Horned Toad Has a Superpower

K-Gr 3–Horned Toad may seem laid back with his Texas drawl, but this small lizard has a big secret and is ready to show it off. Toady explains to readers and his feathery pal Owlet that he is actually a lizard. He describes his preferred habitat, “vittles,” and some of the ways he can protect himself from predators when they come “moseyin’ along.” Owlet manages to sneak in a few comments about burrowing owls before Toady quickly takes back the conversation. Cartoon illustrations capture Toady in action as he burrows beneath the sand, flicks up red ants with his tongue, and uses camouflage to escape detection. When he whips out his superpower (squirting blood from his eyes), the owlets all demand, “DO IT AGAIN!” Then they high-five each other and dance with excitement when Toady says they also have a ­superpower. Comical additions, such as several predators riding past on a tandem bike, or Owlet nonchalantly perched in a lawn chair and ­wearing sunglasses, add to the visual appeal. ­