GINNY LOUISE AND THE SCHOOL SHOWDOWN

A classroom’s three terrors don’t know what’s hit them when new student Ginny Louise arrives in town.

Cap’n Catastrophe, Destructo Dude, and Make-My-Day May are a teacher’s worst nightmare. Their naughtiness knows no bounds, and their classmates suffer the consequences—hysterically illustrated by Munsinger, who plays up the humor by putting the anthropomorphized animal trio in costumes and depicting the types of things that would make teachers run screaming from the school (and just may give readers some ideas of their own). Supersweet and cheery Ginny Louise does not improve their moods: “Yer sweetness makes me seasick!” growls Cap’n Catastrophe. May’s threat is always a curt “Yer gonna pay,” but Ginny Louise, who only hears what she wants, hears “stay” and “play” instead of “pay,” declaring May her best friend ever. When May’s finally had enough, she challenges Ginny to a showdown. Ginny’s hoedown fiddle tune sings the praises of her new best friend, and just like that, the three change their ways. No matter whether Ginny Louise truly mishears May or is just putting her on, Sauer may just be onto something in the struggle against bullying.

Never underestimate the power of good, especially when it’s wrapped up in as sweet a package as Ginny Louise.