Aardvark Arthur (of Arthur's Nose, . . . Eyes, . . . Valentine) cedes center-stage this time to trouble-prone, batting-star classmate Francine--and rich, brazen, buck-toothed newcomer Muffy Crosswire. . . soon Francine's best friend (""They both liked scary movies and pistachio ice cream"") and the pet of ogre-teacher Mr. Ratburn. Then no-scruple Muffy copies all of Francine's answers on a math test--""Even the wrong ones""; innocently tells Mr. Ratburn, ""I don't cheat""; and condemns Francine to stay in every day after school--and miss the big softball game. Muffy, now ignored, frets--and comes through with the truth in time to spring Francine and save the game. Quick-acting, brash, and very funny--as sure-fire as any in this series.