Things in the Looniverse are stranger than ever! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In this fourth book, Ed goes to sign up for the bowling league, but accidentally signs up for a playwriting contest instead. Ed and his friends write a VERY wacky play that stars a hamburger, a moose, a ninja, and even a pirate mouse! While performing the play, Ed's powers as the Stranger make things in the Looniverse turn more than a little loony! Ed scrambles to stop the strangeness before it's too late. Praise for LOONIVERSE #2: MELTDOWN MADNESS"Liberally endowed with jokes, twists and comical line drawings, the tale scrambles its way energetically to a chocolaty resolution." -KIRKUS REVIEWSPraise for PUNISHED!"This lighthearted fantasy would be an excellent classroom read-aloud. The language concepts are deftly explained and the clever, wordplay-filled dialogue provides numerous examples. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and self-reliance as well... [Young readers] will howl at the atrocious puns and repeat them at the earliest opportunity. Be prepared for an epidemic of juvenile punsters." -SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL"Wordplay is at the heart of this funny, surreal adventure in which even the title is a pun...An appealing mix of magic and silliness." -BOOKLISTPraise for LOONIVERSE #1: STRANGER THINGS"This is a silly book that will pull kids in with the goofy plot and the fun black-and-white illustrations." –SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Matt Loveridge likes to draw subjects that expose the lighter side of life, so he loves illustrating children's books! He has illustrated several children's book series, including Dragon Masters written by Tracey West. Matt lives in Utah with his beautiful, supportive wife and their three rambunctious kids (who are a constant source of inspiration!). David Lubar created a sensation with his debut novel, HIDDEN TALENTS, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. He is the author of over thirty-five books, for readers ranging from first grade through high school and beyond. These include PUNISHED! (A Junior Library Guild Selection), the Weenies short story collections, the popular middle-grade series Nathan Abercrombie: Accidental Zombie, and the Looniverse early chapter-book series. David lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and various felines. Praise for LOONIVERSE #2: MELTDOWN MADNESS"Liberally endowed with jokes, twists and comical line drawings, the tale scrambles its way energetically to a chocolaty resolution." -KIRKUS REVIEWSPraise for PUNISHED!"This lighthearted fantasy would be an excellent classroom read-aloud. The language concepts are deftly explained and the clever, wordplay-filled dialogue provides numerous examples. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and self-reliance as well... [Young readers] will howl at the atrocious puns and repeat them at the earliest opportunity. Be prepared for an epidemic of juvenile punsters." -SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL"Wordplay is at the heart of this funny, surreal adventure in which even the title is a pun...An appealing mix of magic and silliness." -BOOKLISTPraise for LOONIVERSE #1: STRANGER THINGS"This is a silly book that will pull kids in with the goofy plot and the fun black-and-white illustrations." –SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL