When an Alien Meets a Swamp Monster

K-Gr 3—When J. T. Boi rides his scooter into a pond, Alik the alligator mistakes the boy-who is wearing a muddy helmet and goggles-for an alien. Boi confuses the muddy Alik for a swamp monster. Each runs home to tell his sibling. The alligator's brother calms him with some tea, so Alik returns to the swamp to read his book. There, he finds something shiny: Boi's scooter. Meanwhile, the kid's older sister listens impassively to his story. Seeking proof of the swamp monster's existence, Boi returns to the pond with a camera and finds only a comic book. The two characters bump into each other and jubilantly discover their common interests. Watercolor and pencil illustrations in a cartoon style match the pair's preferred reading material. Although the page layout, with scattered text and images, can be cluttered, the simple, direct narrative will appeal to reluctant readers. While not essential for most libraries, this title may find an audience with visual learners, comic book fans, and children who enjoy absurd tales with colorful illustrations.—Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD