List Price: 15.99*

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The endearing and mismatched pals accidentally latch onto a big yellow bus and leave the cageless zoo for their first trip to school.

Sparky the turtle may be cautious, but when the strange vehicle full of noisy short people pulls away from Safari World, he finds himself stuck on the bus’s roof just the same. Luckily his giraffe friend, Joe, is adventurous enough to take a running jump, too! When they arrive at school, they discover that there’s a lot to learn, like the fact that the restroom is full of little magic “ponds,” that you’re supposed to count the peas, not eat them, and that 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. Readers will roll over laughing — and find lots to relate to — in this hilarious new adventure.

Written in four accessible chapters, this book is perfect for the newly independent reader and makes a fine bridge from Amelia Bedelia to Ramona. Limited but lively vocabulary, a large font, and carefully placed illustrations—all in a humorous, high-interest package—will make this a hit.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

This beginning chapter book is a lot of fun. ... The cartoon illustrations in watercolor and Prismacolor pencils are full of action and humor. This is an engaging choice for students who are beyond the easy-to-reads and not quite ready for longer chapter books.
—School Library Journal

Fans of the earlier ... series installments will be pleased to revisit its characters. Onward Joe and Sparky!
—Kirkus Reviews

In the third chapter book to star this unlikely duo, Michalak will have readers giggling over the silly exchanges and comedic misunderstandings that follow as Sparky and Joe attempt to fit in at school. ... The vibrant watercolor and colored pencil cartoons and well-targeted humor ... will entertain growing readers.
—Publishers Weekly

Jamie Michalak is the author of the acclaimed Joe and Sparky series. She lives in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Frank Remkiewicz has illustrated many books for children, including three books about Joe and Sparky. He lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.