Dubbed a "reluctant reader" by his teacher, twelve-year-old Derek spends summer vacation learning important lessons even though he does not complete his summer reading list.

Arnie the talking doughnut is delighted to be Mr. Bing's new pet "doughnut-dog," so when Mr. Bing starts rolling gutter balls during a big bowling tournament, Arnie suspects foul play and sets out to solve the mystery.

"Arnie is shocked when he hears his neighbor Loretta Schmoretta tell news reporters that she was the victim of an alien abduction. And not just any aliens--alien doughnuts from outer spastry. Arnie thinks this is a ridiculous story, that is, until he gets abducted. Arnie must think fast in order to rescue his fellow doughnuts and the townspeople from the alien invaders"--Provided by publisher.