COMMANDER TOAD IN SPACE
illustrated by Bruce Degen & by Jane Yolen
A feeble whimsy presented as a ha-ha space adventure. Commander Toad ("brave and bright, bright and brave") and his froggy crew discover a watery planet, effect a landing on a rubber lily pad, and attract the attention of a Loch-Ness-y monster—whose waves sink their "sky skimmer," cutting off their exit. To distract the monster, brainy Mr. Hop asks him riddles ("What is a monster's favorite ballet?" "SWAMP LAKE!") and ex-warbler Lieutenant Lily (late of "Warts and Peace") inveigles him into singing-along. . . while Commander Toad inflates the lily pad—via "special candles"—until it's a hot-air balloon capable of carrying the trio back to their spaceship. Unbelievable and unfunny.