(3) K-3 Illustrated by Liz Starin. Fox Monty the Malodorous is known for his formidable pirating skills, but he's secretly too scared of water to bathe (hence his nickname) let alone swim. When a giant octopus grabs Monty's mermaid heartthrob, Meg, he selflessly jumps into action (and the ocean) to save her. The comic tale's expressive mixed-media illustrations humorously depict the undersea rescue and Monty's subsequent swimming lessons.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Liz Starin. "I'm a big dragon." A costumed boy confident in his dragon-like menace keeps getting cut down ("No, you're not") by two visiting dragons. They reassure him that "there are lots of things you can do," only to start bawling upon realizing their own limitations. This entertaining spirit-booster, accompanied by tastefully splashy illustrations, delineates how differences are compensatory in a friendship.

Reviewer: Nell Beram