Molly Moon Stops the World begins with our 11-year-old heroine back at the newly-improved (thanks to Molly's mind-control powers) orphanage in Brierville. A disturbing meeting with Lucy Logan (Molly's guardian librarian from the last book) changes everything--Molly must stop a megalomaniac master hypnotist named Primo Cell from taking over the world.
Many elaborate setups and silly reversals of fortune ensue, as Molly and Rocky hunt the villainous Cell. The duo discovers that things are even more dire than expected (could this evil genius really be running for President?), and Molly soon stumbles onto her even-more amazing ability: She can stop time.
It's hard to resist the obvious fun that Byng's having here, as the story takes countless twists amidst frantic, page-turning action (older kids will especially enjoy the many wry nods at celebrities and advertising). Molly fans get an extra treat in the book's white-knuckle conclusion: Molly finally learns how she ended up at the orphanage...and the true identity of her parents. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes