I recently bought the second installment in the Bagthrope series which happens to be Absolute Zero. These books bring back fond memories and I was always thought that the character and plot-lines just got better as you dig further into the series. And so it was with Absolute Zero.

For those who are not familiar with the series, this is the overall story-line. The main characters are part of this gifted family based in Aysham, U.K. They are not your everyday sort of family. Rather, they seem giddy with the thought of their contributions to the world. Well, not everyone; one of the boys, Jack, feels a bit inadequate. In addition to the insecurities felt by all kids his age, poor Jack thinks one must be a genius to be part of his family. And so this need to fit in with the rest of the group is the basic theme of most of the books.

In this particular story, Jack is projecting his feelings of inadequacy onto his dog, the rather aptly named Zero. Finding Zero's place in the household and gaining acceptance is Jack's quest throughout the book. Cresswell also throws in interesting little sub-plots that flesh out the main story. This includes the utterly talentless (or so they claim) uncle winning a prize to the tropics and the subsequent stay-over arrangements for his daughter, Daisy. Everything else that happens is a direct or indirect consequence of these two events. Mishaps and misadventures are common within this book. However, be warned that most of them will happen in the least expected manner.  

What I liked most about this book was the character development. The author adds a human touch to all characters by pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. Once again, this is a relief as some books I have read tend to veer towards larger-than-life characters which are either too good to be true or off-putting for younger readers. We all remember the pangs of growing up, of thinking that we're not like everyone else. So, in this respect I think this is a slightly exaggerated view of what real life is really like. But then, do note: I can't honestly call any of them a typical stereotype of, say, the typical mother or father. As it is, I cannot imagine anyone having a granny like the one in this book.