Bloody Jack 
by L.A. Meyer.  

Publisher: Turtleback
Year: 2004
ISBN: 978-0613716406

Genre: Fiction/Adventure

Themes: Pirates

Rating: Ages 11 and up 
Awards:  ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice 
AR Points: 11.0

Fantastic Book for older readers.  Great for boys or girls interested in adventure, pirates and historical fiction.   

Text of Video: Welcome everyone.  Today’s video is all about the novel Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer.  The description on the cover says “being an account of the curious adventures of Mary Jacky Faber, Ship’s Boy.  Mary Faber is the daughter of a school teacher who has come to London to teach.  When his position falls through and the family takes ill, everyone dies except Mary.   Orphaned and alone, Mary is forced out on the streets and is taken in by a gang of street children.  Mary and the gang live on the streets.  They beg for pennies and food.  Sometimes Mary reads the news to the people in the streets and they make money that way.  When they have money, they buy a meat pie and share it between the gang.  When the leader of the gang, Charlie, is killed Mary discovers his body.  Heartbroken and crying, she steals his clothes and shiv.  She cuts her hair and dresses like a boy so she can join a ship’s crew and see the world.  Mary changes her name to Jacky and is accepted to the crew of the Dolphin because she can read.   She tells the crew she is a boy of 10 and bunks down with the 5 other ships boys near the cannons.  Jacky helps prepare the schoolroom for the midshipmen, and takes watch and does all the things the other ship’s boys do.  The British Naval ship the Dolphin travels to Palma and Jamaica in search of pirates, and treasure.  Jacky is growing up during this time and she has to hide the fact that she is becoming a woman.  She also has feelings for Jamie the young merchant’s boy who joined as a ship’s boy with her in London.  Jacky is worried about being thrown overboard when the crew finds out she is a girl, or worse being hanged.  How will Jacky ever share the truth and will she ever become a lady?

 If you love pirate tales, then you are going to love this book.  It has a sequel called Curse of the Blue tattoo.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg 
by Rodman Pilbrick

Text from video: Welcome everyone.  This video is about the Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg,  written by Rodman Philbrick.  Homer and his older brother, Harold, are orphans under the care of their rotten Uncle Squinton Leach.  When Harold stops Uncle Squint from beating Homer, Uncle Squint sells Harold to the Union Army where he must serve three years or until he dies.  Homer knows that it was wrong to sell Harold because Harold is only seventeen, and not old enough to be sworn into the army. Homer is worried about Harold and wants to rescue Harold before he is killed in the war.  Homer leaves Uncle Squints farm and travels through Maine.  Where he meets slave catchers and scoundrels who steal his horse and make him stop at a house on the Underground Railroad.  Homer tricks the scoundrels and helps the slaves continue on their journey to freedom.    Mr. Brewster rewards Homer with a trip on a steamship to New York so he can find Harold.  While on the steamship Homer’s guardian is bamboozled and Homer is locked in the steerage with pigs.  Once in New York, Homer joins a traveling medicine show that follows the Union wagon trains.  Homer has one adventure after another and even ends up on a hot air balloon that takes him to a battle where he meets Coronel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.   Will Homer ever find Harold?  Will they serve the union army well?  Find out by reading The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Title:   The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Author:  Rodman Philbrick

Publisher: Scholastic  

Year: 2011 c 2009

ISBN:  978-0-439-66821-7

Genre: Fiction/Adventure/Historic

This book is for Ages: 9-14

Awards: Newbery Honor Book, ALA Notable Book.

AR Points: 7.0           

Subjects/Themes: Runaways, Orphans, Brother, Self Reliance, Family, Civil War

Plot Summary:  12-year-old Homer P. Figg runs away from his horrible uncle to rescue his brother Harold.  Harold was tricked into joining the union army.  Homer travels from Maine to Gettysburg hoping to free his brother and protect him from the dangers of war.  As Homer travels he meets, bandits, a Quaker, thieves and spies. The book is dedicated “To everyone whoever lied and found their way back to the truth”.  Homer is a boy like any other but his experiences are amazing. 

Review:  This book is a wild ride from beginning to end.  Homer’s tale will make you laugh.  It is an excellent read-aloud story you won’t want to put down. Homer struggles with right, wrong and telling the truth.  His story deals with serious issues like war and slavery from the point of view of a child.  Homer understands the dangers of war and is determined to save his brother.  Philbrick’s detailed descriptions bring this story to life.  I will miss Homer and his adventures.  I liked that the book includes a special section at the back with a recipe for Union hard tack and trivia about the Civil War.   

If you like this book you may also like:  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. 

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

Publisher:  Metro Goldwyn Mayer     

Year: 1987

Media: Motion Picture

Rating: PG

Genre:  Adventure

Subjects/Themes:  Pirates, Courage, True Love,

Wesley the farm boy is in love with the beautiful Buttercup.  When he realizes she loves him too, he leaves the farm to make his fortune.  When he returns they will marry.   Unfortunately Buttercup hears that Wesley’s ship has been attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who never takes prisoners.  Believing Wesley dead, a heart-broken Buttercup is engaged to marry Prince Humperdinck.  Just after the engagement Buttercup is kidnapped by Inigo, Vizzini and Fezzik.  A mysterious man in black chases Buttercup and her captors but it is not Prince Humperdink.  It is the Dread Pirate Roberts. 

Review: Remarkably well-written, this film is a classic.    It is “inconceivable” to imagine this film being any better.  The actors are well cast and truly shine under Rob Reiner’s direction.  The film is a hilarious action adventure epic romance.   Where true love really does conquer all.

If you like this Film you may also like: The Princess Bride by William Goldman or the film Ever After (1998).

Mates, Dates & Inflatable Bras by Cathy Hopkins

Mates,  Dates & Inflatable Bras

Author:  Cathy Hopkins

Publisher:  Bolinda Audio     Year:  2002

ISBN:  1740931351 - Audiobook

Genre: Fiction/ Realistic

This book is for Ages: 12 up

AR Points: 4.0

Subjects/Themes: Friends; Growing Up

Plot Summary: Lucy is lost.  She really looks more like a child than a 14-year-old.  When beautiful Nesta comes to her school, Lucy must share her best friend Izzy.  All while looking for a handsome mysterious boy and trying to decide what she wants to do with her life. 

Review:   This is a fun story about growing up and making friends.   Lucy has a lot to learn about herself.  She like most teens underestimates her talents and potential.  She has a bit to learn about and what it means to be a good friend.  This story is stylish witty and funny.  Amanda Hulme does a great job of bringing Lucy’s voice to life.

If you like this book you may also like other books by Cathy Hopkins in the Mates Dates series.

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Calvin & Hobbes
By Bill Watterson

Text from video:  Welcome everyone.  The book I am going to tell you about today is called Calvin and Hobbes.  It is written by Bill Watterson.  The book is a collection of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip that was published in the late 1980s.  Calvin and Hobbes are best friends who get into all kinds of scrapes both at school and at home.  It doesn’t matter that Hobbes is a stuffed tiger and only Calvin sees him as real.  Together they explore the world and create more mischief than Calvin’s parents, and teacher can sometimes handle.   

Calvin caught Hobbes in a tiger trap rigged with a tuna fish sandwich.  Sometimes the pair are in school working on math problems like 7 +3, which is seventy-three according to Hobbes. Sometimes they are wondering what the mystery food is at the dinner table as it transforms into alien life forms.     Calvin even has an alter ego, the valiant Spaceman Spiff, who battles aliens with his neutralizer gun.  The imagination and creativity of these two characters is limitless.

Calvin has a frienemy at school named Susie.  Calvin is not on his best behavior with Susie and although he sends her a valentine, it is not very nice.  Susie gets Calvin back with a snowball. 

Calvin and Hobbes is a funny book you can read little bits at a time.   It is super imaginative and the best thing about it is that the fun continues in Bill Watterson’s 18 other books including Something Under the Bed is Drooling and Yukon Ho.  

Title:   Calvin and Hobbes

Author:  Bill Watterson

Publisher: Andrews and McMeel

Year:  c 1987

ISBN:  0-8362-2088-9

Genre: Fiction/Comics

This book is for Ages:  8 and up

Subjects/Themes:  Humor, Imagination

Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman

Dark Hills Divide

Author:  Patrick Carman

Narrator: Aasne Vigesaa

Publisher: Brilliance Audio              

Year:  2005

ASIN: B001IV0FBE

Genre: Fiction/Adventure

This book is for Ages:  8-12

AR Points:      10.0

Subjects/Themes:  Magic, Safety

Plot Summary:  12-year-old Alexa is spending the summer with her father in the walled city of Bridewell.  For years she has longed to know what lies outside its walls.   Alexa discovers a secret door that takes her to the forest where she learns of the suffering of the animals since the walls went up and of a dark plot to invade Bridewell.    Can Alexa and her new friends save the city?

Review:   Patrick Carman writes a magical story that starts out a little slowly.  Alexa is smart but she follows directions far too easily while in the forest.  Much of the story is told as a narrative by other characters.  This book could have been more interesting but it is still worth reading.  The woodland creatures that help her are intriguing and funny.   The pool in the novel is well-crafted.   I would read the next book in the series because Dark Hills Divide is an intriguing story and I want to know what happens next.

If you like this book you may also like:  The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and the other Land of Elyon books.

The Secret of the Old Clock By Carolyn Keene

The Secret of the Old Clock

Author:  Carolyn Keene

Publisher:  Grosset & Dunlap

Year:  2001

ISBN:  978-0-448-09501-7

Genre: Fiction/ Mystery

This book is for Ages: 8 up

AR Points:      5.0

Subjects/Themes:  Mystery

In her new dark blue convertible, 18-year-old Nancy Drew uncovers a mystery, stops a gang of thieves and saves the day for several families who are struggling after a beloved family member’s will unexpectedly leaves them empty handed.  Fun references to charity balls and white gloves will remind readers that this book was originally written in the 1930s.  The first book  in the classic Nancy Drew series it introduces Nancy, Her father, Carson Drew the well-respected lawyer and the family housekeeper Hannah Gruen.  This is a great series for young readers who like mysteries and want insight in to what their parents and grand-parents may have enjoyed reading at their age.  Nancy is a courageous teenager with an adventurous streak.

If you like this book you may also like:  More books in  Nancy Drew Series or  Nancy Drew’s Guide to Life.

The Field Guide Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles

The Field Guide Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles

Author:  Tony  Di Terlizzi and Holly Black

Publisher:  Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers  Year:  2003

ISBN:  978-0-689-85936-8

Genre: Fiction/Fantasy

This book is for Ages: 8 up

AR Points:      1.0

Subjects/Themes: Family Life, Fairies

Plot Summary:  After their father leaves the family, the Grace Children Jared, Simon and Mallory and their mother move from New York City to the old Aunt Lucinda’s house.  The old Victorian house is falling apart and there are creatures living in the walls.  Soon the children discover a dumb waiter, a secret room and a curious field guide written by Lucinda’s father. The field guide is all about fairies, brownies boggarts and other magical creatures.  The field guide says they are all real.

Review: Filled with color and black and white illustrations that bring the story to life The Field Guide is a great book.  The characters are intriguing, the family dynamics are believable.  The idea of interacting with fairies is engaging as these creatures are quite mischievous.This is a series that could get you hooked.

If you like this book you may also like:  More books in The Spiderwick Chronicles or the movie Fairy Tale: A True Story, Rated PG (1997). 

The Hunger Games Motion Picture

Title:  The Hunger Games

Publisher:  Lionsgate Films  

Year: 2012

Media: Film     

Rating: PG13

Ages: 10 and up

Genre:  Science Fiction/Fantasy

Subjects/Themes: Government, Death, Survival

Plot Summary from the novel: 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen has been providing for her family since her father died five years ago.  She breaks the laws of the government of Panem everyday by hunting with her bow for fresh meat, and gathering fruits and vegetable in the woods.  When Katniss’ 12-year old sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, a government-sponsored reality television competition where 12 boys and girls compete to the death, Katniss takes her place.  She and Peeta, the kind baker’s son, must travel to the Capitol and compete for their lives against others who are stronger and more cunning.  Can Katniss win the Hunger Games?  What about the others?  She likes, Peeta and even Rue the young competitor who reminds her so much of Prim.  Can she bring herself to fight them for her life?

The Hunger Games film follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as told in the novel.  The film has an omniscient viewpoint and allows for a deeper understanding of the government's role in the games and the oppression of the people of the 12 Districts.  The film deals with death and violence in a responsible manner while staying true to the story.   The film is very good.  Although a stronger film could have been made with an R rating the balance struck by Director Ross conveys the essence of the novel in a format that will please parents, children and adult fans of the novel.  The Hunger Games is a delicately crafted, thought provoking film. 

Ultra Maniac

Title:   Ultra Maniac Volume 1

Genre: Fiction/Manga

This DVD is for Ages: 8 up

Subjects/Themes: Fantasy Magic

Plot Summary: Nina is a witch in training. She comes to school in our realm because she was having trouble in hers.  She meets Ayu and the two become good friends.  Nina uses her magic to help Ayu whenever she can but since Nina is not a very good witch the outcome is usually not quite what she intends.  This set is funny, adorable, cute and full of laughs.  A great manga set for younger fans who like magic, and manga.  

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Midnight for Charlie Bone

Author:  Jenny Nimmo

Publisher:  Listening Library  Date: March 2004

ISBN:  978-1400086146

Audio Book Narrator: Simon Russell Beale

Genre: Fiction

This book is for Ages: 8 up

AR Points:      10.0

Subjects/Themes: Fantasy Magic

Plot Summary:  11-year-old Charlie Bone lives with his Mom, 2 Grandmothers and Uncle.  One day Charlie realizes that he is endowed.  He can hear the thoughts and conversations of people in photographs.  When Charlie’s photograph of his best friend’s dog gets mixed up with the 11-year-old photo of a man and his baby girl, Charlie begins to investigate what happened to the baby and wonders if the girl may be a student with him at Bloor’s academy.  Charlie soon becomes entangled in a larger plot where endowed children good and evil, struggle for control.
 

Review: Jenny Nimmo’s Charlie Bone is a good story that suffers from comparison to the Harry Potter books.  Bloor’s Academy is like Hogwarts and Charlie’s family is both supportive and sinister.  The nice thing about this book is that Charlie is not an orphan.  He has a mother, grandmother and uncle who support him.  Charlie meets other adults he can rely on in this tale and the unusual powers of the endowed children makes for a good read.

If you like this book you may also like:  Any of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. 

Boom by Mark Haddon

Boom

Author:  Mark Haddon

Publisher:  Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (May 11, 2010)

ISBN:  978-0739381373

Genre: Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 10 up

AR Points:      5.0

Subjects/Themes: Friends, Family, Space, Aliens, United Kingdom

Plot Summary:  When Jimbo’s sister tells him he is going to be expelled from school, He and his best friend, Charlie decide to bug the teachers’ lounge.  They hear 2 teachers talking in a completely unrecognizable language and acting in a very alien manner.  Charlie is intrigued and starts to investigate.  When Charlie goes missing, Jimbo knows it is up to him to find and save Charlie and maybe even the Earth.

Review: Marc Haddon’s book is a fun romp good for a giggle.  Jimbo is fun; Charlie is great; the aliens are silly, and scary.  The book is written with a British audience in mind and so readers may encounter some interesting and fun cultural slang.  This book is a rewrite of Haddon’s earlier work Gridzbi Spudvetch! (Walker, 1994).  

If you like this book you may also like:  Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams  although it is for a slightly older audience. 

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Airborn

Author:  Kenneth Oppel

Publisher:  EOS          Year:  2004

ISBN:  0-06-053180-0

Genre: Fiction/ Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 12 uu

Awards:  Canadian Library Association Honour;  Snow Willow Award/Nominee;  Michael Printz Award/Honor Book;  Governor General's Literary Award;  Rocky Mountain Book Award;  BCCB Blue Ribbon Book;  SLJ Best Book;  Stellar Award/Nominees;  Red Maple Award/Nominee;  ALA Best Book for Young Adults;  Red Cedar Book Award/Nominee;  ALA Notable/Best Books;  YALSA Top Ten; Canadian Content-Canadian Content

AR Points:      15.0

Subjects/Themes: Adventure-Travel; Pirates; Traveling in Space; Friends;

Plot Summary: Matt Cruse is in the crow’s nest when he spots a failing hot air balloon floating towards his airship.  Despite all attempts the pilot of the balloon does not respond.  Matt makes a daring rescue swinging like a trapeze artist high in the atmosphere to save the pilot and keep the balloon from crashing into his airship.  The pilot asks Matt if he saw the beautiful creatures, but there was nothing in the air with them, or was there something strange and deadly flying above.

Review:   I really hesitated reading this book.  I did not want to like it.  But it was good.  It reminded me of the adventure books and movies like Indiana Jones, Night at the Museum, Stardust, and the Mummy.  Scientific, strange, wild and enjoyable - Airborn will take you to another world.  

If you like this book you may also like: Leviathan by Scott Westerfield.

Penny Dreadful By Abigail Halpin

Penny Dreadful

Author:  Abigail Halpin

Publisher:  Random House    Year:  2010

ISBN:  978-0-375- 86199-4

Genre: Fiction/ Realistic

This book is for Ages: 8 up

AR Points:      8.0

Subjects/Themes: Family Life, Rural Neighborhood, Friends

Plot Summary: Penny has never been to school.  She has always had private tutors.  She lives in a big house with someone to cook and clean.  Her Dad and Mom are almost never around.  One day, Dad comes home and announces that he has quit his job.  When the family can’t afford their big house anymore and mom inherits a house from her great –great aunt Elsbeth in East Tennessee the family packs up and starts a new life.  Penny has a lot to learn about making friends and living in a small town and what makes a person truly rich.  

Review:  Abigail Snyder’s book explores important questions the ideas of wealth in her wonderful book full of spunk and spirit Penny is anything but dreadful.  A fun story for today’s young people. 

If you like this book you may also like: The Penderwicks a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy by Jeanne Birdsall

Rules by Cynthia Lord

 Rules

Author:  Cynthia Lord

Publisher:  Scholastic, Inc.    Year:  2006

ISBN:  978-0-439-44383-8

Genre: Fiction/ Realistic

This book is for Ages: 8 up

Awards: Skipping Stones Honor Award; Newbery Honor; Schneider Family Award; ALA Notable/Best Books;

AR Points:      4.0

Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Family Life Growing Up, Disabilities

Plot Summary:  12-year-old Catherine is frustrated with having am 8-year-old brother with autism.  She just wants to have normal friends and do normal things.  Her dad is always at work.  Her mom asks her to watch her brother a lot.  Catherine has rules to help David interact in the world.  When Katherine meets a new friend names Jason, she has to question her rules and her idea of normal. 

Review: Cynthia Lord’s book is about acceptance.  Still it was hard for me to accept that Catherine is as compassionate as she is written.  I liked Jason and David.  The Rules are great.  I especially liked the Davids escapades with the fish tank.  Good book, with a nice story.  

If you like this book you may also like:  Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin. 

The Edge of the Sword by Rebecca Tingle

The Edge of the Sword

Author:  Rebecca Tingle

Publisher:  Scholastic

Year:  2001

ISBN:  0-439-41796-1

Genre: Fiction

This book is for Ages: 12 up

AR Points:      11.0

Subjects/Themes: Family Life, Marriage

Plot Summary:  Flaed is the 15-year-old daughter of the King.  She will be soon married to Alderman Ethelred.  She will leave the safety of her home and family to start a new life, but Flaed wants her freedom.  She wants to leave the watchful eyes of Red, the guard Ethelred has sent to keep her safe until the wedding.  Flaed plans and manages her escape right into the hands of kidnappers.  What will she do now?

Review:  Rebecca Tingle writes a historical novel based on real life strong female main character.  Unfortunately the relationships in just story just didn’t draw me in the way they should have.  While it is a good book it is not fantastic as I would have hoped.  If you like history and love to read, pick it up.  This book is not for reluctant readers.

The Manny Files by Christian Burch

The Manny Files  

Author:  Christian Burch

Publisher:  Antheneum Books for Young Readers    

Year:  2006

ISBN:  978-1-4169-0039-9

Genre: Fiction/Realistic       

This book is for Ages: 8 and up

Awards: Josette Frank Children’s Book Award

AR Points:      9.0

Subjects/Themes: Self Confidence; Family Life;  Bullies, Humor

Plot Summary:  Keats is 8-years-old and has always had a nanny take care of him and his sisters.  One day his mom introduces him to Manny the family’s new male nanny.   Manny does things differently.  He sings songs by Alice Cooper, hangs piñatas over their beds and makes breakfast like Pablo Pancake-asso.  Keats thinks Manny is the greatest.   Lulu, Keats’ older sister, doesn’t like Manny, she records everything he does in “The Manny Files” a notebook she could use to get Manny fired just like she did to the other nanny.  What can Keats do to convince his parents to keep Manny.

Review:   This is a witty book filled with pop culture references.  While it is marketed to kids, older teens and even adults will enjoy the humor and love shared by the Keats’s and his family.  The Manny Files is about growing up and growing older.  This book has wonderful and wacky characters for everyone to enjoy.

If you like this book you may also like:  Hit the Road Manny also by Christian Burch.

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch 

Author:  Joseph Delaney

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books          

Year:  2006

ISBN:  978-0-06-076620-4

Genre: Fiction/Fantasy

Awards: ALA Best Book for Young Adults; Horn Book Fanfare; Booklist Editors' Choice;

AR Points: 9.0

This book is for Ages: 8 and up

Subjects/Themes: Witches, Ghosts, Supernatural

The Last Apprentice Revenge of the Witch tells the story of 13-year-old Tom the seventh son of a seventh son who is apprenticed to Old Gregory a Spook who has been protecting farms for 60 years.  His new job will be to deal with “ghouls, boggarts and all manner of wicked beasties.”   All of Old Gregory’s other apprentices have failed or worse, died.  Can Tom do what needs to be done?  Is he strong enough to fight even the darkest evil?

Joseph Delany provides a spine tingling and chilling read -- a great book to read around Halloween when you are looking for a reason to keep the lights on.  Patrick Arrasmith’s illustrations are a true enhancement to the book dark and scary with strong lines and dripping blood.  The witches are particularly horrible, the kind that like to eat little children and harvest bones for magic.  I am not a fan of spooky or scary stories.  This one tops the list of books for the very brave.  

If you like this book you may also like more books in The Last Apprentice series also by Joseph Delany.

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger

Title: Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset

Author:  Tom Angleberger

Publisher:  Amulet Books     

Year:  2011

ISBN:  978-0-8109-9715-8 

Genre: Fiction/Humor 

Awards:  Edgar Award/Honor Book

AR Points: 5.0

This book is for Ages: 8 and up

Subjects/Themes: Character

Horton Halfpott is a kitchen boy in the Luggertck household.  As things go missing in the Luggertuck household Horton and his friends the snooping stable boys try to unravel the mystery and its connection to the beautiful heiress Celia and a band of shipless pirates.

Silly and fun retelling of the Cinderella story, by Tom Angleberger, Horton is too good to be true.  He is loved by the baker and the pirates.  Angleberger also provides the illustrations for this book which are quite entertaining.  This is a fun and quick read with a glow in the dark cover.   

If you like this book you may also like The Strange Case of Origami Yoda also by Tom Angleberger or Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey.