Meet Mammoth

Gr 2—4—Cavemen Ogg and Bob speak in simplified speech patterns, aren't real bright, dress like the Flintstones, and live in a cave. Ogg wants a pet, and, under their circumstances, a mammoth is the default choice. Through dumb luck, and little skill, they manage to capture one, escape the jaws of a Saber-tooth Tiger, and "train" their newly acquired pet—all in one day. Despite their shenanigans, these characters learn that having a pet isn't all fun and games, but a real responsibility. Relatively spare text and full-color cartoons, some covering a spread and some full page, will serve reluctant readers well, while in-between readers will pick up on the irony of the sticky situations Ogg and Bob elude. This title may also serve as an out-of-the-ordinary option for fans of graphic novels who are looking for more traditional styling in their next read. It is an amusing tale of two friends and their unusual adventures, but the clipped style of dialogue might confuse emerging readers (";Me climb down,' said Bob"; "'Me name him Bob!' said Ogg." "'How we train Mug?' asked Bob."—Lindsay Persohn, Crystal Lake Elementary, Lakeland, FL