Joe and Sparky never cease to entertain! A school field trip takes an unexpected turn when Joe and Sparky end in the classroom where first-time discoveries open up a whole new world. Perfect for laugh-aloud reading, the storyline offers a humorous but thoughtful way for introducing perspective and showing how comparing what is new with what is known can inspire learning and new understanding. "A humorous, high-interest package . . . a hit." -- The Horn Book (starred review)

The endearing and mismatched pals Sparky the turtle and Joe the giraffe accidentally latch on to a big yellow bus and leave the zoo for their first trip to school. There's a lot to learn, and the goal of the day seems to be to get a star. But just when Joe fears that he may have to go home starless, Sparky reminds him of all the ways that his loyal friend already shines.