Rumble with the Romans! (Julius Zebra #1)

In this cracked "careful what you wish for" tale, first in the Julius Zebra series, a dim-witted talking zebra inadvertently trades an unhappy existence in the African plains to train in the art of gladiatorial combat. Disgusted by the lake where all the animals bathe, drink, and poop, Julius wanders off, only to be kidnapped by centurions and shipped off to Rome with other wild beasts destined to become fodder for the Colosseum's gladiators. Northfield, creator of the Derek the Sheep comic strip, introduces some ancient history along the way (the page numbers are written in Roman numerals, a glossary defines several English and Latin terms, and fellow captive Cornelius the warthog sums up the Romans by saying, "Basically, they want to take over lots of other strange lands--mainly by beating everyone up!"), but the screwball comedy is what will pull readers in. Julius is slightly daft, but he can be cocky, too: if Greg Heffley were a zebra, this might be his diary, complete with scratchy cartoon illustrations of the goings-on as Julius and his friends attempt to outwit death. Ages 7-10. (Apr.)

Gr 2-5--Julius Zebra, a fast-talking, nervous sort who tries to sneak home from the stinky, crocodile-infested waterhole, is captured along with Milus, a grumpy lion, and Cornelius, a clueless warthog. They are transported to the ferocious clamor of the Roman Coliseum. They are forced to become gladiators, and the only way they can gain their freedom is if they win the love of the Roman crowds. The story is written in short chapters with funny, irreverent text and cartoon-style visuals. An illustrated guide to Roman numerals and a handy glossary are included in the back. Although the book has a completely ridiculous plot mixed with zany characters, it is highly entertaining and somehow manages to combine daft antics with historical facts. Pair this title with Terry Deary's Ruthless Romans (2009) or Toby Brown's Spartacus and His Glorious Gladiators (2010, both Scholastic), and students are sure to get hooked on learning about ancient Rome. VERDICT A fun and informative addition to chapter book collections.--Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN