THE FANTASTIC FREEZE RAY: A Branches Book (Super Villains in Training #1), by Kailei Pew and Estrela Lourenço, Scholastic Inc., March 3, 2026, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 5-7)
A girl sets out to become a major baddie in Super Villains in Training: The Fantastic Freeze Ray, by Kailei Pew and Estrela Lourenço.
Vicky von Evil has one goal — learn how to become the baddest, most dangerous villain of all time! The only problem is, being evil is way harder than it looks. Vicky enrolls at SVT, a top academy for all super villains in training. There, she and her best friend Will Wickedson learn important, evil skills. But as Will easily flies through each round of villain tests, Vicky has a harder time adjusting to her new school. Will she be able to stay at SVT? This full-color, fast-paced adventure is full of not-so-evil mess ups and action-packed hijinks!
With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and full-color artwork on every page, this brand-new early chapter book series is a good choice for newly independent readers. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
The Fantastic Freeze Ray is the first book in Scholastic’s early chapter book series Super Villain in Training. The series is aimed at newly independent readers, focusing on accessible text, lots of illustrations and high interest. And, honestly, it’s something that young readers, particularly girls, are going to want to pick up.
The story centers on Vicky, a girl who wants to be an evil villain but is also drawn to sparkles, pretty things and cuddly animals. Through perseverance and quick thinking, Vicky learns she can become a super villain by doing things her way.
The Fantastic Freeze Ray is fun. The premise is enticing for the intended age group and the highly illustrated pages move the action forward with lots of expression and movement.
The Fantastic Freeze Ray is an inviting early chapter book that takes the intimidation out of more advanced reading. Because it is suited for those just transitioning into early chapter books, The Fantastic Freeze Ray would be a good stepping stone to series like Shannon Hale’s Princess in Black, which features more words and a lower density of illustrations.
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