Albert Hopper, Science Hero: Worming to the center of the earth by John Himmelman

 The first thing I thought of when I saw these was the old Commander Toad easy readers of my childhood. They're not really similar, but frogs as scientists and explorers - it makes a connection.

Professor Albert Hopper, a science hero, is ready to explore the world with the help of his niece and nephew, junior science heroes Polly and Tad. Their first adventure is to travel to the center of the earth in a giant, mechanical worm named Wiggles. Unfortunately, Tad presses the ACH, or anything-can-happen button and soon they're being attacked by cave frogs, catapulted up through a volcano, chased by dinosaur fossils, and more!

Decorated by simple green and black sketches, this beginning chapter book is full of wild adventures as well as earth science facts (provided by Polly) and plenty of silly banter (provided by Professor Hopper). 

As they're worming their way through magma tubes, "Fear not," said Albert Hopper. "The advanced technology of this ship will soon counter the heat. Junior Science Hero Polly?" "Yep?" "Engage the... AIR CONDITIONER!"

When they're catapulted out of a volcano, "The magma is pulling us back down," said Tad. "Lava," said Polly. "It's called lava when it's outside of the volcano." "That was very useful information Polly," said Tad. "It solved all of our problems."

Verdict: A fun choice for fans of the author's Bunjitsu Bunny series as well as those who enjoy humorous science books. The only drawback is that the two volumes currently available are only in hardback. I look forward to introducing this one to my book club readers!

ISBN: 9781250230164; Published August 2020 by Henry Holt; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library