Our Kid

PreS-Gr 2— Our Kid, a young goat, gets in trouble for being late to school. He didn't have his homework or his uniform, either. Sent to the "Naughty Corner" and essentially wearing a dunce hat, he tells the class an exciting story about his morning. Walking along the shore on his way to school, a submarine unexpectedly shoots up out of the water onto the beach. Fish sailors explain that they are chasing pirates, but could take Our Kid to school on their way. They start off together, but are attacked by dinosaur pirates who steal Our Kid's homework and his pants! After the skirmish, a gentle elephant comes by and offers him a lift to school. Although the story sounds like fantasy, young readers will feel vindication for Our Kid when aliens arrive at school to deliver his clothes and schoolbag. They had found his things with a dinopirate they had invited back to their planet so they can learn more about him. Made up humorous words such as shoffled, splooshed, and glumbumtious are easily deciphered within the story's context and contribute more silly fun to the already outrageous narrative. Brightly colored illustrations have the look of watercolor and ink. Ross's signature style is well executed in this lighthearted romp.