Children will no doubt recognize many of their peers, and perhaps even themselves, in this original collection of side-splitting fables. And that's the point, as John Scieszka tells us: "If you can't say something nice about someone, change the guy's name to Donkey or Squid." Characters such as Elephant; Mosquito, Little Walrus, Straw & Matches, and Piece of Toast & Froot Loops are each engaged in contemporary childhood conflicts. When Straw and Matches play together, for example, bossy Matches always takes the upper hand and wants to do things his way. (The moral: Don't play with Matches.) Each double-page spread introduces a set of characters, a problem and a moral, illustrated with Lane Smith's comically sophisticated illustrations. (Ages 7-12)