Elephant Joe, Brave Knight! by David Wojtowycz - ADVISABLE

Wojtowycz, David.  Elephant Joe, Brave Knight!  Random House, 2011.  $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  Elephant Joe and Zebra Pete were enjoying a swim in the moat when they heard a call of distress.  They ran into the castle and learned that a Dark Knight had stolen the king's crown.  Joe and Pete become knights and set off on their quest.  When they reach the Dark Knight's tower they discover a dragon and a damsel in distress.  They ask the dragon to please let them pass and he does because of their good manners.  The damsel in distress is really the Dark Knight in disguise who escapes.  Joe and Pete ride the dragon to chase him back to the castle where he falls into the moat and can't swim.  Elephant Joe dives into save the Dark Knight and the crown.  The Dark Knight's punishment is truly a hoot, but you'll have to read it to find out.  A fun, off-the-wall story about unlikely knights that will charm readers.  The illustrations are as zany as the story and are colorful and appealing.  Pre-K, EL - ADVISABLE.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.