, but older children who love outer space adventures will definitely enjoy it. As always, the illustrations by Andy Case are wonderful. I'm so excited to read the rest of the series.

[Anthony Delauney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book that will leave kids giggling as they watch their parents tell the story and try to read the silly words. Character illustrious are wonderful and express tons of emotion to compliment the story. The length may be a bit long, but if the giggles start early with young readers, they should continue until the end. The book truly helps the imagination run wild! I received a free copy of this book from the author.

[Kevin Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Snoodles in Space" by Steven Joseph is an imaginative and humorous adventure that will captivate young readers. This intergalactic tale is filled with quirky characters and noodle-powered inventions, making it a delightful and entertaining read. The clever wordplay and vibrant illustrations add to the fun. The book not only entertains but also conveys important messages about collaboration and unity.

[Sascha Utecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool idea...but sometimes a bit long-winded.
Appealing illustrations, funny rhymes and a pleasant mix of continuous text and speech bubbles. Nevertheless, my second-grader son still finds it difficult to read it himself, as it is quite long. That's why I read most of the pages aloud, but even then there are one or two places where our attention waned. In short: in terms of reading level, definitely for children aged about 9 and up.

[Carole G. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Noodles in Space: A Wackadoodle Tale from Outer Space” is another great book by Steven Joseph and illustrated by Andy Case. This picture/graphic novel comic again takes place in the future. Readers learn about new characters and that the brothers didn’t get along, but when aliens have Vacuudoodles in the sky to vacuum up all the noodles, you have to problem sole within 48 hours! Awesome book- I highly recommend this out of this world adventure. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Donna Maguire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea behind this book and was keen to get started after enjoying the previous book - noodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles but I just found this one far too silly and it just wasn't a story for me. We can't all like the same thing and I am sure others will enjoy the story more than I have, its shame as I enjoyed the first book, just not this follow on. It is 3 stars from me for this one, I didn't gel with the story just wasn't one for me.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so unique. They are fun and full of so much great information for young readers while being wholly entertaining.
I think early/younger readers and read-to's should particularly enjoy this clever, well-written, and beautifully illustrated book.
Laughing and Learning ensues from this wonderful read.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle's parents are abducted by aliens. Aliens with a propulsion problem, which is just the thing Norman and Sally are ready to help with! Read along as these two kids save their parents in this fun beginning reader. The illustrations by Andy Case really bring it to life.

*I was given a free review copy of this book*

[Bonnie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes no sense and lots of sense, and this reader loved it from beginning to end. Kids will get the giggles and add to the alliterations and rhymes as a grown-up share it with them or if they are old enough to read it independently. It's a keeper. The illustrations complement the text and they are beautifully done! I got this book free from the author.

[Holly DiBella-McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved Snoodles in Space even more than the first book in the series, Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lot and Lots of Noodles. This story, equally as wackadoodle, was easy to follow, had an engaging plot, and fully developed characters. As I was reading to an 8-year-old, we laughed out loud several times. Well done!