This is an early chapter book in the fantasy genre. It is mostly text with some computer animation for artwork. In this book, Scooby Doo and the gang travel to the desert to deliver a CD to a band who is doing a video shoot. The band, the Trundles, is in desperate need of a big break in order to survive in the music business. They are thankful when Mystery, Inc. arrives, but soon strange things begin occurring. The band and the gang are run off the stage by a cactus monster who yells at them to quit making their music. It is up to Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang to find out which one of the crew members is out to get the band.
This is a good example of fantasy because there is a talking dog and many unrealistic events.
This book could be used for independent reading for primary grades, especially for students moving into novels/chapter books.
This book could be used in book groups for discussion among readers of similar levels, but it would be a choice book rather than one I might assign for a particular topic with lessons.
Setting: This book is set in the desert. The author uses Shaggy and Scooby to clarify the difference between dessert and the desert using their famous love for food. The theme of the book and the illustrations that are here and there in the book reinforce the setting well. ( )